Career – STEMedia.org

Meet Katherine – the Musical Engineer

March 22, 2018July 9, 2018
by admin

Instagram has no shortage of individuals in the STEM fields who embrace a passion for creative expression. One of our favorites is Katherine (@naturallyshe) whose page is filled with awesome, 60 seconds or less, piano covers of anyone from Adele to Stevie Wonder to even Ludwig van Beethoven!

Katherine is an engineer, musician, and teacher in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Inspired by her own personal story and passions, she has been on a journey to highlight the parallels between music and STEM.

Her musicianship started over 20 years ago, when she started taking piano lessons, learning music theory, notation, and performance. She took lessons for 11 years, and since went on to accompany vocalists at church and events, and currently teaches piano to both children and adult students.

As a young child, she had an aptitude and love for math, but didn’t quite know how that could translate into a future career. At the time, internet was not ubiquitous; as well, STEM outreach programs were not prevalent, so she wasn’t even aware of STEM fields. But a chance conversation with her high school physics teacher steered her to declare an engineering major in college, and she went on to pursue two degrees in Civil Engineering.

Today, Katherine works as both an engineer and a musician. While teaching piano lessons, she began to recognize the parallels between music and engineering. One of the foremost parallels is that the skills gained as a musician (whether learning, listening to, or performing music) develop the ability to recognize and decipher patterns. Music also develops creative thinking which can strengthen problem solving. Music builds imagination which leads to innovation and new design.

In 2015, Katherine started documenting these parallels and sharing them on Instagram, along with media portraying her embodiment of the music+STEM message. In doing so, she hopes to shed light on STEM and encourage/inform artistic students that their passion, gifts, skills, and discipline as artists/musicians can be deployed in STEM.

Fun Fact: She also has her Professional Engineering license

Watch this inspiring rendition of her singing “World’s Greatest” 🙌🏽

Career

BELIEVING IS ACHIEVING

March 21, 2018July 9, 2018
by Cynthia Sharpe

Sometimes, our biggest obstacle is ourselves. With so many things on our plate and so much that seems to stand in our way, it is easy to lose faith, to stop believing and end up off our intended path. You may even lose sight of the end-goal. Here is what you need to know before getting melancholy about your aspirations.

Seeing is Believing

Find people to look up to, preferably in your field, but anyone who has reached their desired goal can inspire you to continue to reach for yours. Sometimes you just have to see that it is possible and that something has already been done in order to see yourself there. For example, Chance The Rapper is 23 years old, making money off of what he loves to do, and helping people in the process. Vera Wang did not start designing wedding dresses until she was in her 40’s. Who do you look up to? Who makes you want to be better?

Action

Be about action. The more you do for your dream, the more attainable it begins to seem.

To read more about how to take action click here!

Surroundings

Surround yourself with believers. Believers are a combination of dreamers/hopefuls and move-makers. They can provide words of encouragement, wisdom and positivity. Entrepreneur, producer, and author, Russell Simmons, (as well as multiple other successful people) said, “Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you.” The idea may sound strange at first and possibly a little insulting, but think of it this way; if you are trying to “level-up”, who better to learn from than someone who has already made it to a level beyond yours?

Fear, Laziness & Distraction

Being fearful or uncertain, being lazy, and becoming distracted, are three things that can easily and quickly throw you off your chartered course. Don’t be afraid. People always say that the only thing to fear is fear itself. Let’s go against that and use fear as a propeller. If your goals make you feel less than certain about life, then you’re likely on the right track. Fear is sometimes referred to as the acronym for “False Evidence Appearing Real”. It is just the mind’s way of making things seem worse or more intimidating than they really are. So again, do not be afraid.

Another thing just itching to hold you back is laziness. You can make a list of things to do all you want, but another part of you can say you have all the time in the world to do it. You can be extremely focused on Tuesday and by next Tuesday you will have forgotten you had a plan to keep in motion. That may be a combination of laziness and distraction. It is so easy to find something else to occupy your mind and your time and before you know it, weeks go by with no progress towards your goal. It doesn’t mean you do not want to reach your goal. It just means you are human and could use some help getting back on track.

One good way to combat laziness is to stand up. It is simple and it works. You can say you’re going to the library all you want while laying in bed, but until you stand up, put your shoes on, and pack your backpack, you are likely going nowhere. After all the effort, it took to get up and get ready, you might as well keep pushing right?

