The GiST
Influence how your students view themselves and their opportunities in STEM industries, especially the women of the future.
Career Guidance in STEM
Career advisors play a very important role in helping girls understand what roles are suitable for them. By empowering career advisors with the information they need, when they need it, we can help them inspire our young women to think beyond the traditional gender stereotyped careers.
Are you a Career Advisor?
Great to have you here! Just by exploring the STEMpower website and resources you are committing to a better and brighter future for young women heading into the workforce.
Did you know that sharing a positive STEM message to girls can...
…by sharing futuristic careers that are more relevant to women they can see the impact they can have.
- Rather than saying ‘would you like to be a mechanical engineer?’ you could say ‘would you like to design functional fashion for female astronauts?’
…because when girls receive a collectively positive STEM message, it negates some of the systemic biases and barriers they face.
- Download some of the positive STEM posters from our resources section and place them around your school.
…by highlighting the importance of women in STEM and also helping boys improve their perceptions of women in STEM.
- Explore the Techtrails DIY Program and champion running one in your school with your STEM teachers.
Industry has been long calling attention to the skills gaps they face. Girls’ active participation in STEM prepares them with the skills required for the future job market.
- Speak to local STEM companies to understand their future needs. When speaking to girls about career choices, show them relevant Future Careers Profiles to inspire them to solve industry problems.
…because when girls increase participation in STEM subjects, the critical thinking skills they learn often inspire them to stay on a path of continuous learning.
- If a girl is struggling with a STEM subject, or lacks enthusiasm because she thinks it is not relevant, share some of the videos from our video library to help give real world inspirational examples of women in STEM.
…because Australia needs more women in STEM. Encouraging girls to take more interest in STEM can prepare them for the high-demand roles that drive innovation and competitiveness.
- Share some of the at home activities in our resources marketplace for a student to complete at home with family, encouraging a positive STEM in the home too.
…because STEM careers are known to provide more job opportunities and better financial stability for women.
- If a student is unsure that they want to commit to a degree immediately after school, introduce them to some alternative pathways to STEM careers in our Further Education page. Make the idea of a non-linear or ‘squiggly line’ pathway a safe one.
As a career advisor, staying informed about the rapidly evolving landscape of STEM careers is crucial to guiding students effectively. Enhancing your knowledge not only lets you to offer current and insightful advice but also inspires girls to explore the possibilities within STEM they may not have thought they could.
STEM Advisor Resources
Here are 10 ways to keep your STEM career knowledge fresh and relevant:
1
Attend STEM Conferences and Workshops
Browse our events section to find relevant events in your area so you can engage with professionals and educators to gain insights into emerging trends.
2
Subscribe to STEM Journals, Magazines and Websites
Subscribe to STEMpower and other resources to stay informed about the latest research, innovations, and industry needs.
3
Collaborate with Local STEM Businesses
Find ways of bringing them into school activities so girls can understand real world applications of STEM skills and what companies look for in their graduates.
4
Participate in Online STEM Webinars
This can save time and make learning from experts about new technologies and career paths more accessible.
7
Join Professional STEM Associations
There are some also listed in our resources section. Network with peers and access resources dedicated to STEM education and careers.
8
Follow STEM Industry Leaders on Social Media
You can get updates on breakthroughs and career opportunities directly from the source and share these with your students as they happen.
9
Encourage Participation in STEM Competitions
Browse our STEM events and share upcoming events or competitions your students can participate in.
10
Review Government and Educational STEM Reports
Stay updated on policy changes and future skill demands. Our resources page can connect you with reports and research to guide your career advisory sessions.
Featured Resources
STEM Events
Local and virtual STEM events and initiatives for everyone.
CICA Practitioners
Explore the Career Industry Council resources, professional standards and browse endorsed courses for career advice professionals.
Future Careers Profiles​
Careers of the future are changing rapidly. The introduction of technology and artificial intelligence has meant that many current roles could be completely revolutionised by the time you are in the workforce.
Understanding what careers are available now and what could be in the future helps you make study and career decisions. STEMpower has hundreds of individual Future Careers profiles that you can explore.
Find your Future Career!
Getting the Community Involved
Other career influencers can be family members, teachers or career advisors, school friends and peers, employers and business people, mentors and role models, celebrities or well-known personalities on social media.
Because of the myths and stigmas about women in STEM, young girls may receive negative STEM messages in the community.
So, what can the community do to help?
Positive Role Models
Encourage women in STEM careers or studying tertiary STEM to become role models in the community and share their stories.
Career Options
Share informed and up to date advice about future careers by introducing them to the STEMpower Future Careers Modules and Profiles so girls can be inspired and excited.
Influencers
Take to social media and the digital realm to find positive, relatable influencers promoting STEM and actively engage with and share their content.
