1210212.us16.myftpupload.com Managed WordPress Site

Tag: careers in science and math

  • STEM Career Profile: Astronomer

    STEM Career Profile: Astronomer

    The darkness of the night sky illuminates the countless stars, planets, and more that populate our universe. But have you wondered how we know all this? How can we measure their size, distance, movement, and history when we are so small and so far away? Part of the answer is the field of astronomy. Astronomers use the science and math that you study in class and point it skywards. They use equations, laws of physics, and more to figure out the universe.

    Becoming an astronomer is far from an overnight task. Earning a Ph.D. in astronomy can take five to seven years to complete. On top of that, graduates spend another two to three years researching under the guidance of more experienced astronomers. Those wanting to enter this field should work on their research skills and ability to analyze data. They should work hard at math and science in school, and also be able to work in a team.

    Astronomers do not typically work alone. They are usually working within a team composed of scientists in an office environment. They also use observatories to gaze up at the skies via telescopes. Most are hired to work at colleges and universities, where they conduct research in the field. Those are not the only places you will find astronomers, however. The federal government hires astronomers, too, and departments of private research and development may also rely on astronomers.

    In Canada, base salaries for astronomers range from $50,000 to $108,000, with the median salary at $90,000. With bonuses, profit sharing, and commission, total salaries can be up to $131,000.

    The field is filled with excitement and opportunity. The advent of new technologies and discoveries makes this a very exciting time to pursue the subject. Astronomers work hard to develop theories related to our universe and write proposals for research. It can be a thrilling challenge to find ways to test these ideas. This can be followed by extensive analysis and writing scientific papers that are read and reviewed by other experts. This ensures that ideas are accurate and can lead to groundbreaking discoveries. These newfound concepts and understandings of our universe have a profound impact on our lives.

    From planets to black holes, from in-depth mathematical formulas to childlike stargazing, astronomy is filled with wonder and awe. By putting greater effort into your math and science studies now, you can lay the foundation for your future career. The field pushes humanity’s knowledge beyond its supposed limits and helps us realize how vast existence really is. As an astronomer, you can be a part of that grand journey.

    Sources:

    Lindzon, Jared. I want to be an astronomy. What will my salary be? www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/career-advice/life-at-work/i-want-to-be-an-astronomer-what-will-my-salary-be/article24512769/

    National Careers Service. Astronomer. https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/astronomer.aspx

    PayScale.com Astronomer. https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Astronomer/Salary

    Study.com. Astronomer: Job Info & Career Requirements. http://study.com/articles/Astronomer_Job_Information_and_Requirements_for_Students_Considering_a_Career_in_Astronomy.html

  • How the Motion Picture Hidden Figures is Inspiring Women to Consider STEM

    How the Motion Picture Hidden Figures is Inspiring Women to Consider STEM

    Hidden Figures is based on three incredible female trailblazers in the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics or STEM during the Space Race against Russia led by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the early 1960s.

    This film was a breath of fresh air for moviegoers. For one, it brought into the spotlight three strong female characters namely Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, all of whom did not get the recognition they deserved for helping John Glenn become the first astronaut in history to orbit the earth three times. The trio was wonderfully brought to life by talented actresses Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae, and while the film was a lighthearted take on their real-life challenges, it nevertheless made people aware of the disparity of males and females in the STEM industry and how we can do something to change that. Pundits are hopeful the film has taken the right step in inspiring women of today to join STEM.

    Surprising ratio

    There is a poignant scene in the movie when NASA mission specialist Karl Zielinski poses the question “If you were a white man, would you wish to be an engineer?” to Mary Jackson. The latter answers in a matter-of-fact manner, “I wouldn’t have to. I’d already be one.”

    Of course, the hurdles Jackson had to overcome to be an engineer were one of the film’s focal points—and to see her triumph was one of the film’s most heartwarming moments. She aspired to be an engineer and had to fight tooth and nail to gain admission to an all-male educational institution that offers graduate-level courses in math and physics to be qualified for the job, filing a petition with the City of Hampton.

    While there are a sufficient number of colleges and universities that offers STEM curriculum for both males and females, there remains to be an imbalance because of the stigma that this area is only for men.

