Interest In Careers Research Articles

Sexual Orientation and Career Interests: The Moderating Role of LGB Acceptance & Cultural Tightness

Sexual Orientation and Career Interests: The Moderating Role of LGB Acceptance & Cultural Tightness

Early-Career Scholars in Pursuit of Impactful Careers: Navigating the Science-Activism Paradox

Early-Career Scholars in Pursuit of Impactful Careers: Navigating the Science-Activism Paradox

Impacts of a residential STEM program on increasing interest in computer science careers for gifted female students

This study explored factors impacting the decision for gifted females to pursue a career in computer science. The study used a phenomenological approach to delve into the experiences of ten gifted alumnae of The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science (Gatton), a residential STEM program, aiming to reveal nuanced insights into factors shaping their career development. Participants were selected based on their initial intentions to pursue careers other than CS before attending Gatton but changing to a CS focus afterward. Semi-structured interviews conducted via Zoom and coded using thematic analysis provided rich data on lived experiences and perspectives of participants. Findings shed light on the multifaceted factors influencing gifted women’s career intentions before attending Gatton, the transformative effects of the residential STEM program on their decisions to pursue CS careers, and the evolution of their perceptions of CS over time.

Exploring Motivating Factors for Pursuing Radiation Oncology: A Comparative Analysis of Medical Students and Residents.

Purpose Increasing medical student (MS) interest in radiation oncology (RO) is important to meet the rising demand for radiation oncologists. Understanding the factors that drive MS to pursue RO is crucial. This study compares motivating factors between MS and RO residents to inform interventions to increase recruitment and sustained interest in the specialty. Methods Data from two similar studies investigating factors motivating MS and residents to pursue RO were analyzed. The first study surveyed Canadian RO residents to characterize enablers when applying for RO residency. The second study analyzed application essays from MS applying to an RO studentship. A mixed methods approach was used to compare themes ("career aspects,""prior exposure," and "personal experiences") between the datasets. Results Qualitative analysis demonstrated that both MS and residents identified "career aspects" as the most common theme facilitating interest in RO careers. "Multidisciplinary work" and "direct clinical contact and patient care" were prominent sub-themes. MS emphasized "serious illness and palliative care" and "advanced technology,"while residents prioritized RO as a "rewarding career.""Prior exposure,"particularly through shadowing/observerships, was more important for MS than residents who valued clinical experiences. Practical career considerations including "mentorship" and "career satisfaction and lifestyle" were significant motivators for residents. Conclusion MS value content-based aspects of RO and emphasize shadowing. In contrast, RO residents prioritize lifestyle-based considerations. These differences highlight the opportunity for intervention throughout medical training to sustain interest in RO and facilitate applications to RO residency programs.

Exploring Barriers of Health Career Pursuit for Urban Youth

Exploring Barriers of Health Career Pursuit for Urban Youth

Arduino-based real-time data acquisition systems: boosting STEM career interest

Arduino-based real-time data acquisition systems: boosting STEM career interest

Longitudinal Patterns in Gender-Typed Career Interests and Career Stereotypes Among Boys and Girls in Middle Adolescence

The aim of this study was to examine changes in gender-typed career interests and career-related gender stereotypes, as well as the bidirectional relationship between these factors, among 524 (61% girls) middle adolescents, aged 14 to 17 ( M = 15.58, SD = 0.35), over three years. Data were collected through an online survey in schools, using the Personal Globe Inventory to assess gender-typed career interests and the Vocational Gender Stereotype Attitudes Scale to measure career-related gender stereotype endorsement. Results from Latent growth curve modelling (LGCM) indicated no significant mean changes in gender-typed career interests over time for both genders but did reveal significant differences in the developmental trajectories of gender-typed career interests among girls. Moreover, results revealed gender differences in baseline levels and developmental trajectories of gender stereotype endorsement, showing distinct temporal patterns for boys and girls. Results from multi-domain LGCM provided more evidence supporting the attitudinal pathway model, suggesting that career gender stereotypes influence career interests among girls over time, rather than the other way around. Our findings highlight the need for further exploration of the potential contributing factors that shape the interplay between career interests and gender stereotypes in boys and girls during middle adolescence.

