Short description

It is obvious that with the rapid development in technology effects and penetrate in all fields from career to education. Career counselors who are very important and vital for guiding female students for better career choices that fit their personality and expectations, have to catch the new technologies, methods and techniques for 21^st century. At this point the concept of “diverse career paths” appeared. Diverse career paths refer to a wide range of different career options or trajectories that individuals can pursue. For technology age, there are many potential careers available beyond traditional or commonly known paths and those paths include careers in various industries, sectors, roles, and specialties that cater to different interests, skills, and aspirations. It seems that time is of the essence to revisit the appropriateness of modern curriculum to deliver female student learning that has relevance after graduation. The Inaugural Global Learner’s survey (Pearson, 2019), of 11,000 learners between 16 and 70 years old in 19 countries, acknowledges that the 40-year career has now gone and needs to be replaced by educating for lifelong learning and diverse career paths (Morley & Jamil, 2021). Due to nature of technology age, career counselors should be open-minded about diverse career paths and effectively guide especially female students.

This module examines new career methods and techniques for career counselors in terms to guide female students in STEM fields. We approach this theme from different perspectives:

• Firstly, we examine the new career methods and techniques to empower female students to explore diverse career pathways.
• Secondly, explore how to use those new career methods and techniques to develop essential skills of female students in order to achieve their professional aspirations.
• Then explore how AI and technology integrated in career development in terms of applying job, technology-based career guidance tools.
• Finally, we focus on counselors’ skills and awareness about how to integrate new comprehensive techniques guiding female students in STEM fields (such as free-lance platforms, project-based environments, reaching and convincing business angels and lifelong learning –micro learning etc.). We discuss practical actions a career counselor can use while guiding female students to integrated STEM field through new methods and technologies.

Utilizing personality and skills assessments: Identifying strengths and interests relevant to digital STEM careers

In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers, the need for precise alignment between individual strengths and career demands is paramount. Digital STEM fields, encompassing areas such as data science, cybersecurity, software development, and bioinformatics, require a unique amalgamation of technical skills and personal attributes. To foster both personal satisfaction and professional efficacy, it is crucial to identify and harness individual strengths and interests that align with these career paths. This is where personality and skills assessments become invaluable tools.

Concerns about the need to increase participation in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce are ubiquitous and ongoing. Therefore, career development in STEM fields is a crucial concern of society, given that knowledge and skills in these disciplines will remain in demand for workers in the current technological economy (Shoffner & Dockery, 2015). A paucity of students entering STEM fields and concerns about persistence in these fields—particularly among women and members of underrepresented minority groups—further underscore the need to widen and deepen the STEM career development knowledge base among counselors, educators, and researchers (Rottinghaus, Falk & Park, 2018).

Research indicates that aligning career choices with personal strengths and interests leads to higher job satisfaction, increased productivity, and reduced turnover rates. For digital STEM careers, this alignment is particularly significant given the complexity and dynamic nature of these fields. By utilizing personality and skills assessments, educators, career counselors, and employers can better guide individuals toward roles where they are most likely to excel and derive intrinsic satisfaction (Vondracek, Lerner & Schulenberg, 2019).

Moreover, the integration of these assessments into educational curricula and professional development programs can facilitate more personalized and effective career planning. This approach not only benefits individuals but also addresses the broader demand for skilled professionals in digital STEM fields, thereby contributing to innovation and economic growth.

Reflect: Discuss how understanding personal strengths and interests can guide career choices.

• Can you provide a list of common strengths relevant to digital STEM careers, such as problem solving, creativity, logical thinking, attention to detail etc.
• Can you explain one strength that you feel particularly strong in yourselves and why?

Exercise 1: Here is short video about “The Big 5 Ocean Traits Explained”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCwHV9HCxH0

Watch the video and reflect:

• Have you noticed any personality traits in your own behaviors?
• How do you think we can use the personality traits described in video to support female students’ education in STEM?

