|
Tele-presence
conference brings professionals to SHS
Panel of professionals talk to Schenectady High School
Students about science, technology, engineering and math careers
 Students
in three different rooms at Schenectady High School
simultaneously interacted with professionals in the fields of
science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) who were also
in various locations across the country. The
discussion took place using telepresence
conferencing. The telepresence technology, software and
technical assistance was provided by Cisco.
The STEM panel consisted of six professionals who spoke about their career
paths, industry, current positions as well as changes that have taken
place in their fields. They also gave advice to the students
who are interested in pursuing like careers.
 Kathy Dunn,
Assistant Professor Nanoscience at the College of Nanscale Science and
Engineering at SUNY Albany told the students that they don’t
have stay in school their entire lives to get into nanotechnology. “Yes, education ranks how much independence you
have from day to day,” said Dunn. “Advancement and independence
increase the longer you stay and school and get a degree.”
Omayra Padilla De
Jesus of GE Global Research told the students that their degree
of education has an impact on how quickly they advance and
become decision-makers. “If you are making decisions in my
field, you need a PhD,” said De Jesus. She explained that there
are many options and that a doctorate degree is not necessary to
work in the field. “But if you want to come in and make
decisions and lead, you need a PhD.”
“To come in with a
degree in a special area and be able to use it in that area is
very rare, said Lance Ford, Cisco TVSS Education Advocate,
who participated via telepresence. “Technical careers are dynamic and
always changing.”
Jeff Kwiatkoski,
Global Client Director of Dimension Data, also a graduate of
Mont Pleasant High School in Schenectady, explained how he
studied finance and worked for many years in a career different
than where he is now. He spoke about technological changes that
have taken place over the 15 years. Three he mentioned were
virtualization, bringing your own devices to work and security.
Kwiatkowski also
told the students that they have an advantage if they know more
than one language. “Your value goes through the roof,” he
said.
 Benton Heles, a
Cisco engineer who spoke via telepresence, told the students
that as an engineer he must engage in ongoing training.
“Use
the tools inside CISCO, make connections for knowledge and
leverage resources,” said Heles.
John Kern, manager
of Electric of Electric Power and Propulsion Systems at GE,
explained to the students how the Internet has dramatically
changed communication in the workplace. “The ability to
communicate with people around the country and globe is
astonishing.”
All of the
panelists assured that students that the math, science,
engineering and
technology fields will be thriving for years to come. They also
all agreed that their career fields, research and roles will
look different down the road than they do today.
“There is no
telling where you will work from, who you will work for, or what
your work will be like,” Ford said regarding the future.
But Padilla told
the students that staying in technology is a safe bet. “In my
field, we want two make health-care more available for less
money,” she explained. “Healthcare and technology are linked
together.”
“Nano technology
will continue,” said Dunn. “But it is difficult to predict
where Nano will be next.”
Kwiatkowski said
employees with specialized knowledge are in demand. “Technology
is moving so fast,” he said. “People look for highly
specialized folks to guide them.”
Kern assured the
students that the opportunities are wide open on land, in the
air and at sea. He encouraged the students to stay on technical
paths because there are so many choices.
Dunn and DeJesus
talked about how much they enjoy their work and how you have to
not only be passionate about what you do, you must believe in it
and be confident.
“I can't imagine
doing anything else,” said Dunn. “My job is very rewarding.”
She explained that in order to do her job she has to have
self-confidence because if she has a good idea she moves it
forward. “I do think I have great ideas,” she said.
Dunn gave the
students advice as they look ahead and prepare for the future.
“Follow your dream,” she said. “Don’t let others’ expectations
keep you from following your dreams. Do what you have passion
for and don’t let anybody stop you.”
De Jesus advised
the students not to simply think about money but to think about
the work and what it means to you. “You have to have passion,”
she said.
De Jesus explained
that she became a scientist when her sister was diagnosed with a
disease. “I wanted to find a cure,” she said. “You have to
feel good about what you do.”
She also told the
students not to listen to rumors or people who only offer
discouragement. “Make your own opinion,” De Jesus suggested.
“Be what you want to be and don’t be afraid of hard work.”
“Be open and
curious and you will find something that catches your interest,”
said Kern. “Run with it.”
Photos
Click on thumbnail to view larger photo:
|
