CREATRE YOU E FUTUR 2015–2016 Get ready for a
world of opportunity REALITY CHECK –
WHAT IT REALLY COSTS TO LIVE
Maryland Scholars— your key to college and careers Prepare now: your future depends on it
I N S I D E
WORKPLACE PROFESSIONALS SHARE THEIR TIPS AND ADVICE
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Why STEM Skills are important to you
Successful students in college have
a solid foundation in science, math, reading and writing.
Employers value workers who are able to reason &
STEM skills are required for jobs across many different industries
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that at least
8,654,000 U.S. STEM jobs
PHOTOGRAPHY
solve problems using math, science and technology.
will exist in 2018, not including
self-employed STEM individuals.
NUTRITION
STEM CAREERS ARE AMONG THE HIGHEST PAID AND ARE IN THE GREATEST DEMAND.
MEDICINE
Not interested in a STEM career? Keep in mind that almost all jobs require some STEM-related skills. A good way to get a jump-start on those skills is to take courses in middle and high school that prepare you to succeed in college and beyond.
COMPUTER OR VIDEO GAME DESIGN
Examples of courses that give you a solid foundation in STEM skills: ARCHITECTURE
• Algebra 1 & 2 • Biology
FORENSIC SCIENCE
ANIMATION
In the U.S., the average professional with a STEM degree earns about
$83,9 40 Annually
• Economics • Geometry • Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Geography
• Statistics
• Physics
• Environmental Science • Calculus
The national average wage is $46,440 AERONAUTICS (EARTH & SPACE FLIGHT)
Kalilah W. Associate Manager, Architect Under Armour Inc.
“
I use mathematics daily. We speak to engineers and we talk about loads and structures, as well as survey spaces and have to calculate dimensions. Though math is heavily used in architecture, don’t let your mathematics knowledge dictate where you can fit into the profession. It is a broad career field and we use a variety of subjects you learn in school daily.
2 thestemnet.com/careers
”
• Trigonometry • Technology Education
Life after High School :
Will you be able to
afford it?
Paycheck PAY TO THE ORDER OF
What Does It Cost To Live? Apartment Car Payment Car Insurance/Gas/Maintenance Gas/Electricity Phone/Internet/Cable Food Entertainment
Four-Hundred Six Dollars and Zero Cents Earnings
$ 1,000 $ 400 $ 450 $ 150 $ 150 $ 350 $ 200
Total Monthly Expenses
Jane Eyre Rate
Hours
Regular $15.00
40
Gross Pay
This period $600.00 $600.00
Deductions Federal Income Tax State/Local Income Tax Social Security Tax Other Health Insurance
- $102.00 - $36.00 - $36.00 - $20.00
Weekly Net Pay
$406.00
That’s More than $1,000 over budget!
PER MONTH
$ 2,700
Gross Wages (x4 weeks) Taxes Withheld Other Deductions
- $408.00 - $144.00 - $144.00
-$80.00
$1,624.00
Monthly Net Pay PROJECTED OPENINGS IN 2022
$2,400.00
MEDIAN HOURLY WAGE
MEDIAN MONTHLY WAGE
MEDIAN ANNUAL WAGE
OCCUPATION
EDUCATION
PEDIATRICIAN
DOCTORAL OR PROFESSIONAL DEGREE
750
$74.97
$13,565
$162,780
LAWYER
DOCTORAL OR PROFESSIONAL DEGREE
11,170
$51.58
$10,505
$126,060
SOFTWARE DEVELOPER
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
12,940
$50.33
$9,025
$108,300
VETERINARIAN
DOCTORAL OR PROFESSIONAL DEGREE
1,290
$46.24
$8,700
$104,410
INFORMATION SECURITY ANALYST
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
3,020
$46.71
$8,418
$101,010
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
620
$44.68
$7,718
$92,620
ACCOUNTANT/AUDITOR
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
25,900
$34.59
$6,697
$80,360
WRITER
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
1,050
$34.37
$6,349
$76,190
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
2,180
$32.37
$6,202
$74,420
NURSE (REGISTERED)
ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE
47,790
$34.30
$6,018
$72,210
FORENSIC SCIENCE TECHNICIAN
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
650
$29.96
$5,483
$65,800
TEACHER (ELEMENTARY)
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
26,940
$31.53
$5,254
$63,050
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
12,970
$29.69
$5,136
$61,630
POLICE OFFICER
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
13,990
$28.13
$4,990
$59,880
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
3,650
$25.90
$4,870
$58,440
REAL ESTATE SALES AGENT
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
2,980
$19.89
$4,606
$55,270
CARPENTER
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
12,050
$21.01
$3,743
$44,920
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN
CERTIFICATE
4,680
$17.92
$3,296
$39,550
FITNESS TRAINER
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
5,570
$16.58
$3,268
$39,220
DENTAL ASSISTANT
CERTIFICATE
5,410
$18.60
$3,224
$38,690
RETAIL SALES PERSON
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
71,720
$10.12
$2,105
$25,260
WAITER OR WAITRESS
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
42,440
$8.83
$1,722
$20,660
Janice K.
