The college-to-career transition in STEM: An eleven-year longitudinal study of perceived and objective vocational interest fit

Abstract

This 11-year longitudinal study investigates the effects of vocational interest fit measured in college on college-to-career trajectories. Vocational interest theories suggest that vocational interest fit will affect choices and attitudes about major and job. The expectancy value model is used in the study to describe how values assigned to an outcome (e.g., engaging in a major or a job) ultimately influence major and career choices. The current study tracks a cohort of students (N = 159) from 2007 to 2018 examining their vocational interest, matriculation major interest, degree, first job after graduation, and job seven years post-graduation. Results showed that vocational interest fit with major had a significant effect on major retention and first job choice, and the relationships were mediated by subjective task values (attainment value, intrinsic value, utility value, and relative cost). Vocational interest fit with job had a significant effect on career attitudes, and these relationships were mediated by perceived career fit. Additionally, job fit increased over time from first job after graduation to 2018 job. Results suggest that vocational interest measured in college is useful in predicting future career trajectories.