One good way to combat distraction is to learn your habits. If you know your pitfalls, you have a better chance of avoiding them. If you learn the areas in which you thrive, you will be able to make the most of your time. For example, you may be able to do math homework in the comfortability of your room, but not read in your room. You may read better on the bus or in a coffee shop setting. Television may distract you but not the background noise of people going about their day.

For some tips on how to deal with time management, click here!

Setbacks

(Prepare yourself for a bombardment of clichés.) Messing up is something that comes with finally moving. You cannot fail if you do not try, but if you do not try, then you automatically fail. Anything worth having is worth fighting for. It is not about how you fall; it’s about how you bounce back. If you believe something to be your purpose, do not be discouraged by “No’s” and setbacks. Stay consistent. Some clichés become cliché for good reason; they prove to be true time and time again.

Motivation

When fear, laziness, distractions and setbacks are keeping you bound, you must fall back on your motivation. Remember why your goal is what it is. Remember who you are reaching it for. If your goal has no good reasoning behind it, then you may want to rethink your goal.

Believing is seeing

Ultimately, if you do not visualize yourself there, you may never take action. If you do not believe in your own abilities, you may never envision a better future.

The poem “Invictus” reads, “I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul.” Know your worth. Operate in that worth. With the right mindset, the unfathomable can become feasible.

This piece comes to us from one of our talented content contributors, Cynthia Sharpe. Her bio is below and if you would like to work with us you can email us here!

Cynthia M. Sharpe, is a May 2015 graduate of NC State University. Cynthia graduated with a B.A. in English with a concentration in creative writing and currently aspires to pursue an M.F.A. in Creative Writing. “As I let my own light shine, I unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” -Cynthia M. Sharpe, inspired by Marianne Williamson

Career

STEM Careers: The Solution for 3 Prevalent Societal Issues

March 21, 2018July 9, 2018
by admin

Research and development provide solutions for many societal issues. Unemployment, global warming, and poverty will soon become things of the past due to the growth of STEM. The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that 6.2 percent of US jobs in 2015 were STEM related. Computer Science topped the list, followed closely by engineering. Each year more emphasis is placed on STEM education resulting in a society of critical and innovative thinkers; qualities that are crucial for tackling these issues. As STEM professionals, we can find solutions. This article focuses on how our work seeks to tackle unemployment, global warming, and poverty.

Unemployment

We as STEM professionals are in demand. The job market though constantly changing will begin to see a significant shift towards STEM related fields. If we can train people now they will be ready to fill those much-needed positions. Adecco states that “there could be 2.4 million unfilled STEM jobs by 2018.” People tend to shy away from STEM because they believe they don’t have the aptitude to excel. However, we know an inquisitive nature, determination, and logical mindset are all you need to embark on a successful STEM career.

STEM training also provides an outlet for creativity that many Humanities and Social Sciences related professions may lack. STEM professionals invent products and programs that solve problems. With a skill like that, it’s hard to be without opportunity.

Global Warming

Solving problems is a core function of many STEM professionals. Global warming is a crisis that could potentially eliminate the entire human race. Billions of dollars have been spent on climate change research and global warming solutions. One of the most recent breakthroughs in climate change research came through the work of a group of researchers in Iceland. They found a way to pump carbon dioxide underground and transform it into limestone. While carbon dioxide is a vital component of the atmosphere, rising carbon emissions threaten the fate of our planet. This, along with other solutions, are poised to help us conquer the threat of global warming.

Poverty

The Borgen Project cites research that states that “3.5 percent of a country’s GDP should be invested in science, technology and innovation.” Poverty alleviation cannot be found entirely in the millions of dollars spent annually to provide food, water and healthcare. Nelson Mandela once said, “Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity, it is an act of justice.” All countries should have equitable access to education with emphasis placed on quality STEM education. This paradigm shift will help the world truly begin to make steps towards poverty alleviation.

STEM educated individuals are able to create their own jobs and do the research necessary to propel their countries towards success. Countries with more educated populations achieve remarkable growth. Many countries in Africa are experiencing a burst of tech start-ups which are not only providing ways to uplift their communities but also more jobs and financial growth. We are a part of the solution for better societies.

