Employability versus Passion for Basic Sciences: Career Paths of Biology Graduates After Getting Higher Education Diploma

Year 2022, Volume: 12 Issue: 3, 488 - 496, 31.12.2022

Esra Eret , Melih Çakar , Algı Demirbaş , Seçkin Eroğlu

https://doi.org/10.5961/higheredusci.1136280

Abstract

Manufacturing high-profit goods in the information and technology age requires solid foundations in basic sciences. However, despite their interests and high success, basic sciences often fail to attract university candidates due to the perceived job insecurity after graduation. To challenge this notion, the current study aimed to examine biology graduates’ profiles and career life. As a survey study, an online questionnaire was administered to 56 graduates of the biological sciences department. The findings showed that almost all graduates chose biology due to their interest in the first place. The majority thought that their undergraduate education prepared them effectively for their future career, and they acquired 21st-century skills adequately, except for entrepreneurship skills. They found a job related to their major in one to two years. They were primarily employed in universities and got academic positions. They were satisfied with their jobs. The study concluded that higher education attains its aim to match passionate people in line with their interests; however, it still needs to update curricula considering current knowledge, skills, and competencies. The implications may encourage university candidates to follow their passion in pursuing a career in basic sciences, particularly in Biology.

Keywords

Higher education, basic sciences, biology graduates, career choice, employability

İstihdam Edilmek mi Yoksa Temel Bilim Tutkusu mu? Biyoloji Mezunlarının Yükseköğretim Diploması Aldıktan Sonraki Kariyer Yaşantıları

Abstract

Bilgi ve teknoloji çağında kârı yüksek mallar üretebilmek için temel bilimlerde sağlam temellere sahip olmak gereklidir. Ancak, bazı üniversite adayları genellikle mezuniyet sonrası iş güvencesizliği yaşayacakları düşüncesiyle ilgi duymalarına ve bu alanlarda yüksek başarı göstermelerine rağmen, temel bilimlerle ilgili alanları tercih etmemektedirler. Mevcut çalışma, bahsedilen bu durumu daha yakından incelemek amacıyla biyoloji mezunlarının profillerini ve kariyer yaşantılarını incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Tarama çalışması olarak tasarlanan çalışmada biyolojik bilimler bölümünden 56 mezuna çevrimiçi anket uygulanmıştır. Bulgular hemen hemen tüm mezunların biyolojiyi ilk etapta ilgilerinden dolayı seçtiklerini göstermiştir. Mezunların çoğunluğu aldıkları lisans eğitiminin onları gelecekteki kariyerleri için etkili bir şekilde hazırladığını ve girişimcilik becerileri dışında, 21. yüzyıl becerilerini yeterince kazandıklarını düşünmektedir. Mezunlar bir ila iki yıl içinde mezuniyet alanlarıyla ilgili özellikle üniversitelerde akademik pozisyonlarda iş bulmuşlardır ve çalıştıkları işlerinden memnunlardır. Çalışmada, yükseköğretimin insanları ilgi alanları doğrultusunda alan ve mesleklerle eşleştirme konusundaki amacına ulaştığı sonucuna varılmıştır; ancak yine de günümüzdeki ihtiyaç duyulan bilgi, beceri ve yetkinlikler göz önünde bulundurarak yükseköğretim programlarının güncellenmesi gerekmektedir. Sonuçlar, üniversite adaylarını temel bilimlerde, özellikle Biyoloji alanında kariyer yapma tutkularının peşinden gitmeye teşvik edebilir.

Keywords

Yükseköğretim, temel bilimler, biyoloji mezunları, kariyer seçimi, istihdam edilebilirlik

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