This study investigated why university students choose to major in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine/health (STEM(M)) disciplines, and how their study and career-related confidence compares with that of their peers. The study engaged 12,576 students enrolled at Australian universities. The findings suggest that STEM(M) students’ career decision making is guided by their interest in the subject and their intentions to help people. Within the STEM(M) cohort, students in medicine and health were more confident in their career decision making than either their STEM or non-STEM(M) peers. Of interest, they were less aware of alternative career pathways and less prepared to reorient their careers should this be necessary. Female students reported greater confidence than male students in their career decision making, career identity, and career commitment. Implications include the need for career narratives beyond the STEM industries and for career development initiatives that are mindful of disciplinary and gendered differences.

本研究调查了大学生选择主修科学、技术、工程、数学和医学/健康 (STEM(M)) 学科的原因，以及他们的学习和与职业相关的信心与同龄人相比如何。该研究涉及在澳大利亚大学注册的 12,576 名学生。研究结果表明，STEM(M) 学生的职业决策受他们对该学科的兴趣和帮助他人的意图的指导。在 STEM(M) 队列中，医学和健康专业的学生比 STEM 或非 STEM(M) 同龄人对自己的职业决策更有信心。有趣的是，他们不太了解其他职业道路，也不太准备在必要时重新调整自己的职业方向。女学生在职业决策方面比男学生更有信心，职业认同和职业承诺。其含义包括需要 STEM 行业以外的职业叙述以及考虑学科和性别差异的职业发展计划。