STEM careers provide viable solutions for unemployment, reducing global warming, and poverty alleviation. The ingenuity STEM professionals possess and the influence we can pass on will change the world. Let’s get started!

Christine is an authentic Jamaican who loves curried goat, fried plantains, and festivals. She lives and breathes writing. Putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) causes a fire within her to ignite as the words flow from her heart. She is the author of two e-books and enjoys jamming to music in her room where no one can see. You can learn more about her by visiting her website.

Career

How to Find Meaningful Work 💓 [video]

March 5, 2018June 12, 2018
by Cynthia Sharpe

What makes you tick? What makes you feel alive? What makes you feel most like yourself? Some people ignore these questions when job searching. Many are more motivated by the question, “How much does the job pay?” in order to live a preferred lifestyle. It makes sense; we work in order to live and we cannot live without money, so we find the best paying, tolerable job we can and begin “living”. Problem is, “living” is only “existing” if you find no meaning in your work. Yes, the number one requirement of a job is for it to pay, but explore the option of the number one requirement being for the job to have meaning.

Not everyone will find the same things meaningful. A baker may not find meaning in stock-broking. A teacher may not find meaning in building vehicles. It is important to find work that: 1) is fulfilling, 2) serves humanity, and 3) allows you to sense the impact of the work daily. Finding work that best suits you allows you to do your best, which allows your work to better the world around you.

Without directly mentioning it, the video below gave me tips on how to make a current job that ISN’T my dream job, more meaningful. For some, it could be a change in thinking that helps you hang in there with a job that you need, but do not prefer, the job on your way to your dream job.

Take a look at the video [below] yourself to learn more about meaningful work; not only how to find it, but how society got to a place where it is not highly valued and how to help create a system that supports finding it.

This piece comes to us from one of our talented content contributors, Cynthia Sharpe. Her bio is below and if you would like to work with us you can email us here!

Career

The Dance of a Lifetime: Using Creativity and Perseverance…

March 5, 2018June 12, 2018
by Caila Holley

Do you have a passion that you feel that you can’t dedicate time to because of school work or your career? Well you shouldn’t give that up quite yet.

In this video, “The Dance of a Lifetime: Using Creativity and Perseverance in the Art of Science”, we learn about a graduate biology student at Weill Cornell Medical College at Cornell University. She uses the things that she learned in dance to help aid her personal development while doing her research. This is another reminder of why every nerd needs a creative side. “[Dance and science] both require creativity, technique, and perseverance”. Dance and Science have gone parallel with each other and she has learned how to think critically and solve difficult problems.

What are you passionate about and how can that help you in your career?

Career

6 Careers for STEM Majors Interested in Social Change

March 5, 2018June 12, 2018
by admin

For some STEM majors, myself included, science has not been enough. I loved chemistry, engineering, and their intersections, but I kept thinking: how can you satisfy the parts of you that compel you towards activism and social justice, when your time, energy, and cognitive space are monopolized by lectures and labs? When can you stop to process the turmoil in the world with a seemingly endless list of courses, summer research applications, grant proposals, and graduate school interviews? Where can you find others to connect with who are similarly minded when your peers and mentors are dedicated to keeping science “pure” and “objective,” free from the messes that obstruct “good” science? What career options do you have that won’t leave you feeling like an insignificant cog in a production-crazed machine? These questions are difficult, but on that last one, I can offer some assistance.

6 Job Options for STEM Majors Interested in Social Change:

Librarian/Information Professional

I confess: I put this job first because it’s the one I ultimately chose for myself, but I sincerely believe that the role of librarians (along with all other information professionals) are central to social justice. Issues of literacy and access to information have been at the root of inequality for centuries, and as a librarian, you have the opportunity to influence trends in social consciousness. I don’t mean to say that you’ll be some grand puppet master, but someone selected all the books, magazines, and journals on your library shelves. Someone manages all the databases your school or company has access to. And all the websites and apps that you use for reference or discovery (Wolfram Alpha, anyone?) are created and improved by someone. Why not you? You could be the next Librarian of Congress…

Science Writer

Have you ever trudged through an absolutely impossible paper and wished that there were a Cliff Notes version? As a science writer, that could be your job. A major critique of STEM is its inaccessibility to the general public, and although significant strides have been made in demystifying the sciences, that work is not nearly complete. Honestly, how great would it be to have a population well versed in the implications of climate change and the fundamentals of physics? Science writers ideally possess a STEM background, which gives them the vocabulary and the frameworks for processing difficult concepts and new developments. They also need top-notch communication skills; depending on the publication, a science writer should be able to adapt their source content for different age groups, skill levels, and professions. A plus: science writing is applicable to education, politics, history, popular culture, and countless other fields, so if you value your intellectual complexity, have your cake and eat it, too!

