Business and Higher Education Forum - Spotlight on STEM Careers

On June 11-12 this summer, NSHSS attended the Business and Higher Education Forum (BHEF) conference in Washington D, C. The BHEF is a dynamic organization comprised of Fortune 500 CEO's, major university presidents, and foundation leaders working to create innovative solutions to our nation's educational challenges and to inspire action to enhance U.S. competitiveness. Two challenges that the BHEF is currently addressing are 1) the issue of adequately preparing students for college by guaranteeing they take a rigorous course load in high school and 2) enhancing the nation's focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) subjects by encouraging students towards those careers and increasing the number of highly qualified teachers entering these fields. NSHSS President James Lewis, Chief Development Officer Carla Maxwell Ray, and University Relations Coordinator Veronica Squires attended the conference to learn about these pressing issues and engage in dialogue about how our own scholars can become part of the solution.

For any high school sophomore, junior, or senior, it is now the perfect time for you to begin thinking about your future interests. As a nation, our competitive edge in the technology fields is suffering, and this issue is of such concern that the BHEF is proposing to engage members of Congress, state legislators, the media, and the public at large to change attitudes about STEM subjects and STEM teaching. Many of our members attend summer programs in STEM subjects, and you can read about some of them in this issue of "The Scholar's Journal."

Here at NSHSS, we believe that what will truly change the world is for NSHSS members to use their gifts and talents and consider a career in science, technology, engineering, or math. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to dive to the depths of the ocean collecting enzymes that can help create a cure for deadly diseases? Have you ever pictured yourself building a computer that is the most efficient model in the world? Could you picture what it would be like to design and build an entire city? Do you see yourself comfortable in space? These are just a small sample of where a STEM career can take you.

For resources and information on STEM careers, please visit these selected sites.

  • Science's Next Wave

    • This site, from the American Academy for the Advancement of Science, is an electronic network for the next generation of scientists. This site contains a series of forums on science careers, alternative careers, career trends in science, and career planning and mentoring for beginning scientists and engineers.

  • Network of Emerging Scientists

    • This page links to other Internet sites of job openings in chemistry, astronomy, medicine, biology, mathematics, and physics.

  • School-to-Work Career Resources

    • This site provides links to connect coursework to jobs, career exploration, job search, and employment projections.

  • Mathematical Sciences Career Information

    • This site provides information about non-academic careers in math, such as in government, industry, business, and finance. Also links to career profiles, mentoring program, and career planning resources.

  • MedZilla

    • This site allows for a search of job openings in the fields of biotechnology, medicine, and science. It also includes lists of books, articles, and salary information.

  • Job Search for Engineers

    • This site provides links to job databases, salary information, career outlook, and companies employing engineers.