Welcome to the world of STEM!
Where Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are not just subjects, but the building blocks of the future! Ever wondered how a video game is made, what keeps bridges standing, or how your phone can recognise your face? That’s STEM in action!
Science
Technology
Engineering
Mathematics
21st Century Skills
STEM is more than just numbers and beakers, taking an active interest in STEM helps you develop 21st century skills. But what does that even mean? It means that when you participate in STEM subjects you develop important skills that are needed in the workforce and help you in everyday life.
These are just some of the super skills that will help you navigate the challenges of the modern world, innovate solutions, and lead with confidence.
Let’s break stereotypes, colour outside the lines, and explore the endless possibilities that STEM offers. Are you in?
Virtual STEM Careers Expo
Welcome to our STEMpower Virtual STEM for Students Careers Expo! A digital journey designed to ignite your curiosity and ambition in STEM Careers.
STEM careers are pretty awesome. There are many women who have made ground breaking discoveries and achieved amazing success in STEM fields. Not only that, but women in STEM careers can have increased job security and many STEM jobs have higher than average pay.
Our Virtual STEM for Students Careers Expo will introduce you to the many exciting possibilities a job in STEM can offer! They can shine a spotlight on your path towards an innovative future – as the roles and opportunities in STEM are evolving at a rapid pace.
This expo is your gateway to exploring exciting, futuristic jobs and industry sectors that are shaping our world and solving global challenges.
What will I learn?
As you explore the world of STEM for Students you could uncover…
The Role of AI in Healthcare
Sustainability and Green Technology
Space Exploration Careers
The Future of Robotics
Cybersecurity and Digital Safety
Virtual and Augmented Reality
Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
Renewable Energy Innovation
Data Science and Big Data Analytics
Entrepreneurship in STEM
Ready to Explore?
Explore our interactive STEM Learning Modules!
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!
Study Pathways
The journey to a STEM career has various study pathways that cater to different interests, strengths, and career goals. By knowing the study pathways available you can better understand what subjects you will need through high school to give you the best chance at landing your dream job in STEM.
University STEM Study
University is a traditional route to a STEM career involving undergraduate (Bachelor’s) and possibly postgraduate (Master’s or Doctorate) degrees in specific STEM fields like biology, engineering, computer science, or mathematics.
But University isn’t just about lectures and exams; it is so much more!
- Hands on experience
- International travel opportunities through study abroad and exchange programs
- Community vibe with clubs, societies, and groups
- Career launchpad through University networks
- Develop friendships that last a lifetime
- Discounts! Check out Student Edge
Resources
Read all about what to expect at University and how it differs from high school learning.
Considering bypassing university for now?
If you’re thinking of heading straight into the workforce, or University just isn’t right for you, but are uncertain about which path to choose, there are plenty of options to explore.
Apprenticeships, traineeships, and diplomas offer practical, hands-on experience and can lead you directly into rewarding careers in STEM fields.
These pathways provide the opportunity to learn on the job, earn while you learn, and gain the qualifications and skills employers are looking for, without committing to a full university degree.
Many women in STEM careers started the same way, and some courses and certifications can count towards credits to future University degrees.
Let us guide you through the options available and help you find a program that aligns with your interests and career goals.
STEM Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships fall into the category of Vocational Education and Training (VET) and provide qualifications in various fields while you work. During an apprenticeship you get hands-on training and on the job experience. It gives you a taste of what working in a particular industry is like and provides you income while you do it.
STEM Traineeships
Traineeships are much like an apprenticeship, but they are more office-based roles and general business related. You still get the benefit of earning while you learn and gain a qualification along with it.
STEM Diplomas & Advanced Certificates
Diplomas and advanced certificates can provide you with specialised knowledge and skills, fast-tracking your entry into the workforce with qualifications that employers value.
Internships
You may think that a University pathway means you can’t earn while you learn, but some degrees have provisions for work experience and there are paid internship opportunities Australia wide and even globally.
Study Resources
If you’re aged 15 to 24 Workforce Australia Youth Advisory Sessions can help you find a job, get ready for a career or connect with education and training opportunities in your area.
As you make your next move, the School Leavers Information Kit (SLIK) can help you uncover all the education, training, and employment options available to you.