Exercise 2: Here is a test for defining and try to recognize strengths for the career counselors.

https://high5test.com/cliftonstrengths-free/

• After taking the test (approximately 15-20 minutes) role playing exercise will start. Separate groups 3-4 individuals each and one is career counselor and the others students. Try to guide students to evaluate and discuss the test results about their strengths and weakness.

New (and old) online resources and tools, exploring career interest inventories focused on digital skills and emerging technologies

The advent of the digital age has transformed the job market, creating new opportunities and challenges across various industries. Digital skills and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, cybersecurity, and data analytics are at the forefront of this transformation, driving innovation and economic growth. As the demand for expertise in these areas’ surges, it becomes increasingly important for individuals to align their career interests with these evolving opportunities. Online resources and tools, both new and established, play a crucial role in this alignment by offering career interest inventories that focus on digital skills and emerging technologies (Stofkova, Poliakova, Stafkova, Malega, Binasova & Daneshjo, 2022).

Career interest inventories are assessment tools designed to help individuals identify their interests, strengths, and preferences, guiding them toward suitable career paths. Traditionally, these inventories have focused on broad career fields, but with the rapid pace of technological advancement, there is a growing need for specialized tools that cater to the digital realm. New and old online resources have risen to this challenge, providing tailored assessments that map individual interests to specific digital skills and emerging technology sectors (Reljic, Evangelista & Pianta, 2021).

These online tools leverage advancements in psychometrics, data analytics, and user-friendly interfaces to deliver personalized and accurate career guidance. Modern platforms incorporate elements such as interactive questionnaires, real-time feedback, and comprehensive reports that outline potential career paths based on the user's responses. Additionally, many of these tools offer insights into the necessary skills and educational pathways required to succeed in various digital and technology-focused careers (Ciarli, Kenney, Massini & Piscitello, 2021).

The integration of such resources into educational systems and career development programs has profound implications. By helping individuals, especially students and early-career professionals, to better understand their affinities for digital skills and emerging technologies, these tools facilitate more informed decision-making. This not only enhances personal career satisfaction but also addresses the growing skill gap in the technology sector (Kispeter, 2018).

Reflect:

• Explain your ideas and beliefs about the importance of staying updated on digital skills and emerging technologies for career counseling.
• What is your opinion about the usability and applicability of the resources for different student demographics?

Exercise: https://your.yale.edu/work-yale/learn-and-grow/career-development/career-assessment-tools

Examine this web page of Yale University and:

• Use this web page to conduct career interest inventory for the hypothetical female students. Here two profile for the female students, if you want you can use those profiles if you prefer not to use you can create your own hypothetical profiles:

Profile 1: Elif

Age: 18

Background: Grew up in a rural area with limited access to educational resources.

Education: High school diploma from the local public school.

Social Environment: Comes from a low-income family. Parents are farmers with no higher education. Limited exposure to diverse career options and role models.

Interests: Enjoys reading, has a strong interest in environmental science, and loves outdoor activities.

Challenges: Limited internet access, no experience with advanced technology, and fewer extracurricular opportunities.

Goals: Aspires to work in STEM field.

Profile 2: İnci

Age: 18

Background: Grew up in an urban area with access to a variety of educational resources and extracurricular activities.

Education: High school diploma from a prestigious private school.

Social Environment: Comes from a middle-income family. Parents are professionals (one is a doctor, the other an engineer) with higher education. Exposure to diverse career options and role models.

Interests: Passionate about technology, enjoys coding, and participates in robotics clubs.

Challenges: Faces high competition and pressure to excel academically and socially.

Goals: Aspires to pursue a career in computer science or software engineering.

• Identify potential digital career paths or areas of interest based on assessment results (You can ask your colleague in group to fill the tests as if a female student). Here two examples for two profiles above:

Reflection for Elif:

• How can Elif leverage her interests in environmental science and outdoor activities to pursue a career, given her limited access to educational resources and technology?
• What advice would you give Elif to overcome the challenges of limited internet access and fewer extracurricular opportunities?
• How can Elif's rural background be seen as an asset in her chosen field?

