Bloomington Normal STEM Initiative

What Skills Are Necessary to Succeed In A STEM Field?

1/30/2023

Parents often wonder what skills their child will need to succeed in a STEM field. The answer may surprise you – creativity, communication, and collaboration are just as important as math and science skills. Here's a closer look at why these so-called "soft skills" are essential for success in any STEM career.

The Ability to Think Critically and Solve Problems.

Having the ability to think critically and solve problems is a powerful tool that can serve us in nearly all aspects of life. It's especially key in stem careers, which often require quick-thinking and creative problem solving. People who develop their critical thinking skills early on have a distinct edge, as critical thinking and problem solving can only be sharpened through practice and experience. However, it's never too late to learn; no matter where someone is on their journey, continued effort in this area is guaranteed to grant mental growth and success in tackling challenges.

Strong Math Skills

Having strong math skills opens up a variety of career opportunities. From stem disciplines such as engineering, computer science and physics to more traditional math-based roles like accounting and finance, these skills provide the basis for success in numerous fields. Even professions that do not directly rely on numerical proficiency benefit from an understanding of mathematical principles. Knowing the basics can enable easier decision making for professionals in diverse industries. Therefore, honing math skills can be incredibly invaluable for unlocking professional success.

The Ability to Use Technology Effectively

In today's world, the ability to use technology effectively is becoming increasingly important and even necessary for numerous stem careers. Technology skills are no longer considered a "nice-to-have" - instead, having the right knowledge, tools and experience with different technologies can be critical to success in stem fields. As technology continues to evolve and permeate more areas of work and life it is essential that workers understand how to utilize these tools successfully. Those who possess the required skills will reap the rewards of career advancement, satisfaction, and financial stability.

Good Communication Skills

Having good communication skills is an important asset for success in all aspects of life, from stem careers to interpersonal relationships. Communicating effectively involves understanding what you are trying to convey and how you are conveying it. It also involves being a good listener and being able to interpret the meaning behind words or gestures. To be successful in stem fields, scientists must hone their communication skills to equal those of the natural laboratory they work with. Likewise, establishing effective communication at the workplace helps increase productivity and creates a positive working environment. Ultimately, having an excellent ability to communicate both orally and through writing can provide individuals with more opportunity for professional growth.

The Ability to Work Well in a Team

In our modern society, the ability to work well in a team is a valuable skill to have, especially for those hoping to pursue stem-based careers. To be successful in these roles, it's essential that individuals are able to collaborate with others and communicate effectively with members of the team. Working in teams is much like problem-solving: different perspectives from different people can make all the difference when tackling complex tasks. Leaders of stem-based teams must understand each individual on the team and assess their strengths and weaknesses, allowing everyone to find their perfect place within the group. Having good teamwork skills makes jobs more enjoyable for all parties involved and helps enterprises reach higher levels of productivity -- qualities that will always be beneficial in any career setting.

The Ability to Stay Organized and Keep Track of Details

Staying organized and keeping track of details is a key stem (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skill that employers look for in potential employees. It aids students in completing their homework and assignments on time, which can be critical to success in stem careers. This essential ability also helps with formulating a well thought-out plan, prioritizing tasks effectively and seeing projects through to completion. Anyone working in stem must perfect their organizational skills and learn to keep track of the tiniest details if they wish to succeed.

Critical thinking, problem-solving, and being able to use technology are important skills for students to develop in order to be successful in a STEM career. Communication and teamwork are also key since most jobs involve working with others. Keeping track of details and staying organized is necessary in any field, but especially when working with complex problems in STEM. These are just a few examples of the types of skills that are important for students pursuing a career in STEM. Do you have any other skills or qualities that you think are essential for success in a STEM field? Let us know in the comments below!

Are you looking for ways to help your child explore STEM fields?

1/27/2023

Parents can play an important role in helping their children explore STEM fields. One of the most effective ways parents can do this is by encouraging their children to seek out mentorships, workshops, and summer research opportunities related to STEM fields. These programs provide a great way for young people to gain valuable experience while also giving them the chance to apply what they've learned in the classroom. Additionally, parents can help their children find grants or scholarships to make pursuing these fields financially possible.

It's also important for parents to promote the value of STEM learning at home by exposing their kids to science-related activities and materials. This could include books, documentaries or even projects involving engineering or robotics that they can work on together. By actively engaging with their children in meaningful conversations about STEM topics, parents will be able to foster an environment where curiosity and exploration are encouraged rather than intimidated.

In addition, parents should make an effort to ensure that their children have access to quality education materials including textbooks, software and other resources necessary for success in the field. The internet has provided unprecedented access to educational resources and knowledge; however it's still up to parents to ensure that their kids are utilizing those resources responsibly and productively.

Finally, it's also important for parents not just to provide support but also be a source of emotional encouragement throughout the process of exploring various STEM careers paths. It's essential for young people seeking such careers paths feel supported from their guardians so that they may take the necessary steps towards achieving success without fear or hesitance.

STEM Education in the Insurance Industry

6/28/2022

FROM CLAIMS TO UNDERWRITING, STEM IS MAKING ITS MARK

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and it has become an essential focus in the educational field with many curriculums based around these subjects. STEM education focuses on the skills needed to succeed in the workforce today and beyond, from practical skills like numeracy and literacy to employability skills like problem-solving and communication. It was only a matter of time before this focus began influencing the way things are done in the insurance industry, from how claims are handled to how underwriting works. Here’s what you need to know about STEM education in the insurance industry...

Why Are We Talking About STEM?
Insurance carriers need more people with technical backgrounds. Some industry observers call for an 80 percent increase in technical staff over the next decade. That means many insurance jobs require an understanding of science, technology, engineering, and math. Most major insurers have plans or programs to beef up their STEM education efforts.

What STEM Means to Claims and Underwriting
Using computer-based tools and data analytics, claim adjusters can be more effective when they’re on site, taking pictures of damaged property and scheduling repairs. They can check customer accounts for contract renewals, payment history, and contact information. They've been given better access to customer information through technology.
In terms of underwriting – (the process of determining whether a customer is likely to make future claims and what their premium should be) – developers are using data analytics tools that allow them to predict risks better. These tools can assist sales staff by suggesting products that could help lower customers’ insurance premiums. That’s important because more than 70 percent of customer decisions are based on price.

For Agents
With customer service skills becoming more automated through chatbots and AI (artificial intelligence), agents need new ways to differentiate themselves from their competition. Since it has proven difficult for insurance companies to find customer service reps with technical expertise, many have begun hiring candidates with a background in a STEM field.
For example, Allstate has begun hiring candidates with a background in software engineering or mobile app development. By doing so, they have seen an uptick of over 15% and 25% in customer satisfaction scores for these departments. As such, if you are a technical candidate interested in working at an insurance company but aren’t sure how your skills can translate into their processes, now may be a good time to ask them about it!