The Contribution of Self-Efficacy in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) to Career Interest Aspirations of DPTE FPTK UPI Students

Abstract

In the 4.0 industrial revolution era, Indonesia aims to produce a high-quality STEM workforce to be globally competitive. Balancing the demand for skilled workers is essential with students' interest in pursuing STEM careers. Students' understanding of STEM influences their self-efficacy and shapes their future career interest aspirations. Therefore, this research aims to determine the level of students' self-efficacy in STEM, their career interest aspirations in the STEM field, and the contribution of STEM self-efficacy to their career interest aspirations. This research employs a quantitative method with descriptive analysis and simple linear regression. Data were collected from 154 DPTE FPTK UPI students through a questionnaire distributed via Google forms. Prior to that, they were provided with video materials related to STEM learning. The respondents were selected as the research sample using the simple random sampling method. The research findings indicate that the overall level of respondent’s self-efficacy in STEM falls within the good category, with the strength indicator having the highest percentage compared to the generality and magnitude indicators. Additionally, the overall career interest aspirations of respondent’s in the STEM field are categorized as very good, with the highest percentage in the expected outcomes indicator compared to the personal goals and interest in STEM indicators. The final finding shows a positive relationship between STEM self-efficacy and students' career interest aspirations. Higher STEM self-efficacy leads to higher STEM career interest aspirations. This research suggests guiding students in recognizing their STEM self-efficacy level to cultivate their aspirations for STEM careers.