Reflection for İnci:

• What steps should İnci take to build a strong foundation for a career in computer science or software engineering?
• How can İnci use her social environment and parental support to her advantage in her career development?

AI in career development: How the AI technologies are changing the career counseling

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing numerous facets of modern life, and career development is no exception. The integration of AI technologies into career counseling is transforming how individuals navigate their professional paths, offering more personalized, efficient, and insightful guidance than ever before. By leveraging vast datasets and advanced algorithms, AI-driven career counseling tools provide nuanced analyses of an individual's skills, interests, and potential career trajectories, thus enhancing traditional counseling methods and addressing the evolving demands of the job market.

AI technologies, including machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics, enable the development of sophisticated career counseling platforms. These platforms can analyze large volumes of data from various sources such as resumes, job descriptions, academic records, and online profiles to generate detailed profiles of individuals and job markets. This allows for the creation of tailored career recommendations that take into account not only the individual's current skills and interests but also emerging trends and opportunities within different industries (Yang & Huang, 2023).

One of the most significant advantages of AI in career counseling is its ability to provide real-time, dynamic feedback. Unlike traditional career counseling, which often relies on static assessments and periodic meetings, AI-driven tools offer continuous monitoring and updates. This ensures that individuals receive up-to-date advice that reflects the latest developments in their chosen fields, as well as their own evolving preferences and competencies (Pandya & Wang, 2024).

Moreover, AI technologies enhance accessibility and inclusivity in career counseling. By automating and streamlining many aspects of the career counseling process, AI tools can reach a broader audience, including those who may not have access to traditional counseling services due to geographic, financial, or logistical barriers. This democratization of career guidance has the potential to reduce disparities and promote more equitable career development opportunities (Pandya & Wong, 2024).

Despite these advancements, the integration of AI in career counseling also raises important ethical and practical considerations. Issues related to data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the human-AI interface must be carefully managed to ensure that the benefits of AI technologies are fully realized without compromising the integrity and fairness of the counseling process (Gedrimiene, Celik, Kaasila, Mäkitalo & Muukkonen, 2024).

Reflect on your own career pathway with AI:

• If you had a chance to reshape your career using AI, how would you do it?
• Do you integrate AI for your own career? If yes, how?

AI in the process of applying for a job (how to write a resume/CV that would be highly evaluated by an AI)

The process of applying for a job has been significantly transformed by artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Traditionally, job applications involved crafting a resume or CV and cover letter, which were then reviewed by human recruiters. Today, AI-driven applicant tracking systems (ATS) and other automated tools are increasingly used to screen and evaluate job applications, reshaping the strategies job seekers must employ to succeed. Understanding how to write a resume or CV that can be effectively processed and highly evaluated by AI systems is crucial for job seekers aiming to navigate the modern hiring landscape (Talib, Housni & Radid, 2023).

AI technologies in the hiring process primarily serve to streamline recruitment, reducing the time and resources needed to sift through large volumes of applications. Applicant tracking systems, for example, use machine learning algorithms and natural language processing (NLP) to scan, parse, and rank resumes based on their relevance to the job description. These systems analyze various elements of a resume, including keywords, formatting, and overall structure, to determine an applicant's suitability for a given role (Muhammad, 2023).

To craft a resume that stands out in an AI-driven screening process, job seekers must adopt specific strategies. Keyword optimization is one of the most critical factors. AI systems search for keywords that match those in the job description, so incorporating relevant terms and phrases is essential. Additionally, the format and structure of the resume should be ATS-friendly, avoiding complex layouts, graphics, or fonts that might hinder the system's ability to accurately parse the content. Another important consideration is the use of quantifiable achievements. AI tools often prioritize resumes that include measurable accomplishments, as these provide clear evidence of an applicant's impact and capabilities. Therefore, applicants should focus on highlighting their achievements with specific metrics, such as percentages, numbers, and dollar amounts, to improve their chances of being highly rated by AI systems (Pandya & Wang, 2024).

