Blog

50% by 2020 or Why we teach entrepreneurship in all our STEM Career courses.

Steve Waddell • Oct 05, 2017

rel="attachment wp-att-4800" id="1660008343">

Would you believe that by the year 2020 it is projected that roughly 50% of the workforce in the US will be comprised of freelancers? While it may seem hard to believe, according to a 2014 study commissioned by the Freelancers Union these numbers appear to be on target. According to that study there were 53 million Americans that are freelancers, which accounted for about 1/3 of the workforce for the country. Taking a look at future trends shows that by the year 2020 the percentage of workers that are freelancers will pass 50%. The STEM Career world is changing, and it’s important that our educational system changes to reflect that.

The current surge in freelancers is not something that our current generations of educators were trained to teach students about, which is a problem. It’s a problem because the world that students of today will be inheriting is one where freelancing is an important, if not outright dominant part of the workforce. We need to give our students the right information about any STEM Career they are interested in.

Moving Forward with STEM

Fortunately the nature of the changing STEM workforce is not going unnoticed by everyone in the education field. In fact some of the top STEM/STEAM educators that I spend time with on a regular basis are noticing the changing nature of how Americans are going to earn a living. They realize that the pathway that their student’s STEM careers move along will be far different than what was considered the norm just a few short years ago.

In my experience, most educators are well meaning. The fact that they were trained in a certain way of looking at careers sometimes locks them into a train of thought that doesn’t benefit their CTE students. Fortunately, like their students they do learn new things. The 50% by 2020 stat is clear. What has to happen is all our STEM and CTE educators need to broaden their concept of what may be the career model for their students. If our educators don’t help our learners to get this message, then it will limit their students’ ability to thrive in the modern workplace. We are now almost 20 years into the 21st century, and it’s time to embrace the future and begin to “Career Think” in bigger and broader terms.

A while back I delivered a series of key notes for schools focusing on the idea of “You Inc.” and how it’s important to always look in the mirror and see yourself not as a worker, but instead as an entrepreneur. Even when you are employed in a more traditional job you shouldn’t look at it as going to work, you should look at it as an employer paying you for your services. You aren’t being paid for your time, you are being paid for what you bring to a company. After all isn’t this what a STEM career is all about in the first place? It’s not how many hours you put in that matters to an employer, it’s how productive you were and how much you accomplished on their behalf.

I freely admit that some of the “You Inc.” talks I gave were influenced heavily by Free Agent Nation, a book written by Daniel Pink (a must read). The other driving factor was the fact that I am an entrepreneur myself and own and operate a software company focusing on online education. I have always had a core team of regular employees, and have always supplemented them with freelancers.

We need to be more Flexible

The 2008 economic crash made it more clear to me than ever before that companies needed to be more flexible and to use their resources in a more intelligent way. Having huge teams of employees is a tremendous expense, whereas hiring freelancers is much more cost effective. Businesses need to be agile, easily scaled up or down, and sustainable. Without these qualities, they are vulnerable to failing. Fortunately, when the recession hit, my company had already been practicing the concepts we are teaching, and for that, I am quite grateful.

Not long ago I was at a school speaking with students about how the nature of a STEM career is changing. Specifically that they should find things that they are passionate about and try to mold those interests into a career. By the way if you encourage students to focus on what they are interested in this is a great way to keep them engaged and attending classes. For example, in today’s freelance market you could be an animator, and by working from home you have the entire animation industry as potential employers. A STEM Career does not need to be tied to any one location.

Using our company as the example, Needless to say we are a STEM Career in action. I make sure to mention that only about 20% of our animation team is actually local for any projects were are working on. The remainder of the team live in various other states, and believe it or not many of them have never set foot in one of our offices, or spent any time with us or anyone else on our team. But despite the distance that separates us we are still engaged with our team, we know about them, their families, and their dreams. They are an essential part of our workforce, and we make sure that they know it.

Companies that want to succeed hire people for their skills as well as for how passionate they are about what they do. Since we believe that the trends for freelancing are accurate then we need to make sure we are teaching this to students. That doesn’t mean we can’t teach them about a traditional career path, it simply means we need to teach them to understand that freelancing is a legitimate alternative they may end up undertaking.

We also need to explain and emphasize how technology has bridged the gap between distant locations allowing people from all around the globe to work together. As educators, we need to tap into the passion that our students have and use that to help educate them and build a foundation for future success for them. We need to teach them to grow, to prosper, and to thrive in a changing world that is far different than the one we grew up in.

