Career decision self-efficacy: the influence of film and television business coursework on young film/TV professionals

ABSTRACT

Previous research in film and television (film/TV) has shown that the field has grown considerably in the past century, though most college programs lack substantial content on the business side of the industry. Literature regarding career decision self-efficacy (CDSE) noted that various forms of academic support could lead to increased CDSE. Despite the knowledge accumulated in both fields, no prior researchers had tackled whether completing film/TV business coursework resulted in a statistically significant difference in CDSE. By giving 267 young film/TV professionals the Career Decision Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (CDSES-SF), the authors measured the CDSE of subjects who had either taken or not taken film/TV business coursework, finding that there was not a significant difference in CDSE between the two groups. This result may indicate the need for collegiate programs to re-examine their offerings, curricula, and instructional practices for film/TV students in an effort to bolster the career confidence of graduates as they enter the industry.

KEYWORDS:

• Career decision self-efficacy
• young film/TV professionals
• career confidence
• curriculum and instruction
• film school
• media studies

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Kioh Kim, John Murray, and Shalanda Stanley for their advice and guidance.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in Figshare at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.22710160.

Declaration of interest statement

In accordance with Taylor & Francis policy and my ethical obligation as a researcher, I (Brandon Jaoquim Robert Loureiro) am reporting that I am currently a member of the group Awesome Assistants, which is studied in this work and may be affected by the research reported in the enclosed paper. I have disclosed those interests fully to Taylor & Francis, and I have in place an approved plan for managing any potential conflicts arising from this involvement.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Brandon J. R. Loureiro

Brandon Jaoquim Robert Loureiro holds degrees in Communication, Business Administration, and a doctorate in Education. He has taught at New York University and the University of California, Los Angeles. Outside of academia, Brandon has worked in feature film development at Lionsgate, Paramount Pictures, and Jonah Hill’s production company Strong Baby Productions.

Myra Lovett

Myra Lovett is the Director for the School of Education at the University of Louisiana Monroe. She holds degrees in Education, Educational Psychology, and a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. She has served as a certified K-12 teacher and leader prior to entering higher education teacher preparation. Her current role as director includes leading both undergraduate and graduate programs for teacher preparation and advancement.