Abstract:

Education is key to cultivating professionals who drive development and growth within various fields of knowledge world-wide. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions are among the most demanded globally due to their role in innovating processes, technologies, systems, materials, and solutions that improve daily lives and meet society´s needs. Given the expansion of new careers within this educational pathway, young people interested in STEM careers must be guided on the available paths that align with their skills and vocational interests.

The Tec21 educational model at Tecnologico de Monterrey guides students through three stages: exploration, focus, and specialization. During the exploration stage, the School of Engineering and Sciences offers 4 avenues that group 18 STEM programs: Bioengineering and Chemical Processes (IBQ), Applied Sciences (ICI), Computing and Information Technologies (ITC), and Innovation and Transformation (IIT). Students start their university education in one avenue, gaining foundational knowledge and learning about the different skills and careers comprise it. After three semesters, students select a specific STEM career within their chosen avenue to proceed to the focus stage.

Annually, the School of Engineering and Sciences welcomes approximately 1,500 students. The majority declare not being completely certain of their career pathway yet, and 21% declare no decision at all.

Addressing this uncertainty, a strategic initiative called “Explore Engineering” was designed and implemented to assist students’ career decision making during the exploration stage of their STEM education. It gathered five highly effective tools to help students explore the different STEM careers and opportunities available during their university studies, all in one single place over a five-hour period:
a) Engage in discussions and schedule appointments with academic directors;
b) Observe national and international award-winning projects built or developed by students;
c) Create synergy with students undertaking impactful professional or research internships;
d) Receive guidance from senior students who have international experience studying abroad;
e) Join student groups focused on developing projects or initiatives related to their field of study.

During Explore Engineering, a survey conducted among 101 students out of approximately 300 attendees revealed significant positive impacts on career decision making. Before the event, only 32% of exploration stage students were completely certain about their career choice. After the event, certainty increased to 56% and the highest degree of uncertainty decreased from 6% to 0%. Most attendees (78%) rated the event highly valuable for their career decision-making, and 96% rated it as good or excellent.

Based on these outcomes on first-year university students, Explore Engineering is planned to be replicated each semester and is highly recommended to be replicated for high school students to provide them with effective career decision making tools early in their educational journey.

Keywords:

Higher Education, Educational Innovation, Career Decision Making, STEM Careers.