Factors Affecting STEM and Non-STEM Career Perceptions of Gifted College Students: The Role of Social Support and School Climate

• In Event: Poster Session 18
  In Poster Session: Research on Giftedness, Creativity, and Talent: Poster Session

Abstract

With so much effort being made to attract more students to the STEM fields, it is important to understand how college students, especially the gifted college students perceive opportunities and barriers in their future career. The current study aimed to examine the effects of school climate and social support on the STEM and non-STEM career perceptions of gifted college students. The participants in this study were 147 college students enrolled in two Southwestern universities. The results of regression analyses revealed moderate relation between how gifted students perceived social support and their perceptions of advancement in their future careers in STEM and non-STEM fields. Other interesting findings on gender differences and family financial effects are also discussed.

Authors

• Anne N. Rinn, University of North Texas

• Sita Periathiruvadi, University of North Texas