Have fun – Steve

BTW – Many of our Freelancers do have furry in-house support personnel!

< Older Post Newer Post >

Get in touch with us today!

You can book a demo directly using Calendly, call us directly at 913-764-4272 or 877-828-1216, or submit the form below and we will reach out to you.

We look forward to helping you and your students.

Most Recent Posts

Why More Schools are Embracing Career and Technical Education

By Steve Waddell • 25 Apr, 2024

As school choice gains traction across the United States, an increasing number of parents are exploring educational options that extend beyond the traditional public school system. In addition to public schools, private, parochial, charter and Christian schools are increasingly recognizing the shift in student interests away from four-year universities towards more career-oriented education pathways that mitigate the risk of debt. This trend is driving parents towards schools that offer robust career and technical education (CTE) programs alongside the traditional core curriculum and character education found in charter, private, religious, and schools supported through school voucher programs. Career and technical education, when done right, is highly multidisciplinary. Technical skills are merged with history, math, and science and wrapped with the soft skills to better prepare learners for a more complex job market and future. Every career requires technical skills to get hired, but soft skills is what keeps professionals employed and allows them to move up the career ladder. Studies show that a lack of hands-on career exploration in high school is a critical gap, leaving many students unsure about their future paths and more likely to require significant adjustments to their educational trajectories post high school. How We Help At CTeLearning, we specialize in offering a diverse array of CTE courses designed to address these challenges. Our courses are ideal for schools of choice who are looking for easy to facilitate curricula taught by their educators so they can maintain their educational standards. CTE differs from traditional education by focusing on practical, hands-on experiences tailored to specific career pathways. This approach helps bridge the gap between education and employment, equipping learners with the skills and insights needed to thrive in the workforce. Our courses enable schools—including private, parochial, charter and Christian institutions—to provide engaging CTE curricula that expose students to potential career pathways, starting as early as middle school. Our courses include the technical skills and soft skills that industry expects. Each of our curricula include two soft skills modules: Ethics in the Workplace and Critical Thinking in the Workplace. These two interactive modules help fill gaps that many students seem to have in core career skills. To help students get career and college ready, these modules enable your learners to earn industry micro-credentials they can add to their resumes or a college entrance application. Our experience working with students and teachers shows that the project-based learning (PBL) approach is important. The best way to amplify PBL is to emphasize experiential learning and hands-on practical engagement. We enhance PBL by weaving in industry professionals who introduce important concepts and give context to the work and experiences the curriculum offers. By offering students direct engagement with industry professionals and real workplace environments, CTE programs enhance learning retention and deepen students' understanding of how theoretical concepts apply in practical settings. Our curricula are designed to allow students to learn at their own pace while building real-world projects and gain firsthand experience. Students beginning to identify their interests and career goals early on is crucial for making informed decisions in their educational journeys. Families of students in CTE programs report high levels of satisfaction, noting the effective guidance in career readiness that CTE provides, in stark contrast to traditional education pathways. Furthermore, CTE programs contribute to higher graduation rates, with students more likely to graduate on time compared to their peers in traditional settings. These programs also close the skills gap in the U.S. economy by aligning curriculum with workforce needs, ensuring that graduates are prepared for high-demand occupations in fields like web design, game design, coding, sustainability, animation, marketing and robotics. Our approach allows educators to better prepare and future-proof their students. Industry studies tell us that soft skills, ethics, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, time management and personal leadership are what industry needs, yet these skills seem to be harder and harder to find in graduating students. Taking the time to develop critical thinking within a career context prepares students not just for specific jobs but any career pathway. The world as we know it has a high rate of change and seems to be accelerating. This makes it seemingly impossible for educators to keep up. The turbulence of change makes curricular choices for educators more and more stressful. Our teachers know they can trust us to make sure that they remain on the cutting edge of what industry is looking for, continually updating curricula to reflect the latest industry trends and practices. Teachers and parents around the country are looking for ways to stand out and show more options for learners who may have varied educational trajectories. Foundationally, all parents want their children to learn in an environment that builds their character, confidence, knowledge and readiness for their futures. They want their kids to be adaptable, resilient and independent. Overall, the continual growth of school choice is closely linked to the growing appreciation for CTE as a vital educational pathway. This approach not only meets the immediate training needs of students but also prepares them for long-term career success, making it an attractive option for parents and students alike who are seeking practical, debt-free education alternatives. It is tough being a parent these days. It is tough being an educator these days. Let us make things easier for your school, your teachers and in turn better for your students. Contact us today to find out how we can help by clicking here or calling us at 913-764-4272. Interested in learning more? Check out our recent blog post on the importance of career and technical education.

