Work

Investigating the Insider Knowledge of STEM-Talented Adolescents

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We report on a qualitative study about the presence and role of insider knowledge in the lives of talented adolescents. Several themes emerged from the interviews: career aspirations of the participants; sources of knowledge about colleges and choosing a college; sources of knowledge about STEM careers; anticipated challenges; required skill sets; and types of support needed to address challenges. Participants received college guidance from school counselors and used the Internet as a primary source for STEM-related activities and information. Participants formed their ideas on what life is like for a STEM professional based on people they knew, TV shows, and social media, with more realistic notions acquired by students with a family member in STEM. Commonly experienced and anticipated challenges were competition in school and in college admissions. Time management was identified as a necessary skill, and the most frequently cited support needed was guidance with respect to career paths.

Source: journal for the education of the gifted

DOI: 10.1177/01623532251371739

Authors: Frank C. Worrell, Ilke Bayazitli, Rena F. Subotnik, Paula Olszewski-Kubilius

Institutions: University of California, Berkeley, Northwestern University

Language: English

Topic: Career Development and Diversity

Subfield: Safety Research

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650