For more occupations, visit www.dllr.state.md.us/lmi and click on “Occupational Projections”
President Evergreen Heritage Center Foundation
“
Think of high school as your first job. Work hard and continually challenge yourself.
”
thestemnet.com/careers 3
Courses matter... Choices matter WHAT YOU DO IN YOUR FOUR YEARS OF HIGH SCHOOL IS IMPORTANT TO HAVING A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE.
Colleges and employers ask for high school transcripts because they want to know:
?
Did you take challenging courses
?
Are you prepared to do college work
?
Do you have the skills you need to be successful
?
Are you reliable
?
Will you show up for class or work
?
Would you be eager to take on a challenge
PAT’S TRANSCRIPT
You want your transcript to shout YES! to all of those questions. As you complete courses, pass tests, accomplish tasks and earn awards, you are creating a picture of yourself that tells colleges and employers, I’m the one you want!
KELLY’S TRANSCRIPT
SECONDARY SCHOOL PERFORMANCE DATA
Legal Name Pat Smith ID Number 624-569-5799 Birth Date 01/01/97
LAST SCHOOL ATTENDED (Optional)
Maryland High School AssessmentsX When Passed
PARENT OR GUARDIAN (Optional) ADDRESS
Other Name
Gr. 9 English I - Honors
FINAL INSTR CREDIT GRADE LEVEL EARNED SCHOOL YEAR 2012 - 2013 H A 1.00
5.00
Amer. Govt - Honors
H
B
1.00
4.00
World History - Honors H
A
1.00
Geometry - Honors
H
C
1.00
3.00
Algebra II
H
B
1.00
3.00
Biology - Honors
H
A
1.00
5.00
Chemistry - Honors
H
B
1.00
4.00
French II
ST
A
1.00
4.00
French III
H
A
1.00
4.00
Foundations of Art
GT
C
1.00
4.00
Studio Drawing/Painting GT
B
1.00
5.00
PE Fitness Present: 175.0
ST Absent: 5.0
A
1.00 6.0
4.00 29.00
Technology/Pers. Comp. ST Present: 172.0 Absent: 8.0
B
1.00 7.00
3.00 28.00
Gr. 11 English III - Honors
H
4.00
Gr. 12 English IV - Honors
U.S. History - Honors
H
A
1.00
5.00
Pre-Calculus
ST
B
1.00
3.00
Physics
ST
C
1.00
Figure Drawing I
GT
B
1.00
Health
ST
B
Telemedia Design I Present: 177.0
GT Absent: 3.0
B
SUBJECTS
SCHOOL YEAR 2014 - 2015 B 1.00
QUALITY POINTS
SUBJECTS Gr. 10 English II - Honors
FINAL INSTR CREDIT QUALITY GRADE LEVEL EARNED POINTS SCHOOL YEAR 2013 - 2014 H B 1.00 4.00
H
5.00
SCHOOL YEAR 2015 - 2016 A 1.00 5.00
Economics/Public Issues H College Algebra - Honors AP
B
.50
2.00
B
1.00
5.00
2.00
Latin I
ST
A
1.00
4.00
5.00
Figure Drawing II
GT
A
1.00
6.00
1.00
3.00
Painting
GT
B
1.00
5.00
1.00 7.00
5.00 27.0
Telemedia Design II Present: 173.0
GT Absent: 7.0
B
1.00 6.50
5.00 32.0
The grading system for all subjects is a five step scale…A, B, C, D and E. Each grade is determined by achievement in relation to the objectives of the designated instructional level. The definitions of the letters follow.
