Chapter 1: Understanding STEM

STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our children. As a STEM ambassador for several years, I find immense joy in sharing my enthusiasm for this field with young minds. By introducing kids to the fascinating aspects of science and technology, we can unlock a world of opportunities they might not even know exist.

Explaining my role as a Software Engineering Manager can be challenging, even for adults! To tackle this, I participated in a STEM ambassador presentation titled “Explain Your Job to an 8-Year-Old.” Perhaps simplifying my explanation for a child could make it clearer for everyone!

Section 1.1: The Importance of Early Impressions

The perceptions children form about STEM can significantly influence their future interests and career choices. Beyond educators, you could be the catalyst that ignites their curiosity about these subjects! The common belief that STEM is solely for exceptionally intelligent individuals needs to be dismantled. We must demonstrate that anyone can succeed in these fields.

Subsection 1.1.1: Tips for Simplifying Your Job Explanation

During the presentation, I gathered several helpful strategies:

• Be a positive role model and create a strong first impression.
• Present your job in a fun and approachable manner.
• Use simple words, ideally with three syllables or fewer.
• Avoid jargon and complex terminology.
• Substitute numbers and dates with relatable analogies (e.g., “Mars is farther away than the brightest star in the night sky!”).
• Incorporate both verbal and visual communication (talking, drawing, miming).
• Help children recognize that they possess relevant skills.
• Use inclusive language (e.g., “police officer” instead of “policeman”).
• Provide positive feedback to encourage their belief in their abilities.
• Show how enjoyable STEM can be.
• Foster curiosity by inviting questions from the kids.
• Simplify and generalize your message; precise accuracy isn't crucial.

Instead of fixating on your job title, focus on describing what you do:

Source: STEM Ambassadors

Chapter 2: My Personal Job Explanation

In the video "How Would You Explain Your Job to a 5-Year-Old?", various professionals share their strategies for simplifying their job descriptions for young audiences. This insightful content can inspire your approach.

The second video, "8-Year-Old Tries To Get A Job," captures the humorous and insightful attempts of a child to understand adult work, providing a fresh perspective on job explanations.

When I attended the presentation, I had no expectations, but I found it incredibly enlightening and received valuable tips.

Here’s my attempt at explaining my job to an 8-year-old:

"Hi there! I’m Sev, and I work for a company that creates software, websites, and mobile applications. I spend three days a week in a vibrant office where I collaborate with my colleagues. However, when it gets too noisy, I sometimes work from home, which is quieter—even if I have to sit at my dining table!

When we’re working on a project, I ensure my team knows their tasks and has everything they need. Most of my time is spent on my laptop, communicating with others and helping them resolve issues.

Imagine you’re working on a science project at school. I’m the person who ensures there’s a scientist present, all the necessary materials are available, and everyone is safe and happy at the end (that includes you, your teacher, the school, and your parents). Instead of building a volcano, we’re building a website. How cool is that?

To excel in this role, one must be organized and patient, as well as a good communicator who understands the technical side of things. I know how to instruct computers because I used to write code, which helps me assist the developers in their work.

I truly enjoy my job. With so many people using applications, games, and websites, it’s amazing to think I can create something just by writing code!

Thank you for reading! If you liked this piece, I would love your support with a round of applause! 😊

Stay connected for more exciting content in the future! Your feedback and readership mean everything to me! 😊