Women Motivations Applying for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education and Workplaces in Hungary

Abstract

Women are significantly underrepresented in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields in Hungary in higher education and, as follows, in the related workplaces. The aim of the research described herein was to explore the sources of motivation of the women who choose to pursue STEM-related higher education. A further aim was to investigate their employment history and examine their opportunities on the labor market. This analysis of the conditions of women’s career choices helps understand the reasons for the low share of women in the related subjects and highlights the critical factors behind their commitment to STEM. In-depth interviews were conducted with women who have studied and may work in the related fields. Narrative analysis was used to interpret the results and provide insight into the factors underlying and working situations of the STEM-related decisions of women. Determinant factors included positive impressions of the field in women’s lives, such as childhood experiences, and emotionally engaging work experience. The findings suggest that STEM-related issues should be embedded favorably into children’s education. State support for STEM-related higher education also has an impact on commitment in this field. Employment-related difficulties which are liable to occur are very similar to those with other fresh graduate students, and include a lack of vision, long-term work experience, appropriate English-language skills, and understanding the content of job advertisements and their requirements.