Expanding the Dual-Process Theory of Career Decision Making: Ambiguity Management Under Environmental Adversity

The dual-process theory of career decision making (DTC) offers unique insights into how people’s responses to inevitable decision ambiguity affect career choice and outcomes as well as how to cope with such ambiguity. While the DTC advances career decision research by incorporating key findings from decision science, it remains largely focused on people’s psychological processes; consequently, how contextual challenges influence the ambiguity management process remains unclear. To enhance the DTC’s utility in explaining career choice and outcomes and to be more inclusive of marginalized populations, the present conceptual article draws on the science of environmental adversity to articulate mechanisms through which environmental adversity affects career choice and attained career, particularly with respect to career pursuits that facilitate resource accumulation and upward mobility. The discussion features ambiguity management as a key explanatory mechanism, given the inherent ambiguity about the outcomes of pursuing careers outside of socially prescribed norms. Seven propositions are offered centering on how environmental adversity influences career choice and attained career through ambiguity management. In general, the current article holds that environmental adversity could thwart resource accumulation through inducing ambiguity about the goodness of resource-accumulating careers and activating a need to prioritize short-term goals. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

“He’s Probably the Only Teacher I’ve Actually Learned From”: Marginalized Students’ Experiences With and Self-Perceptions of High School Mathematics

Understanding how marginalized students experience and perceive mathematics is critical to achieving the goal of inclusive and equitable math pedagogy. We report on 67 focus groups with 251 predominantly Black high schoolers experiencing economic marginalization in the Southern United States and attended to their achievement level and race-gender identities. Students often shared concerns about their teacher’s math knowledge for teaching and effectiveness in supporting academic success. Their self-perceptions of math identities varied, and students often did not value advanced math even when they expressed career interests that require advanced math. We discuss practical implications for supporting the math development of marginalized high schoolers, including centering the needs and strengths of Black girls, and propose an expanded inclusive and equitable pedagogical framework.

The life and legacy of Yakov Lvovich Rapoport: the great pathologist and his contribution to medicine

Yakov Lvovich Rapoport is an outstanding Soviet pathologist, professor, who made a significant contribution to the development of medical science, and also left an indelible mark in the literature with his memoirs about the Doctors' Trial of 1953. This article discusses his contribution to the development of pathology, as well as examples of his scientific achievements. The authors of the article analyze the works by Ya. L. Rapoport, devoted to the study of immunopathological processes in the human body, pathomorphosis, as well as cardiomyopathies. The article describes the contribution of Ya. L. Rapoport to the development of new methods for diagnosing various diseases, as well as to the creation of new approaches to the study of pathological processes. The experience of scientific research and teaching at various medical institutes of Ya. L. Rapoport makes his research multifaceted. Separately, the article describes the turning points in the life of Ya. L. Rapoport. The early years of Ya. L. Rapoport’s life are interesting because of the choice between a creative career and medicine. In addition, participation in the Great Patriotic War left a big imprint on the scientist’s personal life and career. Also, a great tragedy - appearing in the Doctors' Trial of 1953 - changed the personality of Ya. L. Rapoport himself, as well as the relationships within his family, according to the descriptions in his memoirs. The scientific career and research interests of Ya. L. Rapoport from that moment also proceeded differently. The daughters of Yakov Lvovich Rapoport, Noemi Yakovlevna and Natalya Yakovlevna, in their articles, notes and books, cited vivid memories of various moments in their father’s life, which was also reflected in the text of the article.

The relationships among career adaptability, career commitment, career identity, and career well-being in Chinese nursing undergraduates: A longitudinal study

Exploring the longitudinal relationship between career adaptability, career commitment, career identity, and career well-being among Chinese undergraduate nursing students. A mediation effect analysis was performed. The Career Adaptability Scale, the Chinese version of Career commitment, the Career identity Scale, and the Career well-being Scale were used as research instruments. Six hundred ninety-two nursing students were followed up in two waves to explore the relationships among career adaptability, career commitment, career identity, and career well-being. Model comparison was performed to explore the differences in such relationships between low and high-career interests. Career commitment at T1 mediated the relationship between career adaptability at T1 and career identity at T2 and that between career adaptability at T1 and career well-being at T2. Significant differences were observed between the mediation models of nursing students with high and low career interests. Career commitment plays a longitudinal mediator role in the relationship between career adaptability and career identity and the relationship between career adaptability and career well-being.