Despite the benefits of AI in the hiring process, such as increased efficiency and reduced bias, it is important to recognize potential limitations. AI systems can sometimes overlook qualified candidates due to overly rigid keyword matching or inadequately trained algorithms. Therefore, a balanced approach that considers both AI optimization and human readability is advisable. In our module we have to remind counselors that they were the key factor and vital for the AI usage in career choice.

Reflection: Separate to groups (2 or 3 individuals). Discuss the following questions. After 15 minutes present your ideas to other groups.

• How could we use CHATGPT for guiding female students?
• List potential benefits and challenges of integrating AI technologies into career counseling practices.
• Choose one job in STEM field. List key skills, qualifications and key words that are emphasized in job description. Then, ask to AI to give you some advice how to adapt your CV to certain STEM position?

Technology-based career guidance tools: Virtual reality simulations, online career exploration platforms

As the digital era progresses, technology continues to revolutionize numerous aspects of our daily lives, including career guidance. Traditional career counseling methods, often characterized by face-to-face interactions and paper-based assessments, are being augmented and, in some cases, replaced by innovative technology-based tools. Among these, virtual reality (VR) simulations and online career exploration platforms stand out for their ability to provide immersive, interactive, and personalized career guidance experiences. These tools are transforming how individuals explore career options, develop relevant skills, and make informed decisions about their professional futures (Herath, Kumara, Ishanka & Rathnayaka, 2024).

Virtual reality simulations offer a unique, experiential approach to career exploration. By creating realistic, immersive environments, VR allows individuals to "try out" different professions and tasks, providing a first-hand understanding of what various careers entail. This experiential learning can help users gain insights into their own preferences, strengths, and areas for improvement, making career decisions more informed and grounded in personal experience. For example, a user interested in engineering can simulate working on a construction site, while someone considering a career in healthcare can experience the environment of a hospital or clinic. Such simulations can also be used to develop and practice specific skills, enhancing the user's readiness for real-world applications (Bourdeau, Coulon & Petit, 2021).

Online career exploration platforms, on the other hand, leverage data analytics, machine learning, and user-friendly interfaces to offer tailored career guidance. These platforms typically include features such as interactive assessments, career matching algorithms, detailed job descriptions, labor market information, and educational resources. By analyzing user inputs and preferences, these platforms can recommend careers that align with an individual's interests, skills, and values. Additionally, they often provide information on required qualifications, potential career paths, and current job openings, helping users to navigate the complexities of the modern job market (Ausburn & Ausburn, 2014).

The integration of these technology-based tools into career guidance practices offers several significant benefits. They enhance accessibility by providing career guidance to individuals who may not have access to traditional counseling services due to geographic, financial, or time constraints. They also cater to diverse learning styles, offering visual, auditory, and kinesthetic experiences that can engage users more effectively than conventional methods. Furthermore, the use of data-driven insights ensures that the guidance provided is up-to-date and relevant, reflecting the latest trends and demands in various industries (Zhao, LaFemina, Carr, Sajjadi, Wallgrün & Klippel, 2020).

However, the adoption of technology-based career guidance tools also presents challenges. Issues related to data privacy, digital literacy, and the potential for algorithmic bias must be carefully managed to ensure that these tools are used ethically and effectively. Moreover, while technology can greatly enhance career guidance, the human element remains crucial. The most effective career guidance strategies are likely to combine the strengths of both technology and traditional counseling, offering a comprehensive approach that meets the diverse needs of individuals.

Exercise: https://www.keirsey.com/ Go to this webpage and get the test.

Reflection:

• How could you use this test to guide female students to STEM field?
• If you had developed this test, what would you have done differently?

Free-lance platform and project-based employment

The landscape of employment is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the rise of freelancing and project-based work. Traditional employment models, characterized by long-term contracts and stable, full-time positions, are increasingly being complemented or even replaced by more flexible and dynamic forms of work. Freelance platforms and project-based employment have emerged as pivotal components of this shift, offering both workers and employers new ways to engage with the labor market. These platforms facilitate the matching of skills to tasks on a global scale, enabling a more fluid and responsive approach to workforce management (Koene & Pichault 2021).

