Abstract
In this chapter we present the results of a quantitative study of priorities and considerations that influence the complex process of choosing to become a STEM (science, technology, engineering or mathematics) PhD student. This study had two main objectives: (1) to identify important factors that influenced student’s choice of STEM PhD, and (2) to identify which priorities male and female PhD STEM students in Slovenia seek in their future careers. The chapter describes the influence of different factors such as key persons, age period, influence on social life during student’s study process, and different priorities the students seek in their future careers. A key finding is that male and female PhD students in Slovenia are genuinely interested in their chosen PhD study field, but the possibility to get a secure job while working towards the PhD under the Young researchers program (a government initiative to encourage students to enrol on PhD programs), seems to be one of the crucial factors which influenced the final decision to enter a STEM PhD study, for both male and female students.
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Notes
- 1.
The Faculty of mathematics and physics declined the invitation to participate and we were not able to include in the survey the students of Mathematics and Physics; thus, the present study is of STE rather than STEM students.
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Hribar, T., Dolinšek, S. (2015). Choice Patterns of PhD Students: Why Should I Pursue a PhD?. In: Henriksen, E., Dillon, J., Ryder, J. (eds) Understanding Student Participation and Choice in Science and Technology Education. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7793-4_11
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