Perceptions on Influence of Membership in Young Farmers Clubs on Career Interest and Participation in Agricultural Activities Among Secondary School Students in Nakuru North Sub-County, Nakuru County, Kenya

Young Farmers’ Club (YFC) activities globally have played a vital role in the mastery and attainment of knowledge in agriculture subject since it is best learned by use of practical activities. Increased youth participation in agricultural production is necessary and vital in facilitating food and nutritional security. In Kenya, Young Farmers Club of Kenya (YFCK) was established to help boys and girls to develop ideas for better farming, provide social and recreational activities, help give the necessary dignity to agriculture as an occupation and develop good and competent agricultural leadership. The objectives of YFCK included promoting interest in farming, sound training in advanced methods of crop and animal husbandly, leadership skills, self-reliance, self-confidence and responsibility. The purpose of this study was to determine the perception on influence of membership in young farmers clubs on career interest and participation in agricultural activities among day secondary schools students in Nakuru North sub-county. A descriptive survey design was adopted with a target population of 2,660 agriculture students and 32 agriculture teachers. Proportionate random sampling was used to select a sample of 120 respondents from the 19 day public schools. Data was collected from the sampled heads of agriculture subject using a questionnaire. Content validity of the instrument was ascertained by two panels of experts from Department of Agricultural Education and Extension and the supervisors. Reliability of the instruments was ensured through a pilot-test using 40 agriculture students and four agriculture teachers from Nakuru East Sub-county. The reliability of the instrument was tested using Cronbach Alpha coefficient. A reliability coefficient was 0.76 and 0.73 for YFCK members and Agriculture teachers respectively, at a significance level of α= 0.05. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive with the aid of SPSS 20.0 for Windows. Data was analysed using various tables and graphs. The researcher recommends that Agriculture teachers in collaboration with school administration should enhance YFCK activities. This is for proper and effective practical activities in teaching of Agriculture subject according to the syllabus. The findings of the study will be of importance to secondary school teachers, students and other scholars of higher institutions of learning by emphasizing in formation of young farmers clubs in day secondary schools in Nakuru North Sub- County, Nakuru County Kenya.

The influence of individual factors on the career preferences and specialty choices of final-year nursing students

BackgroundStatistical evidence shows that nursing students prefer a professional career in hospital settings, leading to a lack of career interest in non-hospital settings such as community and residential aged care facilities. The lack of preference for non-hospital settings has persisted over several decades and presents a need for different approaches that may reveal new information to better understand the individual factors that influence specialty choices and preferences from the students' viewpoints. PurposeThe aims of this study were to (1) explore individual factors that impact the nursing specialty choices of final-year nursing students and (2) explore how these factors influence the final-year nursing students' career decision-making process. MethodA narrative inquiry approach using semi-structured interviews was carried out with purposively sampled nursing students (n = 12) who had undertaken a final-year clinical placement(s). Data was analysed using two main steps. First, the interviews were restoried and then analysed using the three-dimensional framework. Subsequently, thematic analysis was applied to generate themes. ResultsData analysis generated three main themes: demographic factors, social factors, and career goals. Participants' characteristics and interactions with other individuals and systems influenced their nursing specialty preferences and professional career plans. ConclusionNursing students' career interests are influenced by individual factors external to their nursing education, such as their age, gender, and life experiences. These student characteristics and experiences facilitated or inhibited a career in some nursing specialties, with the students gauging their ability to practice in a specialty during their CPs. Nursing education should expose and inform students about the core skills, career opportunities, and how to advance their careers in the different nursing specialties. Most importantly, final-year students may need formal career guidance to encourage nursing students' positive attitudes and career interests in different nursing specialties and make realistic career decisions.

