Attention-grabbing careers advice

摘要

If among the extensive coverage around the EU referendum last month you also found yourself reading about how to rebuild society from scratch after a zombie attack, you'll understand what I mean when I say sometimes you have to go to extreme lengths to get people's attention. This is certainly the case when looking for fresh ways to draw the media's attention to the importance of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills. And it is an indication of how seeing things from a new or different angle can change your perception. That is the challenge we face when showcasing engineering careers. Many young people (as well as their parents and teachers) don't make the mental leap between what is being learnt at school and how those principles are used in 21st century engineering. The annual Big Bang Fair, which takes place at the NEC this month, is there to make that link; to help build the talent of the future. How do you know what will spark someone's imagination? You don't and that's why, in contrast to a trade fair where you are hoping to attract future customers, everyone there is hoping something they offer will inspire another young person to think differently about a career in STEM.