Students learn so much by observing — and, if they’re lucky, participating in — the everyday activities of employees. Exposing students to the workplace through job shadowing has long been a commitment at Burns & McDonnell.
We see how job shadowing changes a student’s perspective. A recent study showed students exposed to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) work environments are more likely to pursue STEM occupations. But it benefits our employee-owners, too. We’re energized by the opportunity to share our world with students and intrigued by the creative questions they ask about our work.
Why Job Shadowing is Necessary
STEM outreach for students remains a vital cause. The study addressed messages catered to students about STEM careers and found words alone aren’t pushing students into the industry.
Furthermore, parents, school counselors and teachers often fail to offer the complex information and career answers students seek. Only four out of 229 California students, or 1.7 percent, reported they received messages that communicated the opportunity for women and minorities in STEM and made them aware of the need for professionals in the fields, according to the study in the Journal of Applied Communication Research.
“Once students get a detailed picture of what it’s like to work in one of these jobs, it can motivate them to overcome difficult obstacles and adopt a STEM job as a goal,” says Karen Myers, a co-author of the study and an associate professor of communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
If your student shows signs of being a budding engineer, encourage an experiential learning experience like job shadowing.
What Job Shadowing Means Here
We’re committed to empowering the next generation of STEM professionals at Burns & McDonnell. And because we recognize not all students get adequate information about STEM careers, we’re out to fill in the gaps.
Job shadowing opportunities are offered year-round and in half- or full-day sessions. Students can choose any combination of disciplines or specialties to shadow and will be matched with a young employee-owner who is walking the walk and living the life as a STEM professional.
This opportunity educates students about careers in engineering, architecture, environmental science, drafting and construction management. Students are involved in every part of a typical day — from interacting with clients and co-workers to witnessing projects coming to life. Participants leave with a better understanding of what skills they need to succeed in the workforce.
Was it fate or through experiential learning that led you to your career path? Continue the conversation in the comments below or with us on Facebook.
Emily Rhoden heads up Burns & McDonnell’s K-12 educational outreach initiatives. She works regularly with students and teachers to inspire an interest in STEM education. Interested in a job shadowing experience for yourself or for your child? Email Emily. If you want to learn more about working with Emily, connect with her on LinkedIn.
The post Benefits of Job Shadowing for STEM Careers appeared first on The Burns & McDonnell Careers Blog.