{"id":82,"date":"2022-10-07T20:33:55","date_gmt":"2022-10-07T20:33:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2022-volume-5-issue-2\/go-figure-math-and-science-really-are-useful-in-everyday-life\/"},"modified":"2024-12-02T19:03:51","modified_gmt":"2024-12-02T19:03:51","slug":"move-forward-faster-with-stem-related-careers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2022-volume-5-issue-2\/move-forward-faster-with-stem-related-careers\/","title":{"rendered":"Move Forward Faster With STEM-Related Careers"},"content":{"rendered":"

“It took me a few years to find out what I’m passionate about. I was a sociology major but it wasn’t what I wanted to do in the long-run. When I learned about the industrial automation and robotics program, I became immediately interested because the program was developed in partnership with Tesla,” said Luz Mendoza.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mendoza is currently pursuing both a certificate of achievement in industrial automation and robotics and an associate in science in engineering at DVC. She hopes to transfer to San Jose State University to obtain her bachelor’s degree in engineering while continuing her employment with Tesla.\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The industrial design and automation program at DVC has much to offer for students.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

“We are super excited to be opening a new <\/span>r<\/span>obotics training center <\/span><\/span>in our engineering technology building.\u202f DVC will be offering a variety of classes to Tesla technicians as well as our own DVC students within this new center,” said Jeffrey Smith, professor for industrial design and industrial manufacturing and robotics.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Smith notes that the program attracts both male and female students coming from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

“Though women have historically played a role in manufacturing – think ‘Rosie the Riveter’ – men have more recently occupied these roles. However, much of the manufacturing work increasingly requires advanced technical skills. This dependency on automation is requiring an entirely new highly educated workforce that is accessible to all genders,” said Smith.\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mendoza really appreciates the hands-on experience she’s getting through the industrial automation and robotics program.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

“What I’ve learned so far in the courses I’ve taken, I see every day at my job at Tesla and I’m able to apply what I’m learning right away in my role as a production associate,” said Mendoza.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For more information about the industrial automation and robotics program, visit www.dvc.edu\/industrial-design<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Considering a career in STEM?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"DVC<\/span><\/p>\n

“The Science & Health Student Center and the Math & Engineering Student Center are both great places to go to get information about careers in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM). <\/span><\/p>\n

“These centers offer excellent opportunities for collaboration and community, and enable students to connect with faculty to discuss potential career paths,” said Ellen Beaulieu, chemistry professor and co-principal investigator for the PUMA STEM Scholars Project.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many STEM faculty also host special workshops for students. Beaulieu recently hosted an “Ask Me Anything!” panel of women in STEM to encourage students to find out more about female-identifying faculty members’ career journey.\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

STEM career pathways at DVC<\/span><\/h2>\n

At DVC, there are many options for pursuing a degree or certificate in a STEM field. Options include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n