In the 21st Century, it is very important to develop career skills. These skills are acquired during the educational journey and help in career success after graduation. In school education, students develop these skills through STEAM education.
STEP Schools focused on developing career readiness among their students by integrating a STEAM education program. STEAM is expanding rapidly in Pakistan, and STEP Schools is making it accessible to students.
In this blog, we will discover what career skills are and why they are significant to gain. Moreover, we will discuss how STEAM education helps in the development of career readiness. Lastly, we explore how STEP schools structured their STEAM program for students to develop soft skills.
What are Career Skills?
Career skills represent a person’s capabilities, clearly described in a comprehensive and well-structured manner. You can earn career readiness through education or job training. Therefore, considered as the best indicator of career progression.
There are two types of career skills: hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills are measurable skills (technical). But soft skills are subjective and non-measurable (problem solving, communication, leadership, etc.). Both types of skills form a balance between social traits and the technical knowledge of a person.
Eight specific career skills are defined by (NACE) The National Association of Colleges and Employers which include Critical Thinking, Communication, Teamwork, Technology, Leadership, Professionalism, Career & Self-Development, and Engagement Across Perspectives.
This career readiness gained by candidates during their college experience is highly valued by employers across all industries.
Why are Career Skills Important?
Career skills are vital because they have a direct impact on your capability to grow and remain competitive. Here are some factors that represent why these skills matter.
Employability
Various skills focusing on career, like communication, teamwork, decision-making, and problem-solving, help in getting employment. These skills can be noticed beyond technical qualifications and make you attractive to employers.
Career Growth
Strong career skills result in promotions, pay raises, and leadership opportunities. Skills like adaptability, time management, and leadership determine your willingness to take on larger responsibilities.
Job Performance
These skills help improve your performance at your job and noticeable increase in productivity. Like with good communication skills, you can team up and express ideas clearly. You can solve problems and manage tasks according to deadlines using critical thinking and organisational skills, respectively.
Adaptability to Change
As we all know, the job market is constantly growing. Here, acquiring skills like digital literacy and learning agility proves helpful to keep you in touch with new tools, trends, and expectations. Moreover, being adaptable helps you to thrive in a dynamic work environment.
Professional Relationships
You become better at building professional relationships and networking. This is so because skills like responsiveness, emotional intelligence, and cooperation help in building a network, improving the ability to work together, and upholding durable work relationships.
Self-Development
With these skills, you will notice continuous personal growth, empowerment, and self-awareness. Moreover, they help you classify your strengths, weaknesses, set goals, and grow professionally. In short, career readiness is the basis of long-term success
What Career Skills are Developed using STEAM?
| Career Skill | Students learn from STEAM Education |
| Critical thinking | Through problem-finding and solving projects |
| Collaboration | Group projects in science, math, and technology |
| Creativity | Designing robots, art lessons, and inventions |
| Digital literacy | Using online portals, e-learning, apps, and coding |
| Communication | Presenting projects, writing blogs, and talking in class |
| Problem-solving | Fixing robotics bugs, real-world science projects |
| Character building | Community service, teamwork, and school counselling |
| Career awareness | Career Counselling, STEM career paths advice, job talks |
| Time management | Through deadlines, planning, and self-directed learning |
How STEP Schools Use the STEAM Education for Career Skills Development
STEP Schools uses STEAM Education in Pakistan to allow students to develop many useful skills necessary for their career and personal growth.
- STEP Schools incorporate 6Cs: Critical thinking, Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Character Development, and Community service in school education. These soft skills play an integral role in the student’s career development.
- With the successful integration of STEAM, STEP Schools enable students to develop problem-solving skills. Also, students develop some other skills through STEAM, which include creativity, critical analysis, teamwork, independent thinking, Initiative, communication, and digital literacy.
- At STEP School, numerous hands-on and minds-on lessons are provided by STEAM activities for the students. Students use coding, robotics, and technological tools. This builds digital literacy skills, which is a dynamic career skill in an ongoing tech-driven world.
- Students at STEP Schools use the STEP Portal and E-Learning platform. This promotes technology-enhanced learning. They also have access to modern science and computer labs and ICT lessons, which improve their computer literacy.
- STEAM education also promotes collaborative learning at STEP Schools. Students work in diverse groups with others on team-based projects. This allows students to respect the viewpoints of their fellow students. Thus, improve their coordination, teamwork, and leadership skills.
- Project-based learning (PBL) at STEP Schools is also a viable example of STEAM. Students working on projects like science, technology, and math offer access to a wide range of activities and hands-on learning opportunities.
Build Essential Skills for the Future at STEP Schools
STEAM at STEP Schools builds collaboration, problem-solving, digital literacy, critical thinking, and creativity. STEAM education at STEP Schools empowers students with important career skills. Students use them to innovate, lead, and flourish in this fast-growing world.
Enrol today to empower your tomorrow with modern education at STEP Schools.
Conclusion
Career Skills are of vital importance for a person’s personal and professional growth. STEP Schools have become a future-focused and skill-building platform using STEAM education. Moreover, STEAM provides a flawless setting to grow career skills through practical and real projects. Students will use these skills to thrive in any professional field.