Legal Name Kelly Jones ID Number 111-22-3333 Birth Date 02/02/97 Other Name SUBJECTS Gr. 9 English I
FINAL INSTR CREDIT GRADE LEVEL EARNED SCHOOL YEAR 2012 - 2013 ST C 1.00
Amer. Govt
ST
B
Algebra I Biology
ST
E
0.00
ST
D
1.00
Spanish I
1.00
ST
C
Technology/Pers.Comp. ST
A
1.00
PE Fitness Present: 165.0
C
1.00 6.0
ST Absent: 15.0
1.00
SCHOOL YEAR 2014 - 2015 D 1.00
A B C D E OUTSTANDING ABOVE AVERAGE AVERAGE BELOW AVERAGE UNSATISFACTORY INSTRUCTIONAL LEVEL KEY SECONDARY SCHOOL PERFORMANCE DATA for students identified Accredited by Middle StatesinAssociation GT GIFTED & TALENTED -Offered at a level appropriate as gifted and talented this subject area. LAST SCHOOL H ATTENDED HONORS (Optional) -Offered at a level appropriate for students identified as significantly exceeding accepted standards for the grade or subject. Maryland High School AssessmentsST STANDARD -Offered at a level appropriate for students able to meet or exceed accepted standards for the grade or subject. PARENT OR GUARDIAN (Optional) X When Passed SE SPECIAL EDUCATION -Offered at a level appropriate for students certified as needing special education in this subject area. ENGLISH X BIOLOGY X ADDRESS QUALITY POINTS KEY GIFTED & TALENTED A=6 B=5 C=4 D=1 E=0 HONORS A = 5X B = 4 C = 3 D = 1 E = 0 ALGEBRA I X GOVERNMENT STANDARD A=4 B=3 C=2 D=1 E=0 SPECIAL9EDUCATION =4 B=3 C=2 D=1 E=0 SUBJECTS 10 11 12 ATOT. FINAL QUALITY INSTR CREDIT QUALITY SUBJECTS English 1 1 1 1 4.0 GRADE POINTS LEVEL EARNED POINTS [Maryland Scholars courses are bolded] Social Studies 1 1 1 1 4.0 Gr. 10 SCHOOL YEAR 2013 - 2014 Mathematics 0 1 1 1 3.0 English II 2.00 ST D 1.00 1.00 Science 1 1 1 1 4.0 World History Foreign Lang. 1 1 1 1 4.0 3.00 ST C 1.00 2.00 Bus. Ed. Algebra I 0.00 ST D 1.00 1.00 Art 1 1 2.0 Environmental Science ST C 1.00 2.00 1.00 Music 0 Phys. Ed. 1 1.0 Spanish II ST C 1.00 2.00 2.00 Health 1 1.0 Health ST D 1.00 1.00 4.00 Tech. Ed. 1 1 1 3.0 Graphic Arts ST B 1.00 3.00 2.00 Voc. Tech. Ed. Home Econ. Present: 162.0 Absent: 18.0 7.00 12.00 14.00 Spec. Ed. Reading Gr. 12 SCHOOL YEAR 2015 - 2016 Comm. Serv. 3 3 3 3 English IV 1.00 ST D 1.00 1.00
Gr. 11 English III
ST ST
D
1.00
1.00
World Cultures
ST
D
1.00
Geometry
ST
D
1.00
1.00
Consumer Math
ST
C
1.00
2.00
Oceanography
ST
C
1.00
2.00
Ecology
ST
C
1.00
2.00
Spanish III
ST
C
1.00
2.00
Fundamentals of Art
ST
D
1.00
1.00
Music
ST
E
0.00
0.00
Sign Language
ST
D
1.00
1.00
A
1.00 6.00
4.00 11.0
Computer Aided Design II H Present: 160.0 Absent: 20.0
B
1.00 7.00
4.00 12.0
1.00
The grading system for all subjects is a five step scale…A, B, C, D and E. Each grade is determined by achievement in relation to the objectives of the designated instructional level. The definitions of the letters follow.
