Career flexibility starts with science competition

by Douglas R. Allen, President, SEFMD, and
vice-president, Sullivan & Associates

Compete. Win prizes. Meet exciting people. Have fun. Jump start a rewarding career!

As adults look back on their own education experiences, their 20/20 hindsight makes it seem obvious that students should be thinking about career choices as early as possible. The fact is that it is difficult for most individuals to understand the options that are available. From a precollege perspective the list of alternatives can look formidable.

The good news is that there is a way to put off making irrevocable career decisions that is foolproof, and offers opportunities to get qualified to make money and have fun at the same time. Focusing your precollege education on Science and Engineering and starting your career with a degree in Science or Engineering is a great way to get qualified for top money jobs as well as get prepared for options in education, business, medicine, law, etc that may become more interesting as you move forward. It is almost impossible to come up with another education concentration that provides the flexibility that comes with Science and Engineering. There are countless examples of successful people who have converted technical educations into great success stories in almost every field imaginable. The most important aspect of this is that the technical education path offers plenty of variety and most importantly, FUN!.

Science Fair projects are the best way I know to get acquainted with the opportunities that a Math and Science education provides. Over a period of years, I have met many students who finished "in the money," winning scholarships, etc. for their projects in Science Fair competitions. In addition, I have seen countless others who figured out how important an understanding of Science, Math, and Statistics, and "the way things work" could be to their futures. They have started a lifetime of networking with successful people by investing their time and energy in a competitive activity with people that are destined to be winners in almost anything they try. I have a friend who eventually turned his Science Fair project into a doctoral dissertation and is now the president of a prominent university. His experience as a competitor in the Science Fair led to his current position as a contributor to society in a very lucrative profession.

Understanding how things work and developing the skills necessary to experiment, discover, and create new solutions is both interesting and exciting. It is also a great way to prepare yourself for almost any career path. When your science or math teacher suggests that you get involved with a Science and Engineering project, keep in mind that this may be the best opportunity you will every have to get started in almost any profession. The other piece of good news is that it is also a great way to become watlthy and have fun at the same time.