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Preparing Children and Students for the Future of STEM Careers: A Guide for Parents and Educators

Writer's picture: Ayo OlufadeAyo Olufade

Updated: Jun 30, 2023


Thinking about how to help your children and students prepare for the STEM job of the future? Parents and educators should keep their eyes on this space to better advise their children and students.


Despite the recent development in how the U.S. is considering restricting further export of U.S. AL chips to China and other U.S. competitors to prevent them from outcompeting the United States, (1) LinkedIn, the increasing involvement of the U.S. in ai and chips accentuates the significance of this fields for students interested in pursuing STEM degrees and careers.


As the world advances in technology and innovation, especially #ai, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) jobs integrated with ai (AI Researcher/Scientist, Lawyers with Expertise in AI for regulation, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Analyst/Scientist, AI Engineer, Robotics Engineer, AI Ethicist, Language Processing Engineer, AI Consultant, to mention few possible jobs, etc.) are going to play a crucial role in shaping the future. Here are some key points to consider when preparing children and students for the STEM jobs of the future:

  • Encourage a strong foundation in STEM subjects: Emphasize the importance of mathematics, physics, computer science, and other relevant disciplines. Encourage children to develop problem-solving and critical thinking abilities essential for STEM careers.

  • Encourage and help them foster a love for learning and curiosity: Encourage a growth mindset and a passion for learning. Help children develop a sense of curiosity by exposing them to various STEM-related activities, experiments, and projects. Please encourage them to ask questions, seek answers, and explore their interests (one step in scientific methods).

  • Be bold and provide them with activities that expose them to hands-on experiences: Engage children in hands-on STEM activities, such as building models, conducting experiments, or coding projects. This allows them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations and develop practical skills.

  • Encourage participation in STEM competitions like the Vex Robotics or coding and clubs: Encourage your children to join STEM clubs, robotics teams, coding clubs, or participate in science fairs and competitions. These activities will provide them with teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation opportunities while building their confidence and networking skills. These skills will be critical in positioning them for high-paying jobs and success in 21st-century STEM-oriented careers, even when they don't have STEM degrees.

  • Please encourage them to explore coding and computer science: In an increasingly digital world, coding, and computer science skills are highly valuable. Encourage children to learn coding languages, explore programming concepts, and understand the basics of computer science. Numerous online resources, coding platforms, and coding courses are specifically designed for children and students. Many colleges are offering summer STEM camps for children. Go ahead and enroll them.

  • Teachers and parents need to stay updated on emerging technologies: Keep informed about the latest advancements and emerging technologies in STEM fields. This knowledge will help you guide children and students toward relevant career opportunities in artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, data science, and cybersecurity are gaining prominence and offer promising career paths.

  • Encourage collaborative and interdisciplinary learning: Many future STEM jobs require collaboration and combining skills from multiple disciplines. Encourage children to explore various fields and develop a multidisciplinary mindset. For example, blending computer science with biology can lead to careers in bioinformatics or computational biology.

  • Promote curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity: Children lose their creative edge as they age due to societal factors. STEM professionals must be innovative and creative problem solvers. Encourage children to think critically, develop unique solutions, and approach problems from different angles. Foster their creativity by providing opportunities for art, design, and hands-on projects alongside their STEM pursuits.

  • Teach communication and collaboration skills: This is a biggy! Besides technical expertise, effective communication and collaboration skills are crucial in STEM careers. Encourage children to work in teams, present their ideas, and articulate their thoughts clearly. Provide opportunities for public speaking, writing, and teamwork to enhance these skills.

  • Foster resilience, adaptability, and dynamic skills: The STEM landscape constantly evolves, and adaptability is vital. Teach children to embrace change, learn from failures, and be resilient in facing challenges. Please encourage them to keep up with new technologies and trends and instill a lifelong learning mindset.

  • Please encourage them to be industrious and strive to be entrepreneurs: Although not every child will want to be an entrepreneur, the child that wants to be an entrepreneur should be encouraged. Consider finding them an apprenticeship in the field of interest. Over the years, I have observed that encouraging children and students to be industrious and strive to be entrepreneurs can foster a mindset of innovation, creativity, and self-reliance.

As the world advances technology and innovation like #ai, STEM jobs integrated with AI will play a crucial role in shaping the future. Parents and educators can help children and students develop the necessary skills, knowledge, and mindset to thrive in the STEM jobs of the future. By focusing on these critical skills, parents and educators can help children and students develop the necessary skills, mindset, and knowledge to thrive in the STEM jobs of the future. Please remember to provide a supportive and encouraging environment that fosters their interests and allows them to explore their passions within the STEM fields.


Authored by Dr. Ayo Olufade, Ph.D.

Think STEM Careers! You Have the Opportunity to Create the Future and The Privilege of Deciding What’s in It! ~ Dr. Ayo Olufade, PhD


Excel in Learning. Excel in Life.

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