Abstract
This qualitative study involves tracking the process by which Asian STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) graduate students encounter graduate studies as they build professional identities. We derived data from interviews and observations of 27 Asian international STEM graduate students at various stages of their graduate careers at a large research university located in the United States. The following research question guided this investigation: What are key influencers of STEM students’ professional identity? We conducted this study using a qualitative grounded theory approach, and we developed a central professional identity development model from emergent themes that related to the central phenomenon. Findings indicated Asian international STEM graduate students’ previous work experiences, disciplinary skills acquisition, English proficiency, and socialization with peers and faculty advisors were significant influential factors to their professional identity development. These influencers interacted to both positively facilitate and negatively hinder the student’s progress toward professional identity development. Together, this work suggests academic socialization is a crucial factor for student success and professional identity development.
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Appendix A
Appendix A
Sample Semi-Structured Interview Questions
In line with qualitative methodology (e.g., Strauss and Corbin 1998; Creswell and Brown 1992), questions should begin with general queries, so as not to prime interviewees’ responses by asking specific questions. However, the following sample questions were used as a guide to explore the different elements and phases of professional identity development of educational psychology graduate students.
General Identity Questions
How do you introduce yourself to others?
Can you tell me about who you are?
What were you doing before joining this graduate program?
What other roles do you have beside being an international graduate student?
Can you tell me about your graduate school life?
What milestones of graduate school have you completed so far?
What obstacles did you have to overcome in graduate school in America?
How do you think those obstacles influenced you?
Professional Identity
Can you tell me about your professional identity?
Can you define what professional identity is in your field?
What does it mean for you to be a professional in the field?
What experience so far has contributed to your professional identity and why?
What experiences have resonated with you as a professional in the field and why?
What kind of professional skills do you think you need to acquire?
Do you personally know any professional individuals in the field?
Future Plans and Professional Identity
What is your short term academic/career plan?
What is your long-term plan?
How do you envision yourself in your field?
What kind of career would you like to have after graduation?
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Park, J.J., Chuang, YC. & Hald, E.S. Identifying Key Influencers of Professional Identity Development of Asian International STEM Graduate Students in the United States. Asia-Pacific Edu Res 27, 145–154 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40299-018-0373-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40299-018-0373-6