Niki Cain – Mustangs Ahead
(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) – Mustangs across campus know what it takes to succeed in class, but do they know what it takes to succeed in the workplace? What about the workplace of the future? The desired job skills of tomorrow may not be what some students think.
Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) is one of the fastest growing job fields. The STEM program has reached new heights, but with these new heights comes struggles.
Those who wish to pursue careers in the STEM field may be faced with intense competition. More complex job skills will be required in order to get that dream job.
So, what are STEM employers looking for when it comes to hiring the “perfect” employee?
A study conducted by Minnesota State University showed that the qualities most sought after in the STEM field include analytical skills, creative thinking skills, and science skills in order to break down complex scientific problems, mathematic skills, and attention to detail.
Other basic skills such as communication, organization, teamwork, and punctuality are critical for not only STEM field jobs, but for jobs in all fields.
Georgetown University conducted a study that stated by 2020, there will be 55 million new job openings.
Sixty-five percent of the jobs will require a high school degree or some sort of post-secondary training.
Georgetown breaks down the study by educational attainment level –
- 35 percent of jobs will require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree
- 30 percent of jobs will require at least an associate’s degree or some college degree
- 36 percent of jobs will not require education beyond high school
All these qualities for a successful STEM field job candidate raises some questions: How does one acquire these skills and how can one be prepared for the STEM field?
The Technology Students Association (TSA) is one way to obtain the necessary attributes for the STEM fields. Here, a student can learn to analyze, produce, and understand complex theories and machines.
Students in TSA also learn to work as a team and take responsibility for their work.
Another notable way one can be prepared for the STEM field is by taking advanced mathematics classes. STEM fields seek those taking part in more advanced mathematics classes rather than non-honors classes.
Although math classes are important to most STEM fields, they’re not the only important ones. According to one’s occupation, one may have to excel in advanced science classes or advanced computer classes.
TSA provides tech training
Rachel Monroe – Mustangs Ahead
(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) – At LRHS, Technology Student Association (TSA) is something many students enjoy taking part in.
President Ty Wilcox, senior, said there are 40 people currently enrolled in TSA.
Meetings for TSA are currently held every Monday and Wednesday from the time school gets out to 4 p.m.
Wilcox said, “Each meeting we prepare for our upcoming competitions.”
TSA’s next competition will be held on Dec. 2 at Braden River High School.