University isn’t for everyone. Fortunately, there are heaps of opportunities to study STEM that don’t involve a degree. We’re talking about vocational education and training – otherwise known as VET.
Explore and compare institutions and study areas based on real life student experiences so you can consider which pathway is right for you.
Looking for financial support for University? Find out what government assistance is available to you.
Embracing the squiggly line...
You’re probably wondering – what is the squiggly line? Embracing the squiggly line is about understanding that many career pathways take multiple twists and turns.
You may feel the pressure to have a clearly defined career path, and that can feel overwhelming.
But here’s the truth – not everyone knows exactly what job they want while still in school and that’s perfectly OK.
Life is a journey of discovery, and your career path can be too. It’s completely normal to change your mind, switch degrees, go into the workforce, or return to University later on.
It's OK to Explore!
Changing Your Mind
Switching Degrees
Workforce First
Returning to Study
Potential Career Journeys
Your career journey might be straight, squiggly, or just take a few unexpected turns, but each experience contributes to your unique story and skill set.
Starts in one field, discovers a passion for another, and switches courses or careers to align with new interests. May do this once or several times during their study and career.
Goes straight into work, gains experience, and later pursues a degree or certification to advance in a chosen field, pursue leadership roles or stay ahead of industry needs.
Enters the workforce in various roles before discovering a passion for STEM, then returns to study and transitions into a STEM career.
Completes a degree in a non-STEM field, works for a few years, then pursues further education or training to move into a STEM career, bringing a wealth of 21st century skills.
Graduates in STEM, starts a career, and continues to upskill through short courses, workshops, and further study to specialise or pursue opportunities as they arise.
By accepting that you might have a squiggly line study and career journey, you can feel empowered to pursue learning opportunities without the fear or pressure of the unknown.
We interviewed successful female STEM industry leaders about their squiggly line journey to their STEM dream job:
STEMpower Resources
Explore all STEM for Students resources available from fun at-home activities to STEM competitions and programs. Whether you’re new to the wide world of STEM or have been actively studying STEM and already love it, there will be something for you!
Some of the of STEM for Students resources available:
Featured Resources
The GiST
The Girls in STEM Toolkit is a girls go to guide on how STEM subjects can lead to highly valued (and often high paid) jobs. This fantastic website provides a large range of activities, videos and information that will inspire!
STEM Events
STEM events and initiatives in your local area or virtual events to power your STEM Journey.
STEMcognito
Explore verified videos about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics including short talks, long talks, interviews and activities that will help you explore your STEM possibilities.
Become a Mythbuster!
Ever feel like STEM isn’t for you because of what you’ve heard? Maybe it’s too tough, not creative, or seemingly just a “boy’s club”? Let’s bust those myths wide open!
STEM is an incredible world of discovery, creativity, and innovation where everyone is welcome! Especially girls like you!
It’s not just about equations and lab coats, there’s so much more to explore! Girls in STEM solve real world problems, design the future, and make a real difference.
Whether you dream of exploring the depths of space, creating life saving tech, or protecting the planet, STEM has a place for you.
STEM can be the key to unlocking your most ambitious dreams!
So, let’s crack open some of the myths you may have heard and start changing opinions together.
Is there a myth about STEM you think you can BUST for us? Submit your myth and we might feature it on the STEMpower platform, credited to you, and share it across our social media pages!
STOP the Stigma!
Now that we have busted some myths, you can be part of the solution to stop the STEM stigma for girls and women! By taking the next step and challenging these stereotypes wherever you find them you help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone interested in STEM, and for women generally!
Always With Respect
When tackling these stereotypes, it’s important to engage in respectful, informed, and open conversations. Knowing when to speak up is just as vital as how you do it. Aim to be a part of the solution by understanding other perspectives and encouraging open dialogue.
Use facts, personal experiences, and questions to invite reflection rather than confrontation. Remember, the goal is to educate, not alienate.
Did you know that, by addressing these stereotypes in an empathetic and supportive way, you’ll be increasing your empathy and communication skills, which are actually STEM 21st Century Skills. You’re one step closer to developing the skills you need for a fulfilling STEM career!
With that in mind, here are some ways you can help Stop the Stigma when you hear misinformation or negative perceptions about women in STEM.