A=6 A=4
B=5 B=3
C=4 C=2
[Maryland Scholars courses are bolded]
4 thestemnet.com/careers
D=1 D=1
QUALITY POINTS KEY E=0 HONORS E=0 SPECIAL EDUCATION
26.0
TOTAL DIPLOMA 3 CERT. DATE SCHOOL Timbuktu High School SCH. ADDRESS 10 Main Street Waverly, MD SCH. PHONE # 410/555-4422 ACTIVITIES HONORS/AWARDS
A B C D E OUTSTANDING ABOVE AVERAGE AVERAGE BELOW AVERAGE UNSATISFACTORY INSTRUCTIONAL LEVEL KEY GT GIFTED & TALENTED -Offered at a level appropriate for students identified as gifted and talented in this subject area. H HONORS -Offered at a level appropriate for students identified as significantly exceeding accepted standards for the grade or subject. ST STANDARD -Offered at a level appropriate for students able to meet or exceed accepted standards for the grade or subject. SE SPECIAL EDUCATION -Offered at a level appropriate for students certified as needing special education in this subject area. GIFTED & TALENTED STANDARD
ENGLISH ALGEBRA I SUBJECTS English Social Studies Mathematics Science Foreign Lang. Bus. Ed. Art Music Phys. Ed. Health Tech. Ed. Voc. Tech. Ed. Home Econ. Spec. Ed. Reading Comm. Serv.
9 1 1 1 1 1
X BIOLOGY X X GOVERNMENT X 10 11 12 TOT. 1 1 1 4.0 1 1 .5 3.5 1 1 1 4.0 1 1 1 3.0 1 1 3.0
1
1
1 1
3
3
2 0
3
3
A=5 A=4
B=4 B=3
C=3 C=2
D=1 D=1
E=0 E=0
GPA: 1.9
Weighted GPA: 1.9
MARYLAND SCHOLAR DATE
PRINCIPAL’S SIGNATURE
7.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
1
3
27.5
TOTAL
DIPLOMA 3 CERT. DATE SCHOOL Timbuktu High School SCH. ADDRESS 10 Main Street Waverly, MD SCH. PHONE # 410/555-4422 ACTIVITIES Art Club 1/2/3/4 SGA 3/4, JV Volleyball 1/2, Yearbook 4 HONORS/AWARDS Ty Gibson Award GPA: 3.3
Weighted GPA: 4.2
MARYLAND SCHOLAR DATE
PRINCIPAL’S SIGNATURE
BE HONEST, WHO WOULD YOU HIRE, PAT OR KELLY?
U.S. History
Computer Aided Design I ST Present: 167.0 Absent: 13.0
Accredited by Middle States Association
The Maryland Scholar with above average grades? The student with below average grades and poor attendance?
3
So Now What? Become a Maryland Scholar! Whether your goal is to go to college, the military or get a job after graduation, getting the best possible foundation in high school is essential! You don’t have to know what you want to do after high school right now; however, taking the right courses now will allow you to follow any path you choose later on. Being a Maryland Scholar will help you:
A GOAL is what you aim or strive to accomplish.
• Get a good job that pays more • Succeed in college-level courses
WHY SET GOALS?
• Qualify for scholarships and/or grants to help you pay for school
Setting goals for yourself lets you get more out of life by deciding who you want to be and what you want to do. It is not just a process to identify your dreams, but it helps you achieve them.
