BIS publishes 'STEM Graduates in non-STEM jobs' research report

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has published a research report titled 'STEM graduates in non-STEM jobs' which explores why such a significant number of STEM graduates choose not to take up a STEM job, despite findings that there is a huge demand for STEM graduates from a large number of employers, who often offer salary premiums for these jobs.

In conducting the research, a comprehensive review of existing research was undertaken, as well as a survey of 7,000 STEM students, interviews with 550 newly-recruited STEM employees and discussions with 50 employers on their recruitment requirements and strategies.

Some of the key findings from the research are as follows:

  • Many STEM graduates were unsure of the definition of a what a 'STEM career' is, thinking more about specific subjects (e.g. Mathematics) than about STEM as a broader concept
  • The majority of STEM graduates do wish to pursue a STEM career, with only 11% definitely, or maybe, actively not wanting to take up a STEM career
  • The most likely reason students seek to undertake jobs away from STEM is because other fields are seen to be of more interest, financial considerations only seem to affect a few respondents
  • The high profile and reputation of selected STEM employers were seen to speak in their favour in the number of STEM students wishing to seek employment in a STEM discipline
  • Although partly related to career motivation, degree-related work experience had a strong influence on developing a career plan, mostly towards a STEM occupation
  • Many STEM students and graduates did not use their university careers service, yet most felt they would have benefited from additional career support at some point, particularly before they went to university in order to understand better how different degree courses related to potential careers or occupations
  • Many STEM graduates in non-STEM jobs were highly valued for their STEM skills (i.e. ability to analyse and take logical steps) this enabled them to progress up the career ladder, earning financial recompense as result; their lack of desire to re-enter a STEM career was due to perceptions that a STEM-career would be less interesting and would result in a drop in salary

The conclusion from the report seems to be that STEM employment is an area of complexity, with many different reasons behind why STEM graduates choose to pursue a STEM career or not. But the most the most likely factor reported seems to be that students and graduates find other (non-STEM) work potentially to be more interesting, and/or that their chosen STEM degree turns out less interesting or enjoyable than expected so they actively seek a change of direction.

The full report is available to download below the image.


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