Politician

I am not attempting astute political commentary with this suggestion. I am simply saying that what if there existed a U.S. presidential candidate who utilized their STEM background to enact policies that could adequately address the perverse effects this country has on the environment? And that is only one (really big) example of how scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians could influence the civic sector of our society. Running for local office, like membership on the school board, is another great way to get involved politically. Currently, the overwhelming majority of our politicians studied law and political science. Add that to the long list of failings in diversity for the U.S. government… It’s our fault, too, though. People can’t vote for candidates that don’t run!

4. Science Historian

The history of science has long been considered a discipline that merits great respect, and to no one’s surprise, most of what we know in science history is about white, Western, cis men. Shockingly, that demographic is hardly the first or the only group of people to contribute to the ever-expanding body of scientific knowledge. So who is going to correct that narrative? In your role as a science historian, you will be charged with interpreting the past for the benefit of a present. I often wonder how different the science world would look if the contributions of non-normative identities were held in the same esteem as the current forefathers and sprinkling of (white) foremothers. Certainly a film like “Hidden Figures” would have been made sooner… and under a different title.

Digital Media Content Producer

Whew. That’s a mouthful, but as more and more of our world turns digital, the market for media savvy young professionals is expanding. Truthfully, the proliferation of vloggers, YouTube sensations, and podcast hosts is overwhelming for me, but I am grateful to a good number of these content creators for keeping me informed about the latest and greatest in the communities to which I belong. If you enjoy the regular Twitter conversations that connect the ivory tower and the water cooler, or if you think Reddit should be respected as a scholarly source, consider taking your STEM background online. The Internet is a great equalizer in a hierarchy too long maintained by the hallowed halls of higher learning, so even if you don’t end up at Buzzfeed with Quinta B., the expansion of science literacy through digital media still has worth.

Screenwriter/Filmmaker

I would be remiss if I didn’t explicitly point out the intersections between STEM and the Arts, so if you are living at that crossroads, I got you! Diversity and inclusion in television and movies has come a long way. Again, I introduce “Hidden Figures” as a testament to the growing push to include more marginalized people in the spotlight. And “Mr. Robot”! If you haven’t been following that show, please get into it. People of color, queer people, women and femmes, low-income people, and differently-abled people, among others, are active in STEM, but most mainstream representations of our careers are more of the same. If any of you amazingly talented people have an interest in this, please follow that inclination. The result is more imagery that can normalize the myriad of ways we exist in the world, and I want to watch your show!

Indisputably, the time is now for current STEM students and recent STEM graduates to take part in a fundamental shift in our society. Our rising consciousness of injustice and inequality, coupled with the boom in innovative science and technology, leaves ample space for us to bring our love for the scientific method out from under our fume hoods and into the day-to-day. A commitment to improving the world is something to celebrate and cultivate, not sacrifice and deny. Don’t shy away from your inspirations! We need you.

Kara Bledsoe is a MSLIS student at the Pratt Institute, specializing in digital archives and cultural preservation. She is also an aspiring filmmaker and web developer with a passion for increasing minority representation in STEM and STEM history.” Kara Bledsoe is a MSLIS student at the Pratt Institute, specializing in digital archives and cultural preservation. She is also an aspiring filmmaker and web developer with a passion for increasing minority representation in STEM and STEM history.

Career

Finding Purpose in “Busy Work”

March 5, 2018June 12, 2018
by admin

Picture this: It’s 11AM. You’re sitting in an Intro to Art Appreciation course. Your professor is lecturing about the social effects of hieroglyphics in ancient Egypt. Twenty minutes later, you’re handed an exercise. “Use hieroglyphics to spell out your name” is written at the top of the worksheet. You’ve still got thirty minutes to go in the class, and your physics exam starts in forty-five.

