Abstract

Despite many efforts made by Saudi Arabian government aimed toward providing substantial opportunities to access higher education and the workforce for Saudi women, women's unemployment remains high. The purpose of this study was to explore the internal factors such as self-concept, personal skills, and career aspirations, and external factors such as social norms, education system, and work environment that affect career choice for Saudi women. In addition, the study sought to examine the most important strategies that support Saudi women in their career choices. A quantitative approach was employed for this study. The data was collected primary through online survey, and the sampling consisted of 467 Saudi female students enrolled in preparatory year at King Saud University in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia. The findings of the study indicated that most Saudi females know which majors to chose, but they need more information about what occupations are available to them so they can make better career choices. They deemed that it is important to find jobs that do not affect family responsibilities. The study revealed that most participants seek for increasing the career training and reform Saudi labor laws to support women in their career choices. The study reviewed additional correlation analyses. Furthermore, the researcher found that most factors that affected the participants career choices were aligned with factors found in the literature. Based on the findings, the researcher offered several recommendations for Saudi females, universities, ministries as well as suggestions for future researches.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Dissertations (EdD) -- Education; Women -- Education -- Saudi Arabia; Women -- Employment -- Saudi Arabia; Saudi Arabians -- Women -- Employment; Saudi Arabians -- Women -- Education

Date of Award

2018

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Education

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Stephens, Ronald;

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