By taking these courses, because of the skills and knowledge gained from them, you will have a greater chance in getting into schools that you apply for, whether it’s in state or out of state.
HOW DO YOU SET A GOAL? • Make it SMART! • Be SPECIFIC: what is it that you would like to accomplish? • How will you MEASURE your success? • Is it ACHIEVABLE? What actions will you take?
Maryland Scholars Course of Study
• Set REALISTIC results that you hope to see. • And how much TIME will you give yourself to reach the goal? WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER I SET A GOAL? Within 3 – 5 days — • Share your goals with a teacher, school counselor and/or parent/guardian so they can help support you.
4 4 Credits of English 4 4 Credits of Math (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2) 4 3 Credits of Lab Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics*) 4 3 Credits of Social Science (U.S. History,
Within 2– 4 weeks — •R eview your goals to see if you are on target. •M ake adjustments to your goals or actions if needed. REWARD YOURSELF WHEN YOU REACH YOUR GOAL — CELEBRATE!
World History, Government)
4 2 Credits of same Foreign Language
Students must attain a 3.0 GPA to Qualify
* a third lab science may be substituted for Physics
Dion B.
Melissa M.
Director of Governmental Affairs Cambridge International
Attorney at Law McGuireWoods LLP.
“
Science forces you to think critically and prove theories through hands on research. It also reinforces that you learn through trial and error. Your greatest failure could lead to your greatest success.
”
“
Working hard, finishing high school, and going to college have a substantial impact on a person’s life. For a first generation immigrant like me, that difference has meant options, stability, and freedom.
”
thestemnet.com/careers 5
Interview with a Maryland Scholar
*Success is never achieved by accident – it takes hard work, persistence, and determination.
Yvette P. Advocacy
*Put 100% effort in whatever you do, whether it’s homework, after school activities, or even class participation.
Problem Solving
High School: Randallstown High School Randallstown, MD
Major in Sociology
Class Participation
Education:
College: UMBC Major in Sociology, graduated Magna Cum Laude Baltimore, MD
*Be confident in your abilities!
Graduate: University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law Baltimore, MD
Magna Cum Laude
Words of Advice
What was your goal or your dream when you were a freshman in high school? Has that changed from the direction you are going today? As a freshman in high school, I was set on becoming a cardiologist. I was enrolled in the Biomedical Technology Magnet Program at Randallstown High School and took a total of 8 science courses. By the end of my senior year, I had come to realize that advocacy was my real passion and decided to major in Sociology with intentions to attend law school. Although I changed directions completely, I don’t regret it one bit.
Career Goal:Juris Doctor Is there anything you did in high school that made you stand out from your peers? I took a summer class at CCBC following my 10th grade year. I realized how manageable taking college classes while enrolled in high school was, and continued to take summer classes at CCBC until I graduated high school. That experience taught me a lot about time management and helped build my confidence. What do you see yourself doing in 10 years? I hope to be practicing law in Baltimore 10 years from now.
Persistence
Name: Yvette P. Age: 23 Career Goal: Pursuing a Juris Doctor (J.D.) Baltimore, MD
Determination
Personal Commitment
Amy K. Senior Program Manager Lockheed Martin
“
Don’t be afraid of trying something new for fear of failure. As a young female I did not have much confidence in my math skills and that almost held me back from enrolling in more advanced math classes. Once I got over this lack of confidence I realized that I could do it and that allowed me to progress higher in math than I ever thought I would.
6 thestemnet.com/careers
Confidence
Was it hard to become a Maryland Scholar? It was not difficult to become a Maryland Scholar. All it took was a personal commitment to excellence and hard work.
Time Management
What made you want to pursue the career you are currently pursuing? I felt advocacy and problem solving were my strengths and figured I would capitalize on them since they were both skills that I was passionate about.
”
Are you on track to be college and/or career ready? PUT A CHECK IN THE COLUMN THAT BEST DESCRIBES YOU AND YOUR PLANS.
MOSTLY TRUE
1.
I get A’s and B’s in my classes.
2.
