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An examination of employment status and career intent of baccalaureate degreed reverse transfer graduates in two -year college environments

Jane Alice Birkholz, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Abstract

Baccalaureate degree reverse transfer students represent an unexpected trend in student mobility research. Typically, baccalaureate degreed students did not expect to enroll at a technical college to continue their education. The information age had ushered in an era of advanced technology, creating new opportunities to work, new language of work and educational requirements to do work. The purpose of this study was to explore reasons baccalaureate degreed reverse transfer students provided for entering and completing degrees and diplomas in two-year colleges. What impact did the changing world of work have on baccalaureate degree holders? Recent baccalaureate degree holders, graduating from Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) and enrolled in technical colleges provided the database for this study. A Survey of Reverse Transfer Students in Minnesota Two-Year Colleges was administered to 365 students. Research participants were asked to assess employment status, as defined by employment experience and history. This study addressed two issues; (1) Did employment status of baccalaureate degreed graduates enrolled in a two-year environment influence pursuit of a degree or diploma? (2) Did career intent, as measured by career change or job skills upgrade influence pursuit of a degree or diploma? Social background variables were also compiled to determine if a relationship existed between these variables and employment history. Chi square analysis was conducted to determine if employment status or career change influenced pursuit of a degree or diploma. This researcher concluded that employment status and career intent did influence pursuit of degrees and diplomas. Examination of causation is recommended. Longitudinal case studies are needed to determine if the intent expressed by these students produced the desired results. The information provided by this study will be useful in creating strategies for dealing with this new population of students in two-year colleges.

Subject Area

Community colleges|Academic guidance counseling

Recommended Citation

Birkholz, Jane Alice, "An examination of employment status and career intent of baccalaureate degreed reverse transfer graduates in two -year college environments" (2002). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI3074067.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI3074067

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