Embracing the Changes: A Study Examining the Career Intentions of Saudi Women Undergraduates

This study explores the expressed career intentions of a group of Saudi Arabian women undergraduate students. Saudi Arabia is a society in transition and, as such, is undertaking a series of planned changes, several of which aim to increase the overall participation of women in economic and political life. These changes in turn will disrupt the traditional norms and values that have informed Saudi Arabian society. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the use of a survey methodology. The questions, both structured and unstructured, were designed to bring to the fore the participants' responses to the societal changes occurring and the perceived impact on their future career intentions. In addition, participants reflected on the challenges they may encounter, the available support mechanisms, and the changing nature of their roles in society. The findings revealed evidence of a sea change materializing. The traditional norms that have constrained the career choices of young women are no longer perceived as restrictive. The young women possess non-traditional career aspirations. There are implications for educationalists, policy-makers, and families to ensure that the appropriate supporting structures are available and that the participants achieve the level of personal agency required to make their career intentions a reality.