I show up to class on time.
3.
I do more than what’s expected of me in class.
4.
I plan to take high levels of math and science in high school.
5.
I know what I need to do to qualify for scholarships and grants.
6.
I plan to learn a world language in high school.
7.
I am involved in extracurricular activities.
8.
I currently/plan to volunteer in my community.
9.
I am careful about what I post online (Instagram, Twitter, etc.).
10.
SOMETIMES TRUE
NOT TRUE
I know what I want to do after high school.
S C O R I N G :
0 TO 6 POINTS: You have the potential to be college and/or career ready but you will need to step up your game. Employers say that high school graduates that they hire need the same skills and knowledge that colleges require of incoming freshmen! Talk to your family and school counselor — set up a plan. They will help you get — and stay — on the right track. NOW is the time to start taking control of your future.
MOSTLY TRUE = 2 points
_____ Points
SOMETIMES TRUE = 1 point
_____ Points
NOT TRUE = 0 points
_____ Points _____ TOTAL
high school, you will be twice as likely to graduate from college and earn 13% more in wages a year! Meet with your school counselor at least one time each year to make sure you’re on track with your courses. 14 TO 20 POINTS: Congratulations! You are well on your way to being college and/or career ready. You will likely complete all the right courses to get a good job with benefits, succeed in college AND qualify for scholarships and grants to help pay for college. Studies have shown that high school graduates who have completed higher levels of math and science classes earn $1 million more over their lifetime than those who did not. Talk with your school counselor about taking Honors and AP classes, and begin researching colleges you are interested in to make sure you know what they require from you.
7 TO 13 POINTS: With some effort, you could become college and/or career ready. At a minimum, make sure you take and complete Algebra 2, Chemistry, Physics and at least 2 years of the same world language during high school. By completing these courses in
Dionne C. Director of Instructional Technology Coppin State University
“
It’s never too early to make a plan! Believe in your skills and abilities — do not allow anybody to steal your confidence or your joy.
”
thestemnet.com/careers 7
Countdown
e g e l l o C to
q Check the box as
Sophomore Year q Take and complete geometry or algebra 2. q Take and complete a lab science, such as chemistry. q Take honors and AP classes if possible. q Check in with your school counselor to make sure you’re on track.
q Take a leadership role in your extracurricular activities. q Take the PSAT or ACT PLAN tests to help prepare yourself for SAT and ACT tests.
q Earn college credits by registering for a dual-enrollment
you complete each step, to keep on track
program at your local community college.
Junior Year q Take rigorous math and science courses, such as pre-calculus and physics.
q Take honors and AP classes if possible. q Maintain good grades and challenge yourself. Junior-year
8th Grade
grades are especially important for college admissions.
q Take algebra 1 if possible. q D evelop your leadership skills —
q Register for, study and take the SAT or ACT test. q Take advantage of dual enrollment opportunities
join clubs/activities, play a sport or volunteer.
offered at your school.
q W ork hard to get good grades — it will make a
q Check out, in person or online, the colleges that
difference in your options for high school.
interest you — know their admissions criteria.
q S ign up for Maryland Scholars courses in your high school plan — include algebra 2, chemistry, physics and 2 credits of a world language.
q Explore scholarship opportunities — start early so you can build a record that allows you to qualify.
Senior Year
Freshman Year q T ake and complete algebra 1 or geometry. q W ork hard to get good grades — colleges review your transcript including freshman grades — ALL 4 YEARS COUNT!
q A sk for help when you need it. q Take part in extracurricular activities and challenge yourself — pick up a new instrument or join a sports team at your school!
q Make the most of your senior year. It is important! q Take a rigorous math class. It will help you pass the college entrance exams.
q Know and meet the deadlines to submit college applications. Start early to write essays and get teacher recommendations.
q Highlight your extracurricular activities in your college application and stand out from your peers in the process.
q Submit your college financial aid application (FAFSA) by March 1. Do it whether you think you need it or not.
q T alk with your school counselor about which
q Be recognized as a Maryland Scholar. Celebrate!
classes to take next year.
