Making Science Make Sense

Bayer Facts of Science Education Survey

Opinion Regarding Changes In Career Interest As a Result of The Terrorist Attacks

Question 3

Do you think there will be a shift away from interest in careers that may offer greater financial rewards such as business and finance, as a result of the terrorist attacks or not?

Question 4

Do you think there will be a shift toward an interest in careers that may benefit society or the public interest, such as education and public health, as a result of the terrorist attacks or not?

One in five (20%) students believe there will be a shift away from interest in careers that may offer greater financial rewards such as business and finance as a result of the terrorist attacks -- the large majority (79%), however, do not. There was no variation in responses by type of major, region of the college or by public vs. private school college students.

While most students don't necessarily see a shift away from financially rewarding careers, two-thirds (67%) do believe there will be an increase in interest in careers that may benefit society or the public interest. Female college students were more likely than male students to hold this opinion (72% vs. 60%). One-third hold the opposite opinion. There are no significant differences in opinions by a student's major or by those enrolled in public vs. private schools. Not surprisingly, the vast majority (88%) of those who believe there will be a shift away from careers offering great financial rewards also feel there will be more of a shift toward careers that benefit society or public interest.

BELIEVE THERE WILL BE A SHIFT AWAY FROM INTEREST IN CAREERS OFFERING GREATER FINANCIAL REWARDS (n=1000)






BELIEVE THERE WILL BE A SHIFT TOWARD INTEREST IN CAREERS BENEFITING SOCIETY OR THE PUBLIC INTEREST SUCH AS EDUCATION AND HEALTH (n=1000)