Deviation from STEM Peers and Employers in Employability Focuses: the Case of Maths, Stats, Physics and Astronomy Students

Authors

  • Serene Lin-Stephens Macquarie University http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8996-3780
  • Maurizio Manuguerra Macquarie University
  • James Downes Macquarie University
  • Judith Dawes Macquarie University
  • Carolyn Kennett Macquarie University
  • John Uesi Macquarie University

Keywords:

Career information literacy, Employability, STEM education

Abstract

STEM employability is a non-homogenous phenomenon with mixed outcomes for graduates from different disciplines. A myriad of factors may contribute to the diverse employability. Here we examine the heterogeneity of career and employability development focuses among different STEM student cohorts in the curricular context. We utilised a structured framework of Career Information Literacy (CIL) to map career and employability focuses of STEM students and employers. This paper presents findings from the Mathematics, Statistics, Physics and Astronomy cohort. Data was collected from final year capstone unit students at a STEM faculty in an Australian university (N=517, response rate 44%). Of which, Maths, Stats, Physics and Astronomy (MSPA) students were analysed as a cohort (N=80, response rate 73%). Concurrent data collection took place with STEM employers and industry stakeholders who engaged this faculty in recruitment and employability activities (N=62, response rate 78%). Upon comparing student cohorts’ focuses on career and employability development with their peers and employers, we found MSPA students differ from both their STEM peers and employers. Most other STEM student cohorts differ from employers, but not their peers. The implications point to a different career development need of this cohort to fully realise the benefits of their STEM education.

Author Biographies

  • Serene Lin-Stephens, Macquarie University
    Career Development Consultant of Faculty of Science and Engineering Career and Employment Service, PVC Learning, Teaching and Diversity, Macquarie University
  • Maurizio Manuguerra, Macquarie University
    Lecturer, Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science and Engineering
  • James Downes, Macquarie University
    Association Dean Learning and Teaching, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Science and Engineering
  • Judith Dawes, Macquarie University
    Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Science and Engineering
  • Carolyn Kennett, Macquarie University
    Lecturer, Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science and Engineering
  • John Uesi, Macquarie University
    Department of Statistics

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Published

2019-06-24