Jennifer W. Materials Engineer Naval Surface Warfare Center
“
I’m inspired to do my job knowing that what I work on helps keep the men and women that protect us safer. It’s a great feeling to stand on a ship deck and to be able to say I know how this was made. I also enjoy solving puzzles, and every day there is a new problem to solve.
”
8 thestemnet.com/careers
Professional Profile: Project Scientist
Joel G.
Words of Advice *
Name: Joel G. Profession: Project Scientist, Office of Public Outreach at Space Telescope Science Institute
There were a lot of things I didn’t understand when I was in 9th grade. The first was that if you are excited about something, and you can explain why you are excited to everyone else, they will get excited too! Research is a long path to follow, but the lessons you learn on the way are valuable to any career. The better you can present your ideas, organize your ideas, and understand how other people think of your ideas, you can be a great communicator, and you’re doing a valuable service in any job.
What I Do:
Education:
I’m an astronomer! I study the formation of stars and planets in our own galaxy, trying to figure out how new stars and planets are born in our own galaxy, in nearby clouds of gas and dust. I do this using data from space telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope, the Spitzer Space Telescope, or the upcoming new James Webb Space Telescope. These telescopes work in different ways and present the Universe in different kinds of pictures. I also spend time helping to communicate this work through writing, educational experiences, and creating pictures, animations, and explorations, that bring the science of the Hubble and Webb Space Telescopes to everyone.
High School: Fox Lane High — Bedford, NY
My Inspiration: My job is right at the boundary of science research and public outreach. I am very interested in both aspects of my job. They work together and are essential for me doing well on the job. I also like living in Baltimore and have the opportunity to travel a lot for my job domestically and internationally. I consider it a great privilege to have a stable job that pays reasonably well with exciting work.
College: Cornell University — Major in Astrophysics/ Minor in History
Graduate: University of Rochester — M.A. in Astrophysics PhD in Astrophysics
What high school subjects do you use at work? How do you use them? I use a lot of physics and mathematics to do astronomy, but I also use a lot of chemistry and geology to understand the kinds of particles I see through the telescopes — to understand their behavior and chemical makeup. Biology is also important. It helps me make predictions for what kinds of effects life could have on a planet far, far away from us. History helps me understand the foundation of science, and to understand the challenges of our world. Finally, I use art to think about how best to illustrate a concept, or to think outside the scientific realm and appreciate the beauty of the Universe.
thestemnet.com/careers 9
Professional Profile: Systems Support Engineer
William T.
Name: William T.
Profession: Systems Supportability Engineer, Northrop Grumman
Education: High School: Randallstown High – Randallstown, MD
College: Morgan State University – B.S. Electrical Engineering
*Words of Advice
I want to emphasize that you should not take anything for granted because it can be taken away from you at any given moment without notice. Also, don’t be afraid of your greatness! You should seize all opportunities you have now and in the future to make yourself the best 8th/9th grader you can be.
What I Do: I am an engineer! As a Systems Supportability Engineer, I focus on system safety, reliability, maintainability and human factors engineering. It is my responsibility to analyze systems for these four disciplines to ensure the system is safe to operate. I need to make sure that the system will work when needed to, can be easily maintained, repaired quickly and that the system can be used effectively by the intended operator.
My Inspiration: I am driven and inspired to perform my job well because I know that I can use my intellect to ensure that the military can perform their jobs safely. My brother is a U.S. Marine and working on systems that are products for the Marines; I work hard to ensure that the products my brother could potentially use are safe to operate, maintain and dispose of. I also like having the ability to solve problems and directly contribute to solving problems that our society may face in the future.
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What high school subjects do you use at work? How do you use them? I use Physics, Electric Circuits, and Chemistry every day in my work. These subjects are helpful because they helped lay knowledge foundation for me to understand the complex aspects of the technology I work on in my profession. Engineering is a combination of math, science and technology rolled into one field that allows me to understand and to think critically in solving complicated problems from different approaches of design.
