Career Choice and the Experience of Project-Based Work

A trend towards project based organisation of work has given rise to increasing demand for skilled and experienced personnel to fill project roles across a wide range of industries. For this demand to be met there is a need to enhance the entry and continuing participation of both men and women into project based careers. The nature and context of project-based work combines with sectoral characteristics to present both barriers and support that influence career choices and experiences. Using social cognitive career theory (SCCT) as a lens, this paper contributes to understanding of the relative involvement of women and men in project roles by exploring the ways they perceive the experience of project based work and the personal and contextual factors that influence their careers.