#AskLuke - no. 4 - Diverse Engagement in STEM Topics

Today I am writing about a topic that has had quite a lot of media attention over the last few years and one that continues to be a significant consideration for education facilities and employers alike, the increasing skills shortage and how to promote diverse engagement in STEM topics.

STEM of course refers to topics (and jobs) within Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Just listing out all four of these areas adds gravitas to the importance of the conversation as when placed within the context of the new world of work it is these key areas that underpin the continued technological advancement of the world and work alike.

I feel there is also a tendency in recent times to focus purely on the 'T' - Technology. To some degree this is understandable, but it is important to remember that without the 'S', 'E' and 'M', the 'T' would struggle to progress at any real speed.

The focus of this blog comes from, Kevin Blair - Vice President for Global Talent Acquisition at IBM - Kevin asked:

I will be honest and say that Kevin first sent this question through to me a few weeks back but I have been a little intimidated by the topic as I am no expert in STEM, Education or indeed in lobbying for governmental change - That said, I do have a good understanding of the skills shortages being exposed within organisations and have a genuine personal passion for educational reform so am happy to share my opinions in response to the question, here goes...

Yes, absolutely - I think organisations should be putting significant pressure on the government to review the national curriculum to ensure that we are preparing our young people with the hard and soft skills required to support their personal and professional development for now and the future.

Not only to plug the skills gap we are currently facing in order to future-proof our economy, but also to tackle the rising unemployment figures we continue to see. A portion of this must be as a result of a misalignment of skills to available jobs - central to correcting this is getting education right in the first place.

Mindset has also been the topic of much discussion in recent years and I believe needs to form a big part of this conversation, specifically the nurturing of mindsets that favour collaboration and embrace change.

Change within organisations is happening at an ever increasing rate and having a mindset that welcomes rather than resists this change allows for agility. Agility of the business, but crucially, agility of the workforce to rapidly realign projects, skills, tasks to reflect this change - It stands to reason then, that education that focuses on fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration and change would be a huge benefit to young people when they reach the working world and would significantly increase their employ-ability and the value they have within an organisation - not least their longevity within it.

As I said, I am no expert on the subject, just an impassioned disciple, so I will leave it to the magnificent Sir Ken Robinson to expand...

As for the second aspect of the question, relating to engaging diverse groups in STEM topics, and specifically young girls. I believe we need to tackle a wider societal issue around both conscious and unconscious bias.

There needs to be a collective responsibility from parents, educators, employers, the government and media outlets to consider how they frame the discussion around STEM topics and how individuals who take up study and employment in these key areas are portrayed.

I am also of the opinion that an increase in diversity can have significant benefits on creativity, innovation and productivity in most settings, not just STEM environments, but it is essential for me that this diversity is natural, authentic and self selected.

To that point, what is more important than 'shoehorning' diverse groups and young girls into STEM topics and jobs is that we as individuals do all that we can to influence a collective change of mindset and approach to this issue. We should want to encourage the passions and purposes of the individual from the earliest age possible and we should all be conscious of our own biases and how we can unconsciously project those onto others, especially young people.

We need to do this through educational reform, through mentor-ship and role model programs, through responsible media practices and crucially by taking responsibility to cast aside our own biases and encourage young people of all backgrounds and genders to embrace as many diverse experiences, education topics and cultures as possible - Then empower them to pursue whatever it is they are most passionate about be that within STEM or any other area.

For me, to see the true benefit of diversity, it must be self selected. Empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds (including young girls) to 'self select' STEM topics I believe is the best way to increase engagement at both educational and organisational levels.

These are just my views and opinions and would absolutely welcome yours so feel free to comment and share your own views on this complex conversation. After all, by having these conversations I think we are taking a step forward in tackling the issue.

Suggestions for future #AskLuke blog posts are always welcome via the usual channels :)

Contact Me

0207 187 6206 – 07507 512 809 - [email protected] - T: Luke_OMahoney