ABSTRACT Numerous policy initiatives have highlighted the need for the United States to produce more STEM graduates to meet labor market demands. This study challenges that narrative by focusing on the many STEM bachelor's degree holders who do not currently go on to work in a STEM field. Data from the Educational Longitudinal Survey of 2002 (ELS:2002) shows that over 25 percent of STEM baccalaureate graduates did not intend to remain in a STEM field by age 30. Through a series of logistic regression models and the application of human capital theory and social cognitive career theory (SCCT), we explore the demographic, postsecondary, and labor market variables that may influence a student's decision to remain in a STEM career. Results suggest that non-Asian minority students are significantly more likely to leave the STEM professional domain either shortly after obtaining a bachelor's degree or by age 30. Certain experiences (namely faculty research and fieldwork) were associated with a greater likelihood of STEM career entry/persistence, and transfer students also appeared at risk of early departure from STEM career fields. Students who lacked social connections or were unable to relocate for work also reported a perceived lack of job openings in STEM at significantly higher levels.

中文翻译：

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坚持使用 STEM：了解 STEM 学士学位持有者对 STEM 职业的坚持

摘要 许多政策举措强调了美国需要培养更多的 STEM 毕业生以满足劳动力市场的需求。这项研究通过关注许多目前没有继续在 STEM 领域工作的 STEM 学士学位持有者来挑战这种叙述。2002 年教育纵向调查 (ELS:2002) 的数据显示，超过 25% 的 STEM 学士学位毕业生不打算在 30 岁之前留在 STEM 领域。在社会认知职业理论 (SCCT) 中，我们探索了可能影响学生决定继续从事 STEM 职业的人口统计学、高等教育和劳动力市场变量。结果表明，非亚洲少数族裔学生在获得学士学位后不久或在 30 岁之前更有可能离开 STEM 专业领域。某些经历（即教师研究和实地考察）与 STEM 职业进入的可能性更大/坚持不懈，转学生也出现了提前离开 STEM 职业领域的风险。缺乏社会关系或无法搬家工作的学生也报告说，在 STEM 中明显缺乏更高层次的职位空缺。转学生也出现了提前离开 STEM 职业领域的风险。缺乏社会关系或无法搬家工作的学生也报告说，在 STEM 中明显缺乏更高层次的职位空缺。转学生也出现了提前离开 STEM 职业领域的风险。缺乏社会关系或无法搬家工作的学生也报告说，在 STEM 中明显缺乏更高层次的职位空缺。