Career Choices of Doctoral Students in the United States: A Critical Race Analysis

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 1:30 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: CERECG SIG Round Table 5: Critical Race Analysis in Education Research (Table 6)

Abstract

This review examines career choices of U.S. doctoral students through Critical Race Theory (CRT), addressing underrepresentation and systemic challenges faced by students of color. Despite increasing diversity, racial and ethnic disparities persist in career outcomes. This paper explores how race and ethnicity influence career choices, emphasizing the need for race-conscious dialogue in career development. Twenty-three articles from 2013 to 2023 were analyzed using CRT to identify themes related to race and career choices. Three major themes emerged: (1) the endemic nature of racism in career choices, (2) the role of counter-storytelling in career aspirations, and (3) the intersectionality of race with other identities. The paper underscores the importance of addressing systemic racism and recommends future research focus on intersectionality.

Author

• Yulu Hou, Michigan State University