Virtual Career Exploration Events: How to Make the Most of Them
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As a student interested in STEM and Skilled Trades, virtual career exploration events can be an amazing opportunity to learn about different careers, connect with industry professionals, and discover what your future in STEM could look like. With so many virtual workshops, career fairs, and STEM tours happening online, it’s important to know how to make the most of these events to maximize your learning experience. Here are some tips to help you prepare for and participate in virtual STEM career events!
1. Do Your Research Beforehand
Before you log in to any virtual event, take the time to research the event and the companies or organizations involved. Most events will have a list of exhibitors, speakers, or presenters. Here’s what you can do to be prepared:
Check the Schedule: Look over the schedule and identify the sessions or speakers that interest you most. Mark them on your calendar, so you don’t miss anything.
Learn About the Companies: If there are specific companies or organizations participating, check out their websites and social media pages to learn more about what they do. Knowing a little about them will help you ask informed questions.
Prepare Questions: Think of some questions you’d like to ask the presenters. These could be about careers, their work, or how they got started in the STEM field. Having questions prepared shows you’re engaged and ready to learn!
2. Make Sure Your Tech Is Ready
For any virtual event, technology is key. Here are some things to check before the event starts:
Stable Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable internet connection to avoid interruptions during the event.
Test Your Devices: Make sure your computer, tablet, or smartphone works properly. Test your microphone and camera (if you plan on speaking) to make sure everything’s ready for the event.
Familiarize Yourself with the Platform: Many virtual events use platforms like Zoom or Teams. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the platform before the event starts, especially if you’re unfamiliar with it.
3. Dress Professionally (Even If You’re at Home)
Although you’re attending the event from home, it’s still important to dress appropriately. While you don’t need to wear a suit, dressing in a way that’s neat and professional can help you feel confident and prepared.
Keep it Simple: A nice top or a STEM-related T-shirt that represents your interests is great. It shows you care about the event and are ready to engage.
Think About Your Background: If you’re using a webcam during a session or workshop, ensure your background is tidy and not distracting. If you’re not comfortable with your background, many platforms have virtual background options you can use.
4. Be Present and Engage
When attending virtual STEM career events, it’s important to stay engaged and participate actively. Here’s how to do that:
Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Whether it’s during a live Q&A session or in a chat feature, asking questions shows that you’re interested and curious. It’s also a great way to learn more about what you’re hearing.
Participate in Polls/Surveys: Many virtual events will include live polls or surveys. Participate in these as it can provide you with valuable insights into different career paths or STEM topics.
Take Notes: Write down key takeaways, interesting facts, or questions that come to mind as you learn about different careers. These notes can help you reflect later on what you learned and which careers are of interest to you.
5. Network With Professionals
One of the best parts of virtual career exploration events is the chance to network with professionals in the STEM field. Even though the event is virtual, there are still ways to connect with others:
Use the Chat Feature: If the event has a chat or messaging feature, use it to introduce yourself. Let people know you’re interested in learning more about specific careers or fields in STEM.
Follow Up: If you meet someone interesting or have a great conversation with a speaker, don’t hesitate to send a follow-up message by email or through LinkedIn. A simple “thank you” or “I enjoyed learning about your career” can leave a positive impression and may open up opportunities to connect further.
Share Your Interests: Mention your passions or career goals in the chat or during discussions. You never know when someone might have advice, resources, or an opportunity that could help you in your STEM journey!
6. Take Advantage of Virtual STEM Tours
Many virtual STEM events also offer virtual tours of labs, companies, and research centers. These are an incredible opportunity to see what STEM careers look like in real life! Here’s how to make the most of a virtual tour:
Ask Questions About the Work Environment: In virtual tours, try to ask about the work environment, tools, and equipment used by professionals. This will help you understand what kind of skills you need to develop for those roles.
Look for Career Insights: Pay attention to the variety of careers in STEM that are featured in the tour. Often, you’ll see how many different paths there are and how people with different skill sets can contribute to STEM fields.
7. Follow Up After The Event
Once the event is over, don’t just forget about it—use the opportunity to follow up and keep the connections you made alive:
Send Thank You Notes: If you spoke to any presenters or professionals during the event, send them a thank-you message. Mention what you learned from their session and express your interest in staying in touch.
Reflect on What You Learned: Take some time to review your notes and think about what you learned. Did you discover a new career path that interests you? Is there a specific area of STEM you want to learn more about? Reflecting on your experience will help you stay motivated and guide your next steps.
Stay Connected: Many organizations will provide resources after the event, such as email newsletters or social media pages. Stay connected to these resources for ongoing support and career exploration!
Final Thoughts
Virtual STEM career exploration events are an incredible way to learn about STEM careers, connect with professionals, and discover new opportunities. By preparing ahead of time, staying engaged during the event, and following up afterward, you can make the most of these virtual events and continue exploring your future in STEM.
Remember, STEMforGIRLS provides a network of role models and resources to help you on your journey. Keep exploring, stay curious, and let these events help guide you toward a bright future in STEM!
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