The perceived effects of September 11, 2001 on student career choices

Abstract

Americans are still reminded everyday of the events of September 11, 2001. The deep luminous holes where once the twin towers stood is a constant reminder of that tragic and forever changing day in the lives of millions of Americans. It is difficult to understand just how each person has been affected by these events, but research does suggest that significant events in history can have an affect on how people feel about their chosen careers. This study intended to expand the literature and articles regarding September 11, 2001 and career choice. In order to expand this data, the researcher conducted a survey in three high school classes in a small school district in Western Wisconsin. The researcher created a survey in order to gain knowledge and understanding of student’s feelings towards September 11 and career choice. The survey was two pages in length and had the students rank ten different occupations on how they felt about these occupations before and then after September 11. The survey also included Likert Scale type questions as well as open-ended questions for the students to answer. The researcher used the SPSS method of statistical analysis focusing on frequencies, mean scores and percentages. The researcher also looked at correlation statistics as well as t-test results. Students ranked items similarly between the before and after occupational items listed. The students in this study also rated four items on a Likert Scale as well as answered four open-ended questions developed by the researcher. The results of this study show that there was little relationship between students at Ellsworth High School and September 11th as related to career choice. Hence, this paper will review articles and past literature connected to how individuals select careers, design and implementation as well as results, conclusions, and implications for future areas of research.