Presented By: Jenna Girman, University of Illinois
Co-Authors: Amy Leman, University of Illinois

Lent’s (1994) Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) models the impact of socio-cognitive variables, such as person inputs (race/ethnicity, gender, geographical location) and contextual affordances on individual career interest, goals, and actions. Undergraduate students enrolled in introductory animal science courses come from diverse backgrounds that can impact their learning experience and eventual career decisions. Because of their individual diversity, it is expected that these students will be diverse in terms of their socio-cognitive variables. Utilizing the principals of SCCT, the effect of an introductory animal science course on student career choices and desire to pursue an animal science related career was investigated. The relationship between person inputs in animal science majors and who they contact for career advice was also determined. Respondents answered a series of survey questions using the QualtricsTM platform regarding their experiences upon completion of the course. Survey responses indicated the impact of introductory animal science courses on career goals of students before versus after completion of the course. Qualitative responses were coded based upon themes and analyzed in QualtricsTM. Students reported that the course experience increased their ability to picture themselves in multiple types of jobs. Qualitative responses indicated that the course solidified students’ career decisions and helped to expand their knowledge of animal science careers. Course experience also increased (P<0.05) students’ desires to work with large animals compared with prior to the course. In addition, participants from production agriculture backgrounds were more likely to know someone in their chosen career field than their urban/suburban counterparts, potentially increasing a student’s confidence in pursuing this career field. This study may help other introductory animal science courses to provide relevant educational experiences that will assist students in narrowing down career goals, and exposing them to career types in animal science that they may not have otherwise had knowledge of.