Chris Robertson

STEM Career pathways By: Chris The Graduate  STEM careers are one type of career that continues to grow in importance as we as mankind move towards becoming more dependent on advanced technology. We rely on it more heavily in our daily lives. Studies in STEM are those that deal with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics as well as other related fields. STEM programs provide students with a wide range of career options, as there are over a hundred career opportunities. A number of successful STEM careers can be seen in the following list. Zoologist    First and foremost, one of the most interesting STEM careers is a zoologist. A zoologist studies animals in their natural habitats and observes their behavior in their surrounding environment. The work this entails does not just take place in a lab, but also outside and all over the world.  Zoologists need to understand the biology, behavior, and ecology of animals, and use this knowledge to help with conservation efforts and to better understand the impact of humans on animals and their habitats. Additionally, zoologists utilize a variety of tools and technologies to help them monitor and study animals in the wild.  Zoologists can work in various settings, from research facilities to wildlife conservation organizations, zoos, and aquariums. They are also responsible for conducting research, collecting data, and writing and publishing reports related to their findings. As part of their studies, zoologists travel with animals to understand natural scenarios. They can even explore marine life and look for diversity in the seas as they search for variety. For instance, zoologists may accompany scientists on boats to observe sea creatures in their natural habitats and collect data about them. Computer Science A career in computer science involves not only studying computers on a higher level but also studying their hardware and software as well. Additionally, mathematical techniques are used to ensure maximum hardware security. Higher-level computer science involves understanding software such as coding, algorithms, and data structures. At a lower level, computer science includes understanding hardware such as processors, memory, and storage devices.  Mathematical techniques are used to ensure hardware security and handle large data sets. Moreover, computer scientists are also responsible for configuring algorithms and analyzing data to ensure hardware security at all times. There is no limit to where one can work in this field if one has a Bachelor’s degree.  This is no matter where they are located in the world. With the increasing demand for reliable hardware, computer scientists are in high demand to develop and maintain hardware that can handle large amounts of data. This requires a strong understanding of mathematical principles and algorithms to ensure hardware security. With a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, the opportunities to work in this field are virtually limitless, regardless of where someone is located. It is predicted that as countries continue to use technology, computer science will increase to keep up with technology and power.  Civil Engineering  The field of civil engineering is another example of a STEM career. Civil engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of public and private works. These include roads, bridges, canals, dams, and buildings. The workdays of civil engineers vary from the office to the construction site due to a lot of movement.  For instance, civil engineers are required to inspect the construction site to ensure the safety of the workers and the building itself. Civil engineering is an important field as it helps to improve the infrastructure of a society, making it safer and more sustainable. For a successful career in this field, a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering Technologies is required. And to work on construction sites, depending on your state, certifications, and licenses are needed. Civil engineers need the right qualifications, technical knowledge, and experience to succeed in this field. Civil engineers also need excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Additionally, they should understand local building codes and regulations. Research Analyst  Our final STEM career is as a research analyst. As a Research Analyst, also known as a Market Research Analyst, you study customer behavior, business conditions, and product or service sales. Analysts use this research to identify market trends and recommend how to capitalize on them.  They often use data analysis, surveys, interviews, and other research techniques to gather the necessary information. For instance, a Research Analyst might conduct focus groups to measure customer satisfaction with a product or service, then analyze the data to make predictions and draw conclusions.  This career’s work environment mostly revolves around Graphic Designers and artists creating study charts and solving sales problems. It is necessary to obtain a bachelor’s degree in order to pursue a career as a research analyst. Research analysts need to be proficient in data analysis and have a strong understanding of statistics and research methodology to succeed. They must also have excellent communication and presentation skills, as they are often responsible for presenting their findings to stakeholders. Additionally, a bachelor’s degree is generally required to become a Research Analyst, as it gives them the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their duties. Sources: U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics 

