Factors Shaping Qatari Students’ Interest in STEM, Business or Public Sector Careers

Abstract

In this article we examine interest in a STEM career in Qatar not in isolation, but as one of numerous career choice options. In particular, we contrast interest in a STEM career with the culturally-relevant alternative career choices of public sector employment and business occupations. We also explore the degree to which factors known to influence career interest in previous studies conducted outside the region – and in particular, the U.S. and Western Europe – apply in Qatar. We aim to answer the following questions: (1) What motivates students to indicate interest in a STEM over occupations in business or the military? (2) To what extent does the education system in Qatar shape interest in a STEM career?