Freelance platforms provide a digital marketplace where individuals can offer their services and connect with clients seeking specific skills. These platforms cater to a wide range of professions, from software development and graphic design to writing and marketing. The structure of freelance work allows for greater flexibility in terms of location, schedule, and project choice, empowering workers to take control of their careers and balance professional and personal commitments more effectively. For employers, these platforms offer access to a diverse pool of talent, allowing for cost-effective hiring practices and the ability to scale the workforce up or down based on project needs (Schneider, 2023).

Project-based employment, which encompasses freelance work but also includes temporary contracts and gig economy roles, is characterized by its focus on specific tasks or projects rather than ongoing employment. This model aligns well with the increasing demand for specialized skills and the rapid pace of technological change, where projects often require expertise that is not needed on a permanent basis. Project-based work fosters innovation and agility, as organizations can bring in experts for short-term engagements to tackle particular challenges or drive specific initiatives (Barlage, Born & Witteloostuijn, 2023).

The proliferation of freelance platforms and project-based employment has several significant implications for the labor market. For workers, these models can provide opportunities for greater autonomy, career diversification, and potential income growth. However, they also come with challenges such as income instability, lack of traditional employment benefits, and the need for continuous self-promotion and skills development. For employers, while the ability to access a flexible and scalable workforce is advantageous, managing a distributed and transient workforce requires new approaches to leadership, collaboration, and project management (Shkoler & Tziner, 2022).

Moreover, the growth of these employment models is influencing broader economic and social trends. As more individuals engage in freelance and project-based work, there is a shift in the traditional employer-employee relationship, necessitating changes in labor laws, social security systems, and professional development frameworks. Policymakers and educators must adapt to these changes to ensure that the workforce is adequately supported and prepared for the evolving demands of the job market (Claussen, Khashabi, Kretschmer & Seifried, 2018).

Reflection: Explain your ideas about flexibility, diversity of projects, and potential challenges associated with freelancing and project-based work. (e.g.: https://en.malt.fr/,

https://www.peopleperhour.com/, https://www.fiverr.com/

Business angels-organizations that support the development of new ideas and startups.

In the dynamic landscape of innovation and entrepreneurship, the role of business angels has become increasingly vital. Business angels, also known as angel investors, are high-net-worth individuals or organizations that provide capital, mentorship, and strategic support to early-stage startups and new business ventures. These investors bridge the critical funding gap between the seed stage and more established financing options such as venture capital, playing a crucial role in the development and scaling of new ideas and startups (Zhou, Zhang & Sha, 2021).

Business angels offer more than just financial resources. Their involvement often includes valuable industry expertise, business acumen, and extensive networks, which can significantly enhance the prospects of success for nascent companies. This support is particularly important in the initial phases of a startup's development, where risks are high, and the need for guidance and resources is paramount. By investing their own money and time, business angels demonstrate a strong commitment to the potential of the startups they support, providing a level of validation that can attract further investment and market opportunities (Korhonen, 2009).

Organizations formed by business angels, often referred to as angel networks or angel groups, amplify this impact by pooling resources and expertise from multiple investors. These organizations systematically evaluate business proposals, share due diligence, and co-invest in promising ventures, thereby diversifying risk and increasing the availability of capital. Angel networks facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange among investors, creating a more robust support system for startups (Zhou, Zhang & Sha,n 2021).

The contribution of business angels to economic growth and innovation cannot be overstated. They foster the development of innovative products and services, create jobs, and stimulate economic activity. In many cases, the startups they support become significant drivers of technological advancement and industry disruption. Business angels are particularly instrumental in sectors where traditional financing is harder to secure, such as biotechnology, clean energy, and high-tech industries. However, the relationship between business angels and startups is not without challenges. The high-risk nature of early-stage investments means that many startups may fail to achieve their potential, resulting in financial losses for investors. Additionally, the intensive involvement of business angels can sometimes lead to conflicts over business strategy and control. Effective communication, alignment of goals, and clear agreements are essential to mitigate these risks and ensure a productive partnership (De CASTRO, 2017).

