FULL STEAM AHEAD
Feature
academic and professional futures. The fairs also contribute to breaking stereotypes, promoting inclusivity,
“Moreover, engaging with students at this stage allows employers to contribute to educational programs, offer internships, and establish partnerships with schools, creating a pathway for talent development that aligns with their specific industry needs,” Zimmerman says. “Ultimately, employers like GEOTEK benefit by proactively shaping the future workforce, promoting career literacy, citing our diversity and inclusion, and ensuring a competitive edge in recruiting top-tier talent in the STEM fields.” Zimmerman also stresses that the STEAM Summit for middle and high school students offers invaluable opportunities for career exploration. It exposes students to the breadth of science, technology, agriculture, and math fields, providing hands-on experiences, interactive demonstrations, and the chance to network with professionals. “By engaging with real-world applications of their classroom concepts and interacting with passionate individuals in the STEAM fields, students gain insights into diverse career options, inspiring them to consider their options after high school as well as different paths in higher education,” Zimmerman says. And by attending the STEAM Summit, students understand industry expectations, discover internship opportunities, and learn about educational programs, all fostering informed decision-making about their
Moreover, engaging with students at this stage allows employers to contribute to educational programs, offer internships, and establish partnerships with schools, creating a pathway for talent development that aligns with their specific industry needs. “ ”
and showcasing the flexibility of different careers, encouraging students from diverse backgrounds to explore and pursue
rewarding paths within the STEM fields.
“Students stopping at the GEOTEK Booth didn’t know what different career paths existed in manufacturing until learning about the diversity of roles at the company,” Zimmerman says. “Overall, these fairs serve as catalysts for early career exploration, empowering students to make informed choices and inspiring a passion for STEM disciplines.” FROM VARIOUS PERSPECTIVES The STEAM Summit provided significant takeaways for both students and employers. For students, the event offered exposure to a wide array of STEM fields, allowing them to explore diverse career options and gain hands-on experience through interactive demonstrations. For students it has proved invaluable, offering insights into industry expectations, educational paths, and the day-to-day realities of various STEM professions. The fair inspired students by showcasing passionate role models and fostering a deeper understanding of the flexibility and inclusivity within industries like manufacturing and companies like GEOTEK.
According to Zimmerman, for employers, participation in the Summit facilitated early identification of promising talent and the opportunity to actively contribute to shaping the future workforce. For example, while allowing GEOTEK to enhance their brand awareness and attract a diverse pool of potential candidates, the event also establishes meaningful partnerships with educational institutions and other organizations. Brand awareness is important for business-to- business connection too. “Additionally, the emphasis on inclusivity and breaking stereotypes within the event for GEOTEK was a key takeaway, as a manufacturer recognized for the importance of promoting diversity in their industry,” Zimmerman says. “Overall, the STEAM Summit emerged as a crucial platform for mutual benefit, connecting students with opportunities for
8 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — DECEMBER 2023
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software