Effectiveness of Middle School STEM Career Education for STEM Knowledge, Efficacy, and Interest

The purpose of this study was to test STEM career interventions through a theoretically integrated STEM Career Education (SCE) Module. The effectiveness of SC education was tested on STEM Career (SC) interests, self-efficacy, and knowledge of students from two middle schools. The sample included middle school students from two private schools (N=33) in Islamabad, Pakistan. By using a mixed-method sequential explanatory research design, quantitative data were obtained before and after the intervention while qualitative focus group discussions were conducted post-intervention. A significant increase in SC interest, self-efficacy, and knowledge after participating in the SCs Program is reported, even after statistically controlling key variables. The training seems to be more effective for those with low SC knowledge. Findings indicate a need for robust interventions to target math self-efficacy. Results provide further directions for effective STEM interventions. By pinpointing limitations and future directions, this pilot study contributes to STEM education in Pakistan and provides a model of CE for other countries.

Performing artists’ career trajectory from a career construction perspective

ABSTRACT The field of performing arts presents an often unpredictable area for career development. Yet many people are drawn to this field as their chosen career trajectory. This study examines the life-career experiences that shape performing artists' trajectories within the framework of career construction theory. Using a qualitative multiple case study design, data was generated by Career Interest Profiles (CIP), career construction interviews (CCI), life-design counseling, and publicly available information. Thematic analysis uncovered two primary themes: the unique journey of performing artists in constructing their careers and the trajectory of career development, which highlights the factors influencing perceived success or failure and the essential 'survival skill set. The research offers theoretical insights and practical understanding of protean careers in demanding industries.

Is Justice Possible in Russian Courts? A Case Study of Housing Disputes

How do Russian judges go about achieving justice? This question is explored through a case study of disputes initiated by vulnerable (often elderly) actors who seek to invalidate contracts for the sale of their residences on the grounds that they were tricked or duped. The analysis is grounded in a set of ninety recent judicial opinions from courts across Russia. It reveals that, despite a longstanding distaste for witnesses, judges are open to hearing testimony in these cases. But they rarely rely on such evidence in making their decisions, preferring instead to prioritize documentary evidence. Doing so revealed that Russian judges’ understanding of justice is primarily procedural. Their preference for documentary evidence allowed them to meet the quick turnaround times mandated by the procedural codes. This, in turn, served judges’ career interests by allowing them to compile a track record that makes them strong candidates for promotion.

Beyond the M.D.: Transdisciplinary approaches of high-volume dual degree M.D./Masters programs at U.S. allopathic medical schools

PurposeTransdisciplinarity has been described as a fusion of theories, methods, and expertise across disciplinary boundaries to address complex, global problems. This approach has coincided with an increase in US medical schools offering masters degrees along with an MD degree to equip medical students to practice in complex, interconnected health systems. This study focused on medical schools that graduate the most dual degree students per year and explored the alignment of such programs with a transdisciplinary approach.MethodsWe identified 19 allopathic medical schools that annually graduated an average of 10 or more dual-degree students from 2015–2020. We surveyed these schools and asked participants to describe the reason(s) their institutions offered dual-degree programs. Two authors coded the narrative responses from the survey.ResultsResponses were received from 17 of the 19 schools. The analysis of participants’ responses regarding their institutions’ purpose for offering dual programs revealed several themes associated with a transdisciplinary approach to training. The most common themes were expand skill sets beyond a medical degree (73%), provide opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration (67%), expand career interest and goals (60%), develop leaders (53%), enhance residency applications (47%) and further the institution’s vision and mission (45%).ConclusionsThis study is the first comprehensive evaluation of MD/Masters programs in the United States that includes a summary of the medical schools with the largest dual degree programs and their reasons for offering them. The findings support the hypothesis that allopathic medical schools recognize the need for a transdisciplinary approach to prepare students for the complexities in healthcare. These programs provide students with opportunities for additional areas of expertise, leadership development, enhancement of competitiveness for residency application, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Medical schools without dual-degree programs may consider developing these programs to provide benefits to students and institutions.

