Examining factors impacting successful transition from graduate research to STEM careers
University of Edinburgh MA Social Policy and Economics, United Kingdom.
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 23(02), 2835-2849
Publication history:
Received on 19 July 2024; revised on 26 August 2024; accepted on 29 August 2024
Abstract:
This quantitative study examines factors impacting successful career transitions for STEM PhD graduates pursuing research positions post-graduation. Recent statistics indicate only 50% of graduates remain in academic research careers three years after completing their degree (National Science Foundation, 2019), highlighting a need to understand obstacles and facilitators of effective career transitions. Utilizing Schlossberg’s Transition Theory (1981) as a framework, this study surveys 500 STEM PhD graduates from 30 top-ranked programs about skills gained from graduate school, career transition challenges faced, availability of career supports, and adaptations that could improve transitions into research-focused positions. Descriptive, correlational, and hierarchical regression analyses determine relationships between career transition success and several predictor variables grouped based on Schlossberg's 4S model including: (1) competencies developed in graduate school; (2) research experiences and networks gained; (3) institutional career support services offered; and (4) graduates’ coping skills and career resilience. Results aim to uncover key determinants of successful career transitions as well as identify areas needing improvement. Findings will inform evidence-based recommendations for how STEM graduate programs and employers can facilitate talent development and smooth transitions into long-term research careers, essential for innovation and solving complex scientific problems.
Keywords:
STEM; Societal Assets; Institutional Assets; Individual Assets; Career Transitions; Career Resilience
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Copyright information:
Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0