The student confidence gap: Gender differences in job skill self-efficacy

Abstract

This study examines gender differences and similarities in students’ confidence in job skills from the Job Outlook 2018 survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. As predicted, female students reported higher self-efficacy than male students in interpersonal skills, friendly/outgoing personality and organizational ability, while male students report higher self-perception of competence in problem-solving, analytical/quantitative, technical and computer skills. Consistent with expectations, no gender differences in confidence were found in leadership, initiative, strategic planning and entrepreneurial skills. Implications for curriculum development are discussed.