Doctoral Degree What is required for a Doctoral Degree? The doctorate, or Ph.D., takes at least • two full-time years of study, or 30 credits,
•
Examples: Mathematician, Astronomer, or Medical Scientist
beyond the master’s degree. In many cases students need four or five years of study, or 90 credits, after the master’s degree.
usually takes at least six years of college work. • I At cademic • ments mustrequirebe
•
•
•
Certificate
Master’s Degree
What is required for a Certificate?
What is required for a Master’s Degree?
can take just a •fewCertificates weeks or up to two years
• It usually takes one or two years after earning a
bachelor’s degree. It often requires very specific undergraduate courses. Many students need to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) to be accepted to a graduate school.
•
Bachelor’s Degree What is required for a Bachelor’s Degree? Four or five years of • full-time coursework,
•
credits, are needed. Associate’s degrees are offered by community colleges. Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degrees are available. Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees are for technical or career programs.
completed to become licensed in careers such as law, medicine or architecture. Examples: Students generally Veterinarian, spend four years Pediatrician, or working on a bachelor’s Lawyer degree plus another few years on their professional degree.
Examples: Environmental Scientist, Statistician or Physical Therapist
or 120 credits are needed. Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees (also known
Examples: Financial Advisor, Forensic Science Technician, or Computer Software Engineer
Examples: Dental Hygienist, Web Developer, or Registered Nurse
wo years of full-time • Tcoursework, or 60
What is required for a Professional Degree?
•
Associate’S Degree What is required for an Associate’s Degree?
Professional Degree
•
•
as liberal arts degrees) require courses in art, culture, history, English, social and life sciences and languages. Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees often prepare people for careers in engineering, physical sciences and other technical subjects.
to earn.
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They are awarded by community colleges and private career schools.
Six
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They also can be earned by completing job training or even in a high school program.
Degrees
of EDUCATION
Examples: Electrical Technician, Real Estate Broker, or Occupational Therapy Assistant
Mark C. District Engineer Maryland State Highway Administration
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To maintain our almost 2,500 lane miles of roadways we spend some $16 million annually as well as another $20 million for winter operations. My job is to provide direction and guidance on all matters ranging from design, personnel construction or maintenance.
”
Jessica R. Project Control Analyst Leidos
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I wish I had been less afraid to ask for help. Some classes would have been less stressful if I’d just said ‘Could you help me understand this topic better?’ I have found that most teachers really just want their students to do well, and that sometimes we need to ask for assistance in order to succeed.
”
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PAYING FOR COLLEGE The basics
Tips for paying for college
It is possible for everyone to go to college. There are many ways to pay for school and to get help paying for it. There are four main types of financial aid students can get:
Start saving for college.
1. Grants 2. Scholarships 3. Student loans 4. Work study What do I do now to prepare? Consider your goals and what education you need to reach them. Enroll in high level courses while in high school. College isn’t easy. The more you learn in high school, the better you will do in college, and the more college options you will have. Take Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes during high school. Earn college credits now!
SAVINGS
Work with school counselors to find scholarships or search the internet on your own.
LOANS
Many community groups and employers have scholarships available. But it’s up to you to find these sources of money.
GRANTS
What is FAFSA? When and how do I file the FAFSA? Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine if you are eligible for financial aid from federal and state aid programs and financial aid programs offered by colleges and universities. You should apply whether or not you think you need financial aid.
Get involved in school and volunteer activities. Many scholarship programs, especially private scholarships, look for these activities when selecting students for scholarships.
The FAFSA should be filed during the spring semester of your senior year between January 1 and March 1. This will ensure you are considered for most types of financial aid.
Explore the possibility of dual enrollment (high school and college).
find even more advice and start planning for life after high school at www.theSTEMnet.com/careers
Luis L. Deputy Director, VMD
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Never give up in pursuing your dreams and know that a little effort and sacrifice now will have a huge impact on your future. There’s nothing worse than spending 8 hours a day for many years doing something you don’t enjoy just because it was the only job you could get.
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FAFSA
SCHOLARSHIPS
”