On March 5, 2021, 28 students of the J.N Andrews Honors Program presented their research at the annual Honors Poster Symposium. These students presented their posters and shared about their research in various fields with students and faculties. From the list of researches printed on the program handout, an investigation titled “Socioeconomic Status and Ethnicity as Predictors of Childhood Career Aspirations,” by Sydney Saint-Jean (senior, psychology), caught my attention. I hope this interview with Sydney will inspire you as it has inspired me.
Could you summarize your research topic, method, and findings?
My research project is on socioeconomic status and ethnicity as accurate predictors of childhood career aspirations. We aim to determine whether the income of the student, parent and school that they attend, influences what the student wants to be when they grow up. We did this by surveying students in 3rd, 6th, 9th and 11th grade and though I am still in the process of interpreting the data, so far we do not see a variable that has a significant influence on a child's career aspirations.
Why did you choose the research topic/question?
At the time I chose this research project, I was volunteering in Michigan to help young students read and write, and at times the students would tell me what they wanted to be when they grow up. When I went back home and took a job working with students, they also talked about their career aspirations and how their parents had a large influence on what they wanted to be. So I was just curious as to what factors can contribute to the career aspirations of students, and why some students' career aspirations differ in prestige.
What were some challenges that you faced?
As a result of COVID-19, many schools are very busy and are not allowing research to be performed on their students. So it was definitely hard finding schools to participate in this study. Although we did find schools, there were not a lot of subjects who participated from each of these schools, probably because they are busy with their coursework.
What are some takeaways from your research?
So far, we do not have definitive results, but we hope to see that there are variables such as ethnicity, grade level and gender that can have an effect on the career aspirations of students.
What are some things that you enjoyed while doing the research?
I did enjoy learning how to analyze the data. Although it was very difficult for me, being able to navigate my way through SPSS (IBM SPSS Statistics) and analyzing my results was enjoyable.
What do you recommend or not recommend to future AU student researchers?
I would definitely say to start research early so you have enough time to collect data and work on your report, and start thinking about research questions you would like to turn into a project. Many times a curious thought can turn into a really great research project.
Any additional comments regarding your research or your research experience?
Research has been a great experience and I am happy to have done this with the help of my research advisors, Dr. Coria-Navia, Dr. McBride and Dr. Thayer and Academic Advisor, Dr. Bailey.
When I first saw the list of presenters and their research topics at the poster symposium, I was filled with amazement and respect for all the students and faculty members for their intelligence and hard work. Furthermore, their enthusiasm toward their research and politeness that flowed out from them during their presentations have inspired me. The research questions of Sydney Saint-Jean and the other presenters will continue to inspire current and future Andrews researchers. I encourage all of you to follow your own curiosity and see where it leads you!
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