Is Working in AI a Good Career Choice?

By Joshua Frisch • 18 Mar, 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most transformative technologies of the 21st century, revolutionizing industries, improving efficiency, and shaping the future of work. Against this backdrop, the decision to pursue a career in AI has become increasingly appealing for aspiring professionals. Our Artificial Intelligence and Mobile Robotics course teaches a new level of understanding of systems, coding, biology, and behavior to middle school and high school students interested in learning the soft skills and hard skills that will be in demand for decades to come. In this article, we'll explore the compelling reasons why AI is not just a good career choice but a smart one. Unprecedented Growth Opportunities The AI industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by advancements in machine learning, deep learning, and other AI subfields. According to market research, the global AI market is expected to reach a value of $190 billion by 2025, with AI permeating almost every sector, from healthcare and finance to retail and transportation. This rapid expansion translates into abundant job opportunities for AI professionals, ranging from data scientists and machine learning engineers to AI researchers and algorithm developers. With AI becoming increasingly integral to business operations and innovation, the demand for skilled AI talent is expected to continue surging in the years to come. Lucrative Salary Prospects AI professionals command some of the highest salaries in the tech industry, reflecting the scarcity of talent and the critical role of AI in driving business success. According to industry reports, AI specialists, including machine learning engineers and data scientists, can earn six-figure salaries, with compensation packages often including bonuses, stock options, and other incentives. This financial reward not only reflects the high demand for AI expertise but also underscores the value that companies place on individuals who can leverage AI to drive innovation, optimize processes, and deliver tangible business outcomes. For aspiring professionals seeking a lucrative and rewarding career path, AI offers unparalleled salary prospects and financial stability. Diverse Career Opportunities One of the most attractive features of pursuing a career in AI is the diverse range of career opportunities it offers. AI encompasses various subfields, including natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, and reinforcement learning, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for innovation. Whether you're passionate about developing cutting-edge algorithms, building intelligent systems, or applying AI to solve real-world problems, there's a niche within AI where you can thrive. Moreover, AI professionals have the flexibility to work in diverse industries, from tech giants and startups to healthcare organizations and research institutions, allowing them to pursue paths that align with their interests, skills, and aspirations. Impactful Work with Global Reach AI has the potential to address some of the world's most pressing challenges, from healthcare and education to climate change and poverty alleviation. By harnessing the power of AI, professionals can develop innovative solutions that improve lives, enhance productivity, and drive positive societal change. Whether it's developing AI-driven medical diagnostics, optimizing supply chains, or combating climate change through data-driven approaches, AI enables professionals to make a meaningful impact on a global scale. The opportunity to work on projects with real-world significance and contribute to the greater good can be immensely rewarding for individuals who are passionate about leveraging technology for positive change. Continuous Learning and Innovation AI is a rapidly evolving field, characterized by constant innovation, experimentation, and discovery. As an AI professional, you'll have the opportunity to engage in lifelong learning, staying abreast of the latest developments, and honing your skills. Whether it's mastering new algorithms, exploring emerging technologies, or collaborating with experts from diverse disciplines, the journey of learning in AI is both challenging and fulfilling. Moreover, AI offers ample opportunities for creativity and innovation, allowing professionals to push the boundaries of what's possible and develop groundbreaking solutions to complex problems. By embracing a culture of continuous learning and innovation, AI professionals can stay ahead of the curve and remain at the forefront of this dynamic and rapidly evolving field. Start Your Career Today As AI continues to reshape industries and transform the way we live and work, the demand for skilled AI professionals is only expected to grow. For aspiring professionals seeking a rewarding and future-proof career path, AI presents a compelling opportunity to be at the forefront of technological innovation and shape the future of intelligent systems. By leveraging their skills, expertise, and passion for AI, professionals can embark on a journey of discovery, creativity, and impact, making AI not just a good career choice but a smart one. To set up a free demo of our AI and Mobile Robotics course or any of our other courses, call us at 913-764-4272 or schedule directly using Calendly .