The Decline of Remote Work  By: Chris The Graduate  In the wake of the pandemic, jobs have shifted home. There has been an increase of 61 percent in remote workers over the past year, compared with the year before, in 2020. It has become increasingly common for businesses to have their employees work remotely as a result of safety concerns.  There has been a shift in the workplace towards a more remote workforce, which has been a big change for companies and their employees alike, with many wondering if this will continue once the pandemic has been contained. With the shift to remote work, companies have been able to continue operating even during lockdowns, ensuring a continuous flow of work to customers. This has reduced the pandemic’s economic impact. The number of employees working from home has decreased as everything returns to normal. Many companies are switching to a hybrid model, with some employees working remotely and others in the office. This allows companies to reduce costs while providing employees with flexible work arrangements.  As companies adjust to the updated normal, employers ask for employees’ return back to the workspace. Employers are also encouraging employees to come back by providing perks like work-from-home incentives and other benefits. Companies are also taking steps to ensure that the workspace is safe and secure for employees to return. However, for some companies, the switch back to the office is a slow and gradual process.  Another factor contributing to the decline of remote jobs is the increased competition in the workforce. Companies can now access a wider pool of talent by hiring locally, making it harder for remote workers to stand out. Furthermore, remote workers often lack the in-person networking opportunities that an in-office job provides, which can be a major factor in career advancement. Overall, the decline of remote jobs is a concerning trend for the workforce. Companies must recognize the value of remote teams and invest in the resources necessary to make remote work successful. Additionally, remote workers must proactively develop and showcase their skills to remain competitive in the job market. With the right strategies and resources, remote work can still be a viable option for many in the workforce. But is this a benefit to work and careers? What issues and challenges could arise during these changes?

Media’s Affect on Careers  By: Chris The Graduate    Today, media is part of our everyday lives, whether it is receiving information about what is happening in the world; or using examples from the media in order to teach new generations of scholars what is happening in the world. The number of Americans who own social media apps on their mobile devices has risen to over 90% in recent years, and this percentage is expected to continue to rise. As a society, we need to realize the extent to which we are dependent on the media. Most of our entertainment is influenced by the media. It is also important to remember that the media also contributes to the development of jobs and careers worldwide.   Finding a Job Using Media In order to have a positive effect on careers and jobs, the media has the power to assist in finding careers and jobs. All over cyberspace, apps and websites such as Indeed.com and LinkedIn.com are created to not only help individuals seek jobs and job listings based on experience and interest. But also help companies connect with individuals who fit the role and positions the business could use help with. From thebalancemoney.com by Emily: “Job websites serve as the modern equivalent of classified ads by compiling and listing available telecommute, remote, and local openings. Equipped with millions of listings and additional resources like career coaching, resume tailoring, and blog posts full of helpful tips, using a job website is one of the best and most efficient ways to search for and apply to dozens of opportunities.” It is worth mentioning that job search is not limited to job websites; there are thousands of other jobs on the web that are available for people who are able to perform almost anything that is needed. Social media is another example of where many job seekers look for jobs. Glassdoor.com has confirmed that 79 percent of social media is useful for job seekers. There is no doubt that the media can be misleading from time to time, but there is no doubt that you can find a job anywhere if you do your research and search.  Digital Footprint  In addition to the impact of the media on careers and jobs, what people do on the internet also has an impact. There is a concept known as a digital blueprint that describes how media and social media are used. It is because of this reason that there are many people who are not receiving jobs or opportunities because of their activity on social media. When interviewing and applying for jobs, employers conduct background checks on future employees. It is not only critical to check the legal background of a person, but also their social media to get a better picture of the person. Many employers follow this process to determine what views a person holds and whether the company wants to support those views. According to Forbes.com Jacquelyn Smith, 65% of companies have used social media posts to research their applicants thoroughly. Some 51% of them utilize these public posts to check if the applicant is appropriate for a certain position or is flexible enough to adjust to the work environment and culture of the company. The use of media in the world today is without a doubt one of the most significant aspects of the world economy. It affects the majority of our lives in both positive and negative ways. What you input online can also have a significant impact on your career. There are numerous ways it could aid in finding a great job, but it could also lead to the demise of other employment opportunities. The media is powerful, and if you’re not careful, it can influence more than just your career if you’re not careful about what you say or do.     Sources:  https://www.thebalancemoney.com/top-best-job-websites-2064080      https://www.glassdoor.com/index.htm  https://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/04/16/how-social-media-can-help-or-hurt-your-job-search/?sh=56ed25697ae2                

