Recent research has looked closely at the importance of gender, ethnicity, and intimate relationships in identity development. Individual Differences Genetic variables differentiate individual students and affect their career choice and transition from school to work. These variables include intelligence, sex, race, and personality. Lower intelligence will rule out some occupations, while higher intelligence will make others possible. Varied definitions of intelligence may bear even more relationship to career or job choice.
Girls compared with boys are significantly less likely to spend time using computers.
As computers and technology represent the major sector of economic growth, computer literacy is critical to the employment success of all students. The gender gap in computer usage is reminiscent of the earlier gap in science and math that, with concerted educational efforts in the high school curriculum, has been lessening. The AAUW study suggests that efforts to reduce gender-related ability and interest stereotypes will need to continue with vigor. Opportunities for employment of minority youth, particularly in disadvantaged neighborhoods, is abysmal compared with work opportunities for White advantaged youth. Early work experience has been demonstrated to have a positive impact on subsequent employment for White, but not Black youth.