    According to ITWorldCanada.com, Statistics Canada reported that at the end of 2015, there was a low percentage of female university graduates aged 24 to 35 with a STEM degree (only 39 per cent), and after graduation, these women are less likely to have a career in the STEM fields than their male counterparts. Men with STEM degrees have lower unemployment rates and enjoy higher wages.

    The global figures are not any different. According to a November 2015 report published by the United Nations’ Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Institute of Statistics, women only account for less than a third of the total number of employees in scientific research and development, pegged at 28.4 per cent.

    What is keeping them away?

    In Canada, there is certainly no shortage of well-established schools that offer outstanding STEM degrees to both males and females. In fact, in 2015, the University of Toronto had a record number of 30.6 per cent of female first-year students enrolled in the engineering programs. There are even all-girls’ high schools with a STEM focus such as St. Margaret’s School in Victoria, British Columbia and Queen Margaret’s School in Duncan, British Columbia.

    However, while there is a substantial rate of students completing STEM degrees, only a few of them will actually go for a STEM career after graduation, and those who do join are likely to leave because of feelings of isolation and difficulty in adopting to a male-dominated environment.

    Time for a change

    While there are adequate resources for young Canadian women who aspire to have STEM careers, Canada’s Minister of Science Kirsty Duncan deduces that the low number of females who actually establish careers in the STEM field is largely due to the fact that there are rarely any champions to lead the way. By champions she means not enough women in senior leadership positions.

    Duncan says that for a recent round of nominations from Canadian universities for the Canada Research Chairs, men gained twice the number of nominations over women.

    Duncan is hopeful things will change as she believes “Science opens up a wonderful world.” And as the three amazing “hidden figures” have proven, that wonderful world is within reach, we all just have to work together to achieve it.

    SOURCES:

    http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-supports-young-scientists-and-engineers-through-promoscience-at-science-odyssey-launch-622088113.html

    http://www.itworldcanada.com/article/lets-talk-about-women-in-stem/391215

    http://www.macleans.ca/society/canadas-science-minister-speaks-out-on-women-in-stem/

    https://www.brookings.edu/blog/techtank/2017/02/08/hidden-figures-highlights-the-ongoing-legacy-of-women-and-minorities-in-stem/

    https://techcrunch.com/2017/01/13/hidden-figures-inspiring-stem-heroes-for-girls/

    https://www.forbes.com/sites/noodleeducation/2017/02/24/encouraging-todays-hidden-figures-in-stem/#64b6ddae4c39

    http://www.livescience.com/43296-what-is-stem-education.html

    http://www.npr.org/2016/12/16/505569187/hidden-figures-no-more-meet-the-black-women-who-helped-send-america-to-space

    http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/75-006-x/2013001/article/11874-eng.htm

  • STEM Careers Profile: Industrial Psychologist

    STEM Careers Profile: Industrial Psychologist

    Humans are fascinating creatures that spend most of their time in the workplace trying to make a living. Are you curious about why and how people act the way they do? Maybe psychology is the right field for you. There are many different types of psychology, but industrial psychology is one of the most continuously profitable fields. Industrial and organizational psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour, specifically in the workplace. So, let us learn a bit a more about this exciting STEM career (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

    These types of psychologists use research and evaluation methods to apply the best work methods in a company in order to make things run smoothly. Each company and organization has its issues, and often these issues involve communication, conflict resolution, processes, professional competence and effective management. The job of an industrial psychologist is to increase the productivity of employees, develop screening procedures for new applicants, and getting to the roots of workplace problems. Really, anything that has to do with performance in the workplace is the concern of an industrial psychologist. But the great thing about psychology jobs is that you do not have to stay in one place; they can work in colleges and universities and function as trainers, coaches and consultants. Industrial psychologists often work in an organization’s human resources department. But sometimes they can act as an independent consultant and get called into an organization in order to solve a specific problem. This job requires a minimum of a Master’s degree, but typically a Doctorate is preferred by hiring companies.

    While the most important thing when choosing a career is to choose something that both makes you happy and keeps you challenged and interested, psychology jobs also have a strong financial draw. According to PayScale Canada as of 2011, the average salary of a psychologist is $44, 510, and the highest salary may reach $148, 188 per year. Workplace psychology jobs also offer a fair amount security and comfort. If you like people and solving problems, this may be the field for you.