Rage Applying By Chris The Graduate Jordan Smith, a 28-year-old music industry professional, worked at a Sport-broadcasting company for two years. After an opening at the job for a higher place in the company and being the supervisor’s right hand, she believed she deserved the promotion. Unfortunately, not even receiving an interview, the company chose a new person for the position that was. This made Jordan upset and furious because of how much effort she had put into the company. This was a sign that she had to move on. Knowing your worth in the workspace is important to understand while having a career. It states that you have self-respect and understand the effort you are putting into the company you are working for. In Jordan Smith’s situation, she realized after not receiving a promotion that she thought she deserved; That the sports broadcasting company did not see her as a valuable part of their team. This made Jordan move on to the next job that respected her worth and what she brings to the company. The Aftermath After this moment in Jordan’s life, she went on to look for work elsewhere. From joining Facebook groups to “Rage-Applying” to 5 different jobs. Jordan has said in the article that “After two years working as a music coordinator for the company, I felt that I had learned all I could. And obviously, there was not an opportunity for me to advance.” What Jordan was facing is common after leaving a job. She was eager to find that next job as soon as possible to continue to live comfortably. After this, Jordan came down to earth, realized her worth, and produced the idea that she has worth and needs to work where this worth was appreciated. Conclusion In the end, I believe many people would do the same as Jordan Smith. Working somewhere that you put much effort into yet not receiving the respect you think you deserve would alter your feelings and thoughts about your future for the job. Rage applying is also what many still do being in the said predicament and other situations. Immediately finding a place to work could be a top priority after the experience. But in the end, Jordan was right; Find your worth and put that as the top priority when working.

Life Long Learning By: Christopher Robertson Every moment of life requires learning. From learning how to walk to learning how to perform taxes correctly. Anything that is retained in life can and will benefit in the future. Studies by John B. Horrigan in “Lifelong Learning and Technology” states that 74% of adults consider themselves “life learners”. But the problem with learning as a young adult is that many people believe that learning stops in high school or college. They cease learning new life skills, causing many to struggle to become better adults. But how do you keep an active mind and take invaluable information for the future every day? Do you need to cram articles, books, news, and podcasts into your brain every morning to gain information? There could be more accessible methods to grow your mind as an adult and continue to learn throughout life. What is a Lifelong Learner? What is lifelong learning? Why is it so important in life to keep learning, especially in today’s world? Ideally, lifelong learning can be described as learning lessons and skills as life continues to see development and improvement in personal life. The number of skills that could be learned is infinite, yet skills that happen to improve a person’s life are more worthwhile and useful in the future. Said in the blog “5 Big Benefits of Learning New Skills” by Albin Morgan “It helps you get new and knowledge-based perspectives on the world around you. It helps you gain new experiences, trains your brain to handle a wide range of challenges, and keeps your neural pathways active.” Learning skills in life can alter the trajectory of how life is progressing. From learning how to cook a delicious meal for your family; To Learning how to complete an oil change for your own vehicle. But you do not have to stop there in learning in life. An example of this could be maybe a skill that could be learned is time management. Many people struggle with time management. But thinking as a “lifelong learner” and putting into the fact that this could be beneficial to be able to manage time better, you can try to start your journey into a new skill and improve your life. Becoming a Life Learner One of the most important steps into being a life learner is understanding what skills and lessons need to be worked on in your personal life. As said before, this lesson or skill could be anything that you can imagine or fathom into your life to see improvement. Making personal goals and plans that fit your life to master these skills and lessons is the best way to ensure success in arriving at your desired destination. Rearranging and taking time out of your day is key to being able to perform said skill and lesson to constantly see great progress. A notable example of this would be using time at the end of every other day to read and study how to grow financially in your life. Learning skills take lots of effort to perfect. Without effort, skills and learning lessons become boring and shift the outlook of your mission. This is also a good reason to limit yourself and spread out the time to learn so burnout does not occur in the process. Reflection Being a lifelong learner is a concept that is important to all generations. Improving your personal lifestyle is something that is only beneficial in growing as a person no matter what status you have in life. Every person on this planet has something that could be taught to them. Even though most adults claim to be “lifelong learners”, I believe that Self-development should begin early in the teenage years to get the best results out of life. However, time is precious and so is life. Becoming a lifelong learner can occur at any time in life, whether young or old. Sources: Lifelong Learning and Technology by JOHN B. HORRIGAN 5 Big Benefits of Learning New Skills by Albin Morgan