Examining factors impacting successful transition from graduate research to STEM careers

This quantitative study examines factors impacting successful career transitions for STEM PhD graduates pursuing research positions post-graduation. Recent statistics indicate only 50% of graduates remain in academic research careers three years after completing their degree (National Science Foundation, 2019), highlighting a need to understand obstacles and facilitators of effective career transitions. Utilizing Schlossberg’s Transition Theory (1981) as a framework, this study surveys 500 STEM PhD graduates from 30 top-ranked programs about skills gained from graduate school, career transition challenges faced, availability of career supports, and adaptations that could improve transitions into research-focused positions. Descriptive, correlational, and hierarchical regression analyses determine relationships between career transition success and several predictor variables grouped based on Schlossberg's 4S model including: (1) competencies developed in graduate school; (2) research experiences and networks gained; (3) institutional career support services offered; and (4) graduates’ coping skills and career resilience. Results aim to uncover key determinants of successful career transitions as well as identify areas needing improvement. Findings will inform evidence-based recommendations for how STEM graduate programs and employers can facilitate talent development and smooth transitions into long-term research careers, essential for innovation and solving complex scientific problems.