Schoolchildren’s perceptions of stem professions in the context of career guidance work

Currently, STEM professions are extremely in demand in the economy and society. The efforts of the state and business in the issues of professional orientation of schoolchildren are obvious, but there are still certain problems that need to be analyzed. School students’ opinions about the professions of scientist, engineer, technologist can be both a barrier and an incentive for choosing this direction as an education and employment profile. The article reflects the results of a pilot study of schoolchildren’s perceptions of STEM professions. We consider what aspects of STEM occupations are perceived by students as the most important, which characteristics are similar and which are different, taking into account such resources as the presence or absence of scientific capital (education in STEM classes and the presence in the close environment of those who have worked in STEM-related professions) and plans regarding the choice of future profession. The results show that STEM careers have both universal and unique characteristics as perceived by students. The same characteristics of STEM careers will be perceived by some students as repulsive and disinteresting, and by some as challenging, specific, and inspiring. Students’ lack of exposure to STEM-focused classes or exposure to relatives working in STEM careers contributes to a simplified view of STEM careers.