Share Your Passion
When a family member expresses doubt about girls’ abilities in STEM or your abilities in STEM, share your enthusiasm for a project or subject you’re working on – or one you want to try out. Explain what you find fascinating and how you’re overcoming challenges.
STEM Role Models
Introduce your family to stories of successful women in STEM, through movies, documentaries or articles. Discuss their achievements and how they’ve contributed to society.
Family STEM Activities
Propose a fun STEM related family activity, like a science experiment or a coding game. It’s a way to show the creativity and teamwork involved in STEM, and it might be a bonding experience too.
Discuss Future Careers
Have a conversation about the wide range of careers available in STEM you learned about in the STEMpower Future Careers Profiles, share some of the profiles that you really like and highlight how these jobs and fields are essential for solving important problems, as well as providing stable jobs for women.
Challenge Stereotypes Together
If you notice stereotypes in media or conversations, gently point them out. Ask questions like, “Do you think anyone can be good at these subjects, regardless of gender?” or “Do you think a woman could do that job?”.
Lead the Way
Volunteer to lead or actively participate in STEM related group projects like a science project. You’ll showcase leadership and encourage collaboration, demonstrating the value of diverse perspectives.
Start a STEM Club
If there isn’t already one, consider starting a STEM club that focuses on inclusivity. Plan activities that uncover and dispel myths and highlight the fun side of STEM. It doesn’t have to be a girls only club either, the more boys that support you and the other girls in the club, the better!
Share Your Knowledge
If you are strong in STEM subjects, offer to help classmates struggling. While you may have your own homework to think about, even just offering some suggestions or introducing them to the STEMPower website could help them improve their STEM skills.
Get Talking
Engage in or organise debates on topics related to gender and STEM. Or if you hear other students speaking negatively about girls or women in STEM, use the opportunity to ask questions and understand why they have those beliefs. You can then offer facts and challenge misconceptions.
Share Your Wins!
If you have done well in a STEM subject or on a STEM project, share your achievements and challenges in STEM with your school friends and classmates. Even if you received a slightly better grade than last time, every time you celebrate your success it creates a positive mindset shift. It’s not about being the best, its about striving to be better!
Be Positive
Share positive stories and articles about women in STEM you find inspiring, highlighting their contributions and success stories.
Follow STEM Pages
Follow and engage with social media pages dedicated to women in STEM or particular influencers in STEM jobs or industries. Participate in their campaigns or discussions to spread awareness.
Get Creative
If you’re feeling creative, develop your own content busting myths about women in STEM. You could use infographics, short videos, or blog posts to reach a wider audience.
Share the Love
Leave supportive comments under posts that promote diversity in STEM, reinforcing positive messages and challenging negative ones respectfully.
Hashtag Campaigns
Participate in or start hashtag campaigns aimed at celebrating women in STEM or challenging stereotypes, encouraging others to join the conversation.
We recommend using the following hashtags to get you started:
#STEMpower #WomeninSTEM #UnlockYourSTEMPotential #ExploreSTEM #InnovateWithSTEM #STEMFuture #DiscoverSTEM #STEMJourney #STEMCareers #MakeADifferenceSTEM #STEMInnovation #SolveItWithSTEM #STEMSelfie
Need some STEMspiration?
Our role model portal features hundreds of women who have overcome barriers and achieved remarkable feats in STEM fields. Browse their profiles to explore their journey and maybe even find a mentor.
A role model in STEM can be a catalyst for your growth, aspiration, and success. Following the journey of a women who has been successful in STEM can help develop a resilient mindset and navigate your career decisions. Connecting with role models may help you see the potential within yourself!
Our role models demystify the path to success in STEM, giving a new perspective and approach to your STEM journey.
Explore Role Models
Techtrails in Your School!
Could your school and classmates benefit from learning more about STEM careers?
Do you want to learn more about how STEM skills could benefit your future career?
Techtrails Incursions are a great way to bring inspiring female STEM role models to share their stories and career journeys and take part in hands on activities like VR or flying drones.
Learn more about Techtrails...
Techtrails in WA
Nominate your school for a Techtrails incursion! We’ll reach out to your teachers and do the rest.
Somewhere else in Australia?
Nominate your school for the Techtrails DIY Program. We’ll reach out to your teachers and do the rest.
Download the info pack...
Want to convince your teachers to bring Techtrails to your school? Download the info pack to show them!
