Deviation from STEM peers and employers in employability focuses: the case of Maths, Stats, Physics and Astronomy students

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceeding contributionpeer-review

Abstract

STEM employability is a non-homogenous phenomenon with mixed outcomes for graduates from different disciplines. A myriad of factors may contribute to the diverse employability. Here we examine the heterogeneity of career and employability development focuses among different STEM student cohorts in the curricular context. We utilised a structured framework of Career Information Literacy (CIL) to map career and employability focuses of STEM students and employers. This paper presents findings from the Mathematics, Statistics, Physics and Astronomy cohort.

Data was collected from final year capstone unit students at a STEM faculty in an Australian university (N=517, response rate 44%). Of which, Maths, Stats, Physics and Astronomy (MSPA) students were analysed as a cohort (N=80, response rate 73%). Concurrent data collection took place with STEM employers and industry stakeholders who engaged this faculty in recruitment and employability activities (N=62, response rate 78%). Upon comparing student cohorts’ focuses on career and employability development with their peers and employers, we found MSPA students differ from both their STEM peers and employers. Most other STEM student cohorts differ from employers, but not their peers. The implications point to a different career development need of this cohort to fully realise the benefits of their STEM education
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of The Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education 2017
Subtitle of host publication22nd Annual UniServe Science Conference
EditorsTina Overton, Alexandra Yeung
Place of PublicationSydney, NSW
PublisherThe University of Sydney
Pages156-162
Number of pages7
ISBN (Print)9780987183460
Publication statusPublished - 2017
EventThe Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education 2017 - Melbourne, Australia
Duration: 27 Sept 201729 Sept 2017

Conference

ConferenceThe Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education 2017
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityMelbourne
Period27/09/1729/09/17

Keywords

  • Career information literacy
  • Employability
  • STEM education

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