University student perceptions of urban forestry as a career path

Abstract

In the United States, universities offering degrees in urban forestry are challenged by low enrollment. Meanwhile, there is a lack of racial/ethnic and gender diversity among U.S. urban forestry practitioners. Identifying factors that influence career choice could help inform recruitment efforts for urban forestry degree programs and the profession. We surveyed more than 1,000 undergraduate students enrolled in natural sciences courses at 18 U.S. universities to evaluate their career decision-making processes. Students were first asked about their previous knowledge of urban forestry before viewing an informational video and then asked about their impression of an urban forestry career afterwards. Responses indicated that personal interest and job satisfaction were the most important factors for these students when considering career paths, even more important than pay and prestige. Previous knowledge of urban forestry was very low, especially among suburban students. After viewing the video, favorable impressions of urban forestry increased slightly. Students from families with annual incomes greater than 150,000 USD showed less interest in urban forestry than other students. Overall, student perceptions were not influenced by gender, race/ethnicity, childhood residential setting, or socio-economic status, and no significant intrinsic barriers to interest were identified. This suggests urban forestry may appeal to a more diverse population than is currently represented in the profession and lack of awareness may be a significant obstacle to recruiting not only more students, but also more diverse students. Thus, the profession may need to promote its public image well beyond traditional forestry and natural resources programs to reach new audiences.