The effect of networking on the career decision self-efficacy of young film and television professionals

Abstract

A review of the literature regarding contacts in the film and television (film/TV) industry revealed that the strength of one’s network is important for young film/TV professionals in their careers. In addition, career decision self-efficacy (CDSE) research displayed that social support impacted career confidence. However, no work gauged whether number of contacts in the film/TV industry had a statistically significant relationship with overall CDSE. In turn, this study addressed this issue by surveying 267 young film/TV professionals. The Career Decision Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (CDSES-SF) quantified overall CDSE, while an additional question measured number of contacts in the film/TV industry. The findings indicated a statistically significant, positive correlation between number of contacts in the film/TV industry and overall CDSE. The significance of this work is that the film/TV industry’s CDSE has been measured for the first time, and the CDSES-SF has been shown to be a useful instrument for young professionals.