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Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020

Do STEM college graduates typically pursue a career in their original fields of study?

William Boger, Gigafact Foundry
no

Based on data from a 2012 Census Bureau study, about 48% of college graduates between 25 and 34 years of age with degrees in science, technology, engineering or math-related fields were working in a related field. STEM occupations include computer scientists and mathematicians; engineers and architects; life, physical, and social scientists; medical professionals; and managers of STEM activities.

When adjusted to include workers up to age 64, this percentage dropped to about 25%, suggesting a large portion of STEM workers end up changing their field at some point later in their careers.

Sources

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