Aligning graduate chemistry training with diverse career paths: insights from student perceptions of valued skills

Chemistry graduate programs have often been criticized for their perceived overemphasis on preparing students for academic research careers, overlooking the broad range of professional skills necessary in other career sectors. This disparity highlights a need to examine the alignment of skill development in chemistry graduate programs with the varied demands of different career sectors. Further empirical evidence is needed to understand how professional skills are currently being valued and developed in chemistry graduate programs. This study is guided by socialization theory, which serves as a framework for understanding how graduate students acquire the values, attitudes, norms, knowledge, and skills necessary to perform in a professional role. This qualitative investigation examines the perceptions and experiences of 33 chemistry doctoral students from 10 doctorate-granting institutions in the United States to identify how professional skills are valued and developed in chemistry doctoral programs. This study aims to understand not only why graduate students value certain skills, but also how they perceive these skills are valued within their programs. Additionally, this work explores the experiences that shape the professional skill development of chemistry doctoral students. Findings suggest that students personally value professional skills based on their perceived importance for success within their program or future careers. Students’ perceptions of the value of professional skills held by community members (group members and department members) were heavily influenced by the presence of formal development opportunities.