Navigating Systemic Racism: A Critical Race Analysis of Doctoral Students’ Career Choices in the USA
Authors: Hou Yulu 
Published: November 2024

Aim/Purpose: This paper aims to explore the nuanced career choices of doctoral students in the USA through the lens of Critical Race Theory (CRT), addressing the underrepresentation and systemic challenges faced by students of color in their postdoctoral career paths.

Background: Despite increasing diversity in doctoral programs, racial and ethnic disparities persist in career outcomes. This paper examines how racial identities and systemic inequalities influence the career aspirations and decisions of doctoral students, highlighting the need for race-conscious dialogue in career development.

Methodology: A narrative literature review was conducted, focusing on peer-reviewed articles published between 2013 and 2023. The analysis utilized CRT to identify and examine themes related to race and career choices among doctoral students. A total of 23 articles were reviewed to assess the influence of race on career decision-making processes.

Contribution: This paper contributes to the body of knowledge by applying CRT to understand the career choices of doctoral students, a perspective that has been underutilized in this context. By integrating a race-conscious lens, this approach builds on existing literature and challenges dominant narratives in doctoral education, emphasizing the critical role of race and systemic factors in shaping career pathways.

Findings: The review identifies three major themes: (1) the endemic nature of racism in career choices, (2) the role of counter-storytelling in the career aspirations of students of color, and (3) the intersectionality of race with other identities influencing career decisions. These findings reveal how systemic racism and personal narratives intersect to impact the career trajectories of doctoral students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Recommendations for Practitioners: Universities should recognize and address the role of race in career choices by fostering inclusive environments, providing culturally responsive mentoring, and validating diverse career paths beyond academia. Enhanced support for students from underrepresented groups is essential to mitigate systemic barriers.

Recommendation for Researchers: Future research should continue to explore the intersectionality of race, gender, and class in doctoral students’ career decisions. Qualitative studies focusing on the experiential knowledge of underrepresented students and examining alternative career pathways outside academia are particularly needed.

Impact on Society: Understanding the racial dynamics in doctoral education can lead to more equitable career opportunities and contribute to diversifying the nation’s intellectual and professional workforce. This paper underscores the importance of addressing systemic racism to create inclusive academic and professional environments.

Future Research: Further studies should investigate the structural and institutional factors that shape career pathways for doctoral students, with a focus on how academic and racial biases influence career choices. Expanding the scope to include international doctoral students and their unique challenges in career decision-making is also recommended.