Future Teachers Identify Skills Acquired from a 1:1 Technology Environment

Are high school students ready for their postgraduate education or a career that may not have been invented yet? As teachers focus on career prep and the necessary future-ready skills in the classroom, teachers are using technology to hone skills necessary for students’ future success. The technological skills students need to develop to be successful go far beyond the core academic subjects. Success in higher education or career pursuits requires students to develop a combination of technology through student-centered, project-based learning around the 4Cs (critical thinking/problem solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity/innovation). Along with knowing how to use a variety of applications, students need to be able to know how to apply the technology to solve problems. This paper aims to understand what technology and 4C skills pre-service teachers who graduated from a 1:1 technology high school possess. The findings show that the respondents are more prepared and comfortable using their 4C skills than their technology skills. This paper will address the potential implications of technology and 4C skills deficiencies and strengths on future teaching practices. The literature on technology skills and 4C skills has historically focused on one set of skills or the other in isolation. This research addresses this gap in the literature by comparing the acquisition of the two skill sets to each other in the same (1:1 technology) environment. 

Factors Related to Clinical Performance in Spine Surgery Fellowship: Can We Predict Success.

The factors most important in the spine fellowship match may not ultimately correlate with quality of performance during fellowship. This study examined the spine fellow applicant metrics correlated with high application rank compared with the metrics associated with the strongest clinical performance during fellowship. Spine fellow applications at three academic institutions were retrieved from the San Francisco Match database (first available to 2021) and deidentified for application review. Application metrics pertaining to research, academics, education, extracurriculars, leadership, examinations, career interests, and letter of recommendations were extracted. Attending spine surgeons involved in spine fellow selection at their institutions were sent a survey to rank (1) fellow applicants based on their perceived candidacy and (2) the strength of performance of their previous fellows. Pearson correlation assessed the associations of application metrics with theoretical fellow rank and actual performance. A total of 37 spine fellow applications were included (Institution A: 15, Institution B: 12, Institution C: 10), rated by 14 spine surgeons (Institution A: 6, Institution B: 4, Institution C: 4). Theoretical fellow rank demonstrated a moderate positive association with overall research, residency program rank, recommendation writer H-index, US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores, and journal reviewer positions. Actual fellow performance demonstrated a moderate positive association with residency program rank, recommendation writer H-index, USMLE scores, and journal reviewer positions. Linear regressions identified journal reviewer positions (ß = 1.73, P = 0.002), Step 1 (ß = 0.09, P = 0.010) and Step 3 (ß = 0.10, P = 0.002) scores, recommendation writer H-index (ß = 0.06, P = 0.029, and ß = 0.07, P = 0.006), and overall research (ß = 0.01, P = 0.005) as predictors of theoretical rank. Recommendation writer H-index (ß = 0.21, P = 0.030) and Alpha Omega Alpha achievement (ß = 6.88, P = 0.021) predicted actual performance. Residency program reputation, USMLE scores, and a recommendation from an established spine surgeon were important in application review and performance during fellowship. Research productivity, although important during application review, was not predictive of fellow performance. III. Cohort Study.

Grade 9 Students’ Perception of Career Oriented Classroom Instruction (COCI) and its Effect on their Interest in Pursuing STEM Careers

The field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) has been perceived as one of the significant fields for a nation’s progress. However, there is an evident decline in the interest of students in pursuing STEM careers. This study was conducted to explore the students' perception of the use of career-based scenarios and career-related activities in a Career-Oriented Classroom Instruction (COCI) and its effects on the students’ interest in pursuing STEM. A single intact group of grade 9 students was selected to undergo an intervention using the COCI. A standardized SERI questionnaire was employed to gather their perception of its use. While another validated questionnaire, the CIQ, was used as a pretest and posttest to test the effect of the intervention. The descriptive results of students’ perceptions revealed that they generally agreed that the scenarios used in the learning episodes were interesting, valuable, and meaningful to them. Further, the results of the t-test conducted uncovered a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test of the respondents with regard to their career interests. Lastly, it was found that there is a statistically significant low correlation between the perception of the students on COCI and their interest in pursuing STEM careers.