Despite these challenges, the trend of angel investing is on the rise globally, driven by the increasing recognition of its value in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Governments and policy makers are also acknowledging this trend, with many creating supportive environments through tax incentives, regulatory frameworks, and initiatives that encourage angel investment.

Exercise: Separate groups (2-3 individuals) create tactics and list needed communication skills in order to convince and impress a business angel (e.g.) . Then present to the other groups. Here some tips and examples:

Present a Solid Business Model and Financial Plan: e.g. "Our business model focuses on direct sales to B2B clients, with a projected revenue of $10 million in the next three years, assuming a conservative growth rate."

Demonstrate Scalability and Growth Potential: e.g. "We have already partnered with three major retailers and plan to expand our production capacity to meet increasing demand, targeting a 20% market penetration within five years."

Build a Personal Connection: e.g. "I noticed you have invested in several green tech startups. Our vision aligns with your commitment to sustainability, and we would love to leverage your expertise to scale our impact."

Highlight the Team's Strengths: e.g. "Our team includes experts in material science, sustainability, and supply chain management, each with over 10 years of industry experience."

Lifelong Learning- Micro Learning Platforms, Mentorship Programs, Volunteer and Internship Opportunities

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and shifting economic landscapes, the concept of lifelong learning has gained unprecedented importance. Lifelong learning refers to the continuous, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge for personal or professional development. To thrive in today's knowledge-based economy, individuals must continually update their skills and knowledge. This paradigm shift is supported by various innovative platforms and programs, including microlearning platforms, mentorship programs, and volunteer and internship opportunities, each playing a crucial role in fostering continuous learning and skill development (Johnson, 2022).

Microlearning platforms have emerged as a powerful tool in the realm of lifelong learning. These platforms deliver bite-sized, focused learning modules that can be accessed anytime and anywhere, catering to the needs of busy professionals and learners. By breaking down complex subjects into manageable segments, microlearning facilitates better retention and application of knowledge. Platforms such as Duolingo for language learning, Coursera and Udemy for diverse professional skills, and LinkedIn Learning for business and technology courses exemplify this approach. Microlearning’s flexibility and efficiency make it an ideal solution for those seeking to integrate learning seamlessly into their daily routines (Lun, 2018).

Mentorship programs also play a critical role in lifelong learning by providing personalized guidance, support, and expertise. These programs connect learners with experienced professionals who can offer insights, advice, and feedback based on real-world experience. Mentorship fosters the development of both hard and soft skills, enhances professional networks, and often accelerates career advancement. Programs such as SCORE for small business mentoring, professional association mentorship initiatives, and corporate mentoring schemes highlight the structured opportunities available for individuals seeking to benefit from one-on-one professional guidance (Spector & Kras,2022).

Volunteer and internship opportunities offer practical, hands-on experiences that are invaluable for lifelong learning. These opportunities enable individuals to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, gain new skills, and explore different career paths. Volunteering not only contributes to personal growth and community development but also enhances employability by demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility and the ability to work in diverse environments. Internships, whether paid or unpaid, provide a structured pathway to gain industry-specific experience, build professional networks, and often lead to full-time employment (Hora, Lee, Chen & Hernandez, 2021).

Reflect: Explain your ideas about the role of career counselors as mentor. Please check those websites:

https://femstem.eu/the-project/

https://study.com/resources/stem-women-college-and-career-guide

https://coachingforthestemwoman.com/

Conclusion:

In this module we aimed to deeply analyzed each step for Female Students for STEM. Career counselors’ guidance skills and awareness about new techniques and methods and how they integrate those methods and techniques for guiding female students.

Quizzes

External resources

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