Gen Z and STEM Careers: How Exposure Influences Career Choices

The rise of the Generation Z brings with it fresh perspectives and attitudes towards various career paths, particularly in the fields of STEM. A recent report by Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation sheds light on the current state of STEM interest among this generation. 

This report, based on a survey of over 2,000 Gen Z members, reveals a complex relationship between interest in STEM careers and actual career choice – a relationship heavily influenced by the level of exposure to STEM concepts during their formative years. 

The Disconnect Between Interest and Pursuit in STEM

Photo by Sam Balye

The data indicates that while a significant portion of Gen Z expresses an interest in STEM, there is a notable drop when it comes to those who actually choose a STEM career. Specifically, 75% of Gen Z youth are interested in STEM occupations, but only 29% list a STEM role as their first choice. This discrepancy suggests that interest alone is not sufficient to propel students into STEM careers; rather, the level of exposure to foundational STEM concepts plays a crucial role.

This trend is further evidenced by the reported lack of engagement in hands-on STEM activities among Gen Z students. While a majority of students (82%) have access to STEM classes that apply real-world math and science principles, only a fraction engage in practical activities for STEM careers. This includes building an electrical circuit (29%) or using coding programs or robots (42%). These experiences are vital as they foster a deeper understanding and enthusiasm for STEM subjects, which can translate into career aspirations.

The Impact of Exposure on Career Outcomes

The report highlights the profound impact that exposure to STEM education has on students' career trajectories. Students who are exposed to four or five technology-related topics in school are:

  • More than twice as likely to aspire to a STEM job

  • Twice as likely to declare a college STEM major

  • Over five times as likely to end up in a STEM career compared to their peers who are exposed to only one or none of these topics.

This data underscores the importance of comprehensive STEM education in schools to not only spark interest but also sustain it through to career decisions.

Gender Disparities in STEM Engagement

Another critical finding of the study is the gender disparity in STEM engagement. Female members of Gen Z are less likely than their male counterparts to pursue STEM careers, with 63% of females showing interest compared to 85% of males. The gap widens when it comes to learning technical STEM concepts, with fewer females than males having been exposed to topics like computer programming and coding (39% vs. 54%).

This disparity may be contributing to the lower confidence levels among females in pursuing STEM careers. When asked why they are not interested in a STEM career, 57% of female respondents cited self-doubt about their abilities, compared to 38% of males. This highlights the need for targeted initiatives that build confidence and provide equitable opportunities for all students, regardless of gender, to engage with STEM subjects.

The Role of Educators and Policymakers

The findings from the Gallup and Walton Family Foundation report call for action from educators, policymakers, and industry leaders. As Dawn Jones, Vice President of Social Impact and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Intel Corporation, points out, "Creating access to equitable and hands-on STEM experiences is key to helping inspire and prepare today’s youth to claim their positions among the next generation of innovators." To bridge the gap between interest and action, schools need to provide more hands-on STEM learning opportunities and ensure that these opportunities are accessible to all students, particularly those from underrepresented groups.

Moreover, the report emphasizes the importance of early and consistent exposure to STEM concepts throughout a student’s education. This approach could help maintain and grow interest in STEM, ensuring that more students, especially females, feel confident in their abilities and prepared to pursue STEM careers.

Conclusion

As the landscape of the workforce continues to evolve, the importance of STEM careers cannot be overstated. Generation Z’s attitudes towards these fields reflect a blend of interest and hesitancy, largely influenced by their exposure to STEM education. To capitalize on the interest that exists, it is crucial to address the gaps in exposure and ensure that all students have the opportunities and support they need to pursue careers in STEM. By doing so, we can help foster a diverse and skilled workforce capable of driving future innovations.




STEAM Ahead