The Analysis of STEM Career Interest of Madrasah Students as an Overview for The Development of STEM Career Counseling

Global trends indicate a continuous year-on-year decrease in student enthusiasm toward careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), as evidenced by a significant reduction in the number of students pursuing further education in STEM disciplines. This study will examine the career interests of madrasah students in STEM among students aged 13-15 years. The design of this study used a descriptive survey method. The survey data was taken from an online survey using a Google Form link distributed through social networks. The sample consisted of 150 students from several madrasah in Bandung Regency, Indonesia. The survey instrument used was the Indonesian translation of the Science, Technology, Engi-neering and Mathematics Career Interest Survey (STEM-CIS). The mean score of the sample responses was utilized to represent the overall level of student interest in STEM-related careers. Each questionnaire item was analyzed through the lens of Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) to identify the underlying factors contributing to both high and low levels of interest in STEM professions. Based on the findings of this analysis, a number of strategic recommendations for the implementation of career counseling interventions were presented to school counselors as a reference in supporting the development of students' interest in careers in the STEM field.