Paper short abstract:

The purpose of this research is to analyze how women university graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) transition from university to employment in Kazakhstan.

Paper long abstract:

Despite the shrinking gaps in STEM educational attainments worldwide, women and men still have different experiences at the start of their careers in STEM. In order to address the problem of underrepresentation of women in STEM occupations, it is important to understand what experiences women have compared to men as they are prepared for jobs and which factors determine whether they continue into STEM-related employment or leave the profession after graduation; and what unique barriers and challenges they face when employed in STEM jobs (Michelmore and Sassler, 2016). This study focuses, in particular, on the understanding of the process of transition of women in STEM majors to first employment.

The study will enhance policy understanding of the key factors as well as the barriers and enablers for the successful transition of women university graduates to STEM employment in Kazakhstan. This understanding will help the policymakers to create policies supporting women’s transition and retention in STEM occupations. The key lessons from the study will be useful for practitioners working in the higher education field, and decision-makers in educational and employing organizations to develop a set of policies and measures facilitating women’s enrollment in and graduation from STEM programs, as well as their successful transition, retention, and performance in STEM jobs.