Chances are, you’ve actually experienced at least one of these situations — or something pretty close to it! Maybe you weren’t in Intro to Art Appreciation, but received an email from a boss asking you to write up a progress report. Often, general education courses or professional writing tasks like these might feel like busy work. And in some ways, what you’re feeling is pretty normal. These types of courses and tasks are often required. For instance, you might have chosen to take Intro to Art Appreciation based on your heavy STEM schedule or the instructor rather than your interest in the content. And much has already been argued regarding the validity, ethics, and purpose of the general education program. But at the end of the day, it doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere, and neither is your memo report writing. So whether you like it or not, you’re stuck doing that hieroglyphics worksheet or typing up a progress report for the next thirty minutes.

Yet, for many of us, the problem isn’t necessarily with these tasks, but the delivery of content in the form of “busy work.” Busy work, or shorter activities that appear to be designed to keep an individual “busy” as opposed to teaching a skill or forwarding a project, are common throughout education. But, busy work has actually made its way into the professional world as well. And, it’s problematic. Nobody wants to do work that isn’t fulfilling or doesn’t feel purposeful.

So, what’s a STEM student to do when you’re not feeling like you’re applying your STEM education in any sort of meaningful way?

Have faith in the system

Now, nobody’s asking you to have blind faith! But, think of the logistics. At the college level, the general education curriculum is designed around the concept of “common knowledge.” In other words, courses are designed to teach students to become more self-aware. Your professors are there to prepare you for issues and discussions that occur in the “Real World.” Plus, the last thing they want to do (or have time to do) is grade more student work.

In the professional world, the point of a business is to make money. Assigning busy work just doesn’t make logical sense. Why would an employer waste resources on pointless work? Simply put: they wouldn’t!

Having faith in the system means believing that there is a higher goal that all of the smaller tasks lead up to. In the hierarchy of education or employment, everybody is working to meet the end goal. The smaller tasks are purposeful in leading everybody to that end goal. So, having faith in the system means you trust your professor or boss to lead you to that end goal.

Connect the dots

On the surface level, an assignment or a task might feel like busy work. But in general, all assigned tasks have very specific purposes related to an overall goal. Sometimes, it’s harder to see those purposes and correlate them to any type of project. But, once you decide to have faith in the system – to believe that there is indeed a method to the madness – it’s easier to connect those dots on your own. (Nevertheless, if you’re still not convinced, ask your teacher or supervisor for a clarification of the task.)

For instance, using hieroglyphics to write out your name personalizes an action that ancient civilizations used as means to communicate to one another. The language used by ancient Egyptians influenced countless early and modern civilizations, up to the present day. By navigating the language patterns and mimicking the actions used by ancient Egyptians, you’re engaging with a process that influenced the modern day thinking of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics! Cool, right?

Use your talents

In a 2014 study conducted by CareerBuilder, at least 32% of college graduates reported that they never worked in the field of study for which they have a degree. In other words, you might get a degree in aerospace engineering, but end up working as a pharmaceutical sales representative.

If you don’t have a clear understanding of how individual tasks are related to an overall goal, it’s hard to find value in the work. This is felt even more so when you tirelessly work on learning a new skill and rarely have the opportunity to showcase that skill.

But, if you think outside of the box, you can use your talents and skills to complete busy work, which makes the task feel much less mundane. Incorporate mathematical theories into your essays, write about a mathematician who inspires you, or research the different ways that math intersects with writing. If you find yourself as a pharmaceutical sales representative with an engineering degree, don’t fret! You have the chemistry background to hold a conversation about a drug and its effects with a doctor.

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At the end of the day, know that busy work (or what appears to be “busy work”) is considered a necessary evil in both school and the professional world. And as such, busy work can present a number of challenges. However, if you can learn trust the system, envision the larger project, and challenge yourself to incorporate your skills into every task, you just might learn something new!

Career

Science Behind The Perfect Thanksgiving

March 5, 2018June 12, 2018
by Cynthia Sharpe

Let’s be honest, there is no perfect Thanksgiving. There is no set-in-stone combination that equates to a flawless gathering of friends and family. And let’s face it, the usual culprit, or at least a likely component to go wrong, is the food. Yes, there are the conversational spats and the kids fussing over the remote, but from the making, to the devouring, to the unbuttoning of newly tightened pants, food can bring people together. So let’s try not to ruin that part of your Thanksgiving, by sticking to these 8 guidelines.

