Persistent Challenges and Practical Suggestions: Improving Student Support in Science Career Development

• In Event: College and Career Readiness: Meeting the Needs of Diverse Students

Abstract

In the United States, careers in Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) are the highest paid on average and are expected to have the strongest growth over the next decade. As such, there is a demand for increased career counseling for students pursuing STEM careers. Career development professionals can help interested students by connecting classroom to career and understanding best practices to better serve underrepresented student populations in STEM related fields. The present paper details results from two different phases of data collection from high school teachers, counselor, and administrators, community college and university science faculty, and science professionals regarding their perspective on the challenges and areas for improvement in the science career development pathway for students.

Authors

• Sarah Ferguson, Rowan University

• Dez Saraceno, Rowan University