High School Students’ Career Choices Shaped by Science Internship Experience (Poster 7)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Thursday 3:35 p.m.
  In Poster Session: Informal Learning Environments Research Poster Session

Abstract

STEM workforce shortage is a significant societal issue. High school science internships greatly enhance students’ science learning, yet their influence on students’ career choices is under-researched. This study aims to examine how a 7-month science internship influences the career choices of 88 high school students. Utilizing the framework of social cognitive career theory, the study analyzed data collected via interviews and found that the internships prominently altered the students’ career choices, with over 90% reporting changes. The internships enhanced students’ self-efficacy and understanding of potential STEM career outcomes. The findings suggest that science internships can effectively influence high school students’ career choices, with implications for the design of internships, career counseling, and education policy.

Authors

• Pei-Ling Hsu, University of Texas - El Paso

• Xuemei Wang, University of Texas - El Paso