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Abstract

The underrepresentation of women in STEM careers remains a critical national concern, despite growing research on career retention. This study investigates the factors influencing early-career women’s decisions to persist in or leave STEM fields. Through qualitative analysis of interviews with 20 women entering STEM careers, we applied Social Cognitive Career Theory and the Workforce Sustainability Model to examine proximal environmental factors and workforce sustainability attributes affecting career intentions. The findings reveal factors impeding career establishment (e.g., pressures to prove themselves, career disillusionment, and poor work-life balance) and attributes sustaining career retention (e.g., nurturing, community, and connectivity). These factors substantially influenced participants’ decisions to stay in or leave their current positions. The study underscores the need for STEM organizations to strengthen support structures, including mentorship, flexible policies, and inclusive practices, to enhance retention and foster a sustainable career path for women in STEM.

Keywords

early-career women career theory workforce sustainability retention career decisions

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Balancing what Drains and Sustains: Factors Influencing Early-Career Women’s Persistence in STEM Fields

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