Is STEM the obvious career path for those who want an interesting role in an industry where they’re nearly guaranteed a job? Well, yes, but only for some.
The STEM sector has a talent gap. It has a skills gap. It has more jobs than people to fill them. It should be easy for a qualified person to walk into a role. Sadly, that isn’t always the case.
There can be a number of factors standing between a person and the job of their dreams; little (or big) adversities that make the difference between getting hired and languishing in unemployment, or in a job that makes you unhappy.
This week, we took a look at overcoming some of those adversities.
The factors that block progress can be personal or professional, or even endemic in society.
The barriers to women entering STEM professions is certainly perceived as one of the latter. A recent Accenture study showed that girls’ interest in STEM slackens off greatly as they get older, largely because gendered stereotypes become a greater influence.
But there are a lot of people out there fighting to lower that particular barrier and rid us of damaging stereotypes. This week, we looked at 14 role models who are doing their utmost to inspire young people to pursue a career in STEM, regardless of gender, race or background.
Diversity may soon become an even more uphill battle than it already is, as – in addition to competing with other qualified experts – we will soon be competing with AI and bots. As the Science Gallery Dublin launched its latest exhibition, Humans Need Not Apply, we examined how the automated future may affect humankind.
But while we’re still on a solely human level, we’ll keep giving you tips to help you land a job where your biggest competitor may very well be yourself. This week, we pulled together some tips that should help introverts get through the trauma of a job interview.
Of course, employers can face some adversity of their own, as we move further away from a job-for-life model. As talent becomes more mobile, companies can struggle to keep staff. We looked at what they can do to stop their employees fleeing.
However, those employers may still be facing a fight to keep talent on site, as competitors insist on creating new jobs.
This week, announcements came from Accenture, Zendfast and Red Hat, generating a total of 380 jobs across the island.
Some of these may entice applicants from outside of the green isle – applicants like Liberty IT’s Francesco Ferazzoli, who moved to Dublin from Rome for work just last year.
Finally, we took a look at how – once you’ve wrestled your way into a STEM role – you can stop your career from taking over your life. Work-life balance is essential, but how does it stretch beyond just working from home?
As always, for more on any of these stories, follow the links below.
1. Survey finds girls’ interest in STEM drops drastically as they get older
As girls get older, they are more likely to be influenced by gendered stereotypes, limiting their interest in STEM subjects.
2. 14 role models for women who want a career in STEM
Without a doubt, we need more women in STEM. We know that. Luckily, so do these amazing role models.
3. How to prepare for the robot takeover
Welcome to the future. Humans need not apply. A new exhibition at Science Gallery Dublin is exploring what an automated world might look like.
4. This is how introverts win at job interviews
Introverts of the world, rejoice! You can use your reserved demeanour to your advantage – even within the daunting setting of a job interview.
5. How do I stop my best employees from leaving?
If you’re desperate to win the war on talent and keep your very best employees, here’s how you do it.
6. 300 new Accenture jobs to Dock in Ireland
Accenture is to hire 300 tech and design professionals in Ireland this year, including 100 new roles at The Dock in Dublin.
7. 20 jobs being created at on-demand courier service Zendfast
A new Irish on-demand courier service called Zendfast has been launched, with plans to create 20 jobs in Dublin over the next 3 years.
8. Waterford boost as Red Hat announces 60 jobs
Open source specialist Red Hat is pumping €12.7m into its Waterford offices, aiming to create 60 new roles over the next three years.
9. For a software engineer, Ireland is the best place to develop a career
We hear a lot about the outflow of young Irish talent. Sometimes, it’s important to remind ourselves that talent isn’t just moving in one direction.
10. Does working from home give you a good work-life balance?
Companies are still finding their feet when it comes to giving employees a good work-life balance. But does the flexibility of letting you work from home really give you the best of both worlds?
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