Be Kind & Mind: Once you have devised a list of guests to your Thanksgiving meal, make sure you consider their needs. Some of your guests may have dietary restrictions, which means you may not be able to cook everything your heart desires or that you may need to cook more. There are several ways to accommodate for these needs. First, ask your guests what they cannot eat, or what their favorite dish is. You can also send them a list of what you plan to cook and see if the items listed are suitable to them. If not, there are plenty of recipes online that utilize the substitution of ingredients. Another option, is a potluck meal, which allows the guest to bring a dish of their liking to the feast, ensuring that there is at least something they will not mind eating.
Proper Planning & Preparation: Prior planning prevents poor performance. Figure out what you want to make; make a plan to gather the items necessary to make each dish; then plan how and when you will prepare those dishes. One of your objectives should be to use your time wisely, so as to not wear yourself or anyone else out before the big meal. Prep things like your turkey, the crust and filling to your pie, and anything else that may need to be soaked or cleaned or mixed or diced, a day or two early, so long as it will not ruin the item’s freshness.
Fresh is Best: After binge watching Gordon Ramsay’s “Kitchen Nightmares,” I believe it safe to say that having fresh food instead of frozen food can make or break a dish. It can be the difference between an “O.K.” dish and an amazing one. Instead of buying frozen broccoli, try broccoli from the fresh produce section. Combine your prepped ingredients on the day of the meal and bake that perfect pie in just a few minutes. Have freshly cooked rice instead of hard, day-old rice. Try mashing your own potatoes instead of pouring them from the bag and adding water. You will be glad you did.
If It’s Fast, Do It Last: Now sometimes, those mashed potatoes from the box are a guaranteed favorite and sometimes you’re pressed for time. That’s O.K. Not every dish has to take forever to make. Taste is achievable without letting something sit in the oven or on the stove for an hour. If there is something that can be made last minute, quick and in a hurry, without sacrificing taste, then by all means, do it! Have no shame in your game for reducing your chances of screwing up a meal. A few of my favorite boxed or canned items are mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and stuffing.
Seasonings Save Lives: Some things just don’t come boxed with flavor and freshness is not the only factor in good food; seasonings play a big part as well. Go-on-head and bust out that Lawry’s seasoning salt and that Morton’s salt and pepper. Don’t forget the brown sugar and cinnamon for the yams, even bits of ham for the collard greens. What’s a feast without a taste? Aim to salivate tremendously with every spoonful.
Gobble Up Guidance: What better way to ensure success, than to accept the wise guidance of other sources, like this article. Dig through grandma’s old recipes. Take auntie on that trip with you to the grocery store. Watch the Food Network every other night. Google the perfect combination of ingredients until your fingers fall off. Everyone needs a hand now-and-then.
Every Dish A Diamond: The ultimate goal of the meal, is to make every dish a diamond. Even the smallest thing leaves a mark. Put your foot in the macaroni. Add blood sweat and tears to the cornbread. Sprinkle a little love over the cabbage. Place that Hawaiian roll perfectly on the plate. It is rewarding to taste every bit of effort and resourcefulness come into fruition.
Checks & Balances: A Thanksgiving meal does not have to be a completely unhealthy meal. Utilize the food pyramid to have a balance of each food group on the table. People are known to go heavy on the grains and proteins at Thanksgiving feasts. Fresh fruit may make a great topping for that chocolate cake. Don’t forget the banana pudding. But about portions, throw those out the window. It’s Thanksgiving!

Happy Turkey Day and Happy Cooking!

This piece comes to us from one of our talented content contributors, Cynthia Sharpe. Her bio is below and if you would like to work with us you can email us here!

Career

The Top 4 STEM Job Opportunities for 2017

March 2, 2018June 12, 2018
by admin

STEM professionals are the innovators and trendsetters. Their research has enabled the creation of several inventions that have made our lives easier. Consider things we take for granted each day such as the ability to connect with others via the internet or the light bulbs that illuminate our homes. Becoming a part of the STEM community is an exciting, challenging, and rewarding experience. This article discusses the top 4 trending STEM jobs for 2017.

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analyst jobs are expected to increase by 18% by 2024. With such great growth potential, this is a career that shouldn’t be overlooked. Information Security Analysts typically earn $90,120 per annum and are responsible for planning and implementing security measures to protect an organization’s networks and systems.

