Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Undergraduates' Knowledge and Interest in Quantum Careers: Barriers and Opportunities to Building a Diverse Quantum Workforce

TL;DR

This study surveyed STEM undergraduates to assess their knowledge and interest in quantum careers, revealing limited awareness but notable interest, especially among non-life sciences students, and highlighting preferred learning methods.

Contribution

It provides new insights into STEM students' quantum knowledge, interest levels, gender differences, and preferred educational formats for building a diverse quantum workforce.

Findings

Most students know little about quantum.

Interest in quantum careers is higher among non-life sciences students.

Online videos are a common source of quantum knowledge.

Abstract

Efforts to build the workforce in support of the second quantum revolution are growing, including the creation of education programs that will prepare students for jobs in this area. We surveyed 186 undergraduate students with majors across the STEM disciplines and followed up with group interviews to understand their perspectives. The project was designed to understand what these STEM students know about quantum and quantum career opportunities and their level of interest in pursuing a career related to quantum. We found that most of the students know very little about quantum. Nevertheless, except for students in the life sciences, there was an interest in quantum careers. Across STEM majors, women were less likely to express interest in quantum careers than men, but this difference disappeared when we examined only physical and computer science majors. Of the few students who had knowledge of quantum concepts, most learned about this topic from online media, especially online videos. Some students reported learning about quantum in high school classes, where it was taught as an extension beyond the usual topics of the course. The undergraduate STEM students in our study identified multiple ways they would like to learn more about quantum, including short videos, seminars, courses, certificates, and degree programs.