Survey: Generation Z's Best Students Seek Careers in STEM and Healthcare

STEM2

The highest achieving students from Generation Z anticipate building careers in STEM fields and healthcare, and they aim to do it with advanced degrees and studies abroad. Seventy-six percent said they plan to attend graduate school, indicating that they are prepping for a workplace that will require specialized skills and education.

These are some of the key findings of the National Society of High School Scholars’ (NSHSS) 2017 Career Interest Survey, an annual report that is focusing for the first time on Generation Z, or children born in the early 2000s and thereafter.

Conducted in conjunction with Hanover Research, the survey explores the civic, educational and professional interests of NSHSS member respondents, the majority of whom are high-achieving high school students.

According to the survey, more than half of respondents — 54 percent — said they see themselves pursuing career paths in science, technology or engineering. Forty-one percent said they expect to someday work in the medicine and health fields.

“Our survey sets the tone for what to expect from Generation Z teens, who are just a few years away from entering the workforce,” said James W. Lewis, president of NSHSS, in a statement. “These digital natives came of age in a time of political and economic turmoil, but the education and career plans they're making show how much they want to help others, learn new things and explore the world around them.”

Here are some other findings from NSHSS’ 2017 Career Interest Survey:

  • 77 percent said they plan to pursue internship experience during college;
  • Almost 66 percent said they’re interested in international experiences, like study abroad trips during their time in college;
  • 81 percent said it’s very important to work for a company that treats its workers fairly;
  • Google ranked as the No. 1 dream employer, followed by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and “local hospital” at No. 3;
  • Among tech-related companies, Apple ranked at No. 6, 3M ranked No. 8, BuzzFeed ranked No. 9, Amazon came in at No. 11, Microsoft ranked No. 14 and Netflix scored No. 18;
  • 71 percent said they prioritize learning the skills needed for advancement;
  • Fairness among all employees, regardless of gender or ethnicity, is more important to the student respondents than financial interests, such as salaries and bonuses; and
  • More than 75 percent of Gen Z students said they are most likely to find and pursue jobs via organizations’ own websites first, as opposed to social media.

The survey was conducted in spring 2017 with responses from 9,214 participants, including every ethnicity, from all 50 states and U.S. territories. High school students (the prime Gen Z population) represented 76 percent of respondents, with 41 percent saying they were seniors. Forty-five percent of respondents were 18 years or older.

NSHSS is an honors society for outstanding students. The organization offers member-exclusive scholarships, college admissions counseling, internships and advanced networking opportunities, according to the society’s website. For more information, visit nshss.org.

About the Author

Richard Chang is associate editor of THE Journal. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • tutors helping young students with laptops against a vibrant abstract background

    K12 Tutoring Earns ESSA Level II Validation

    Online tutoring service K12 Tutoring recently announced that it has received Level II validation underneath the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The independently validated study provides evidence of K12 Tutoring's role in creating positive student outcomes through effective academic intervention and research-based solutions.

  • pattern of icons for math and reading, including a pi symbol, calculator, and open book

    HMH Launches Personalized Path Solution

    Adaptive learning company HMH has introduced HMH Personalized Path, a K-8 ELA and math product that combines intervention curriculum, adaptive practice, and assessment for students of all achievement levels.

  • computer science classroom featuring a desktop setup with code on the screen, a large wall display with charts, and a labeled book on a clean desk

    McGraw Hill Expands CTE Offerings

    Education company McGraw Hill has announced a host of new career and technical education courses, designed to help learners gain professional, technical, and academic skills for workforce success.

  • DreamBox Math

    Discovery Education Announces Updates to Experience, DreamBox Math

    K-12 learning solution provider Discovery Education has announced enhancements to its Discovery Education Experience and DreamBox Math products, designed to create a more personalized, engaging learning experience for students.