Excellence in mathematics in high school and the choice of STEM professions over significant periods of life

The current study investigates the relation between excellence in mathematics in high school and the choice of STEM professions over significant periods of life. The study employs a big data analysis based on a total of about 550K records obtained from the central bureau of statistics over the last decade and a half. Main results suggest the importance of studying the advanced level in mathematics in high school, as well as the importance of excelling in this field. The study suggests theoretical, practical, and methodological contributions in relation to the factors that affect and predict STEM choice for study and employment in significant periods in human's life: high school, higher education, and employment.