Financial Advisor

People will always be looking for ways to make their money work for them. The best financial advisors are those who understand the intricacies of the financial market and can make the best investment decisions for clients. Financial advisors typically earn $81,060 per annum.

Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical engineering is a growing sector with a whopping expected 23% growth rate by 2024. Biomedial engineers design, research and create devices used in healthcare. They typically earn $86,950 per annum.

Software Developer

The demand for technology continues to increase. Many people envision a world where robot companions and flying cars are real. Software developers play a crucial role in this continuously growing sector. They write the code necessary for developing computer programs and earn approximately $95,510 annually.

Environmental Engineer

Concern for the environment continues to be a hot topic for many. If we continue on the path that we’re on, the earth will no longer exist. Environmental engineers work assiduously to craft solutions to issues with recycling, waste disposal and pollution. They typically earn $80,890 annually.

STEM provides many enriching careers for those with inquisitive and creative minds. STEM careers rock! They provide the platform for inventors and problem solvers to shine. Are you ready to be the next great mover and shaker?

Christine is an authentic Jamaican who loves curried goat, fried plantains, and festivals. She lives and breathes writing. Putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) causes a fire within her to ignite as the words flow from her heart. She is the author of two e-books and enjoys jamming to music in her room where no one can see. You can learn more about her by visiting her website.

Career

How to Manage Time Effectively

March 2, 2018June 12, 2018
by Cynthia Sharpe

Time slips by so quickly: classes, internships, programs, special events, various obligations, even those of a personal nature, all require time. With the hustle and bustle of life one forgets to put the self first. With so many things on the “To Do” List, some things just never get done in time. Knowing that so much is expected of you, even by yourself, can be overwhelming. But be assured, there are ways to get done what NEEDS to be done. By managing your time effectively you may even do what you WANT to do, here are some tips to help!

PRIORITIZE
Prioritize means to determine the importance of things, if you find yourself overwhelmed take a breath and remember to weigh importance. A “To Do List” looks way less hectic when there is order to it. Ask yourself, “What needs to be done immediately and what can be done last?” Every other task should fall somewhere in between those two polar items on the list. Be sure to also note what can be done a little at a time or broken up into different projects, then spread those tasks out within a reasonable timeframe. Once you have prioritized and understood your tasks you will have completed a very important step in your road to better time management.

USING RESOURCES
Once you have the list of what needs to be done you can begin to concentrate on how it will be done. Ever heard of the phrase, “There’s always more than one way to skin a cat?” Well there’s usually more than one way to get a task done. Encourage yourself to think outside of the box and to utilize all resources. People, for example, can be great resources. They can motivate you, help you form a study or focus group, help you get a better understanding of your work, and of course, connect you to others to point you in the right direction. Maybe that person you never thought to come to could be an unexpected resource. If people are not your preferred resource, consult a book, a computer program, or customer service. Remember there is always more than one way.

PLANNER
One of the greatest investments I have ever made has been in a planner. Planners allow you to get a better sense of how you will be using your time by applying your list of tasks to dates. Dating tasks give them a sense of urgency if needed or quell anxiety when not. They also help you predict what may stand in the way of you accomplishing your goal and enable you to plan for hindrances. Get a planner. Watch it change your life.

SELF CARE
Sometimes the last thing we leave time for is ourselves. Truth is, no matter how busy you are, you must have time for yourself. Without sleep, nourishment, and time, you cannot expect much to be productive and get it all done. Managing time requires focus, something you cannot have if you are distracted by personal needs.

SAYING NO
Part of self care is saying “no”. It is not always easy to do. You may feel terrible for saying it. But saying no can be healthy and helpful when you have a lot on your plate. And when you think about it, you cannot manage your time well if you have no time. You cannot do it all, all the time.

TALK TO YOURSELF
Every now-and-then, when you find yourself procrastinating or getting behind, remind yourself of what’s important. Remind yourself that you need to use your time like it is valuable, that you have goals and a plan, and the only way to reach those goals is to follow that plan. Get real with yourself and your time. But most importantly,

Be encouraged. The tasks will get done. You will survive!

This piece comes to us from one of our talented content contributors, Cynthia Sharpe. Her bio is below and if you would like to work with us you can email us here!