President Kennedy famously said that a rising tide lifts all boats. One would think that as our economic prospects continue to improve, though not nearly as quickly as we all might like, the rising tide should provide greater opportunities for smoother sailing beyond the hidden rocks below. Sounds great, right? But what are the unintended consequences of an improving economy, a lower than national unemployment rate among STEM professionals, increased demand for technical skills and a renewed effort to channel students into STEM fields? These should be reasons to celebrate if you are a STEM professional. But…it looks like we might still have some rough seas ahead if we don’t consider our options.
After more than 20 years working with STEM professionals in engineering, construction management and utility organizations, I never really thought our (and I include myself among STEM professionals) time would come. My friends who went into law or sales or retail or finance received praise and commendation and healthy raises. In my corner of the STEM world, we worked for government agencies, municipalities and public authorities. We did not get the same benefits, though not due to a lack of hard work, dedication, educational background, or talent. Our work was not considered sexy but would you want to live without clean water or safe highways?
Law #1 – We don’t order the steak if we don’t get some sizzle.
Will the focus on STEM education and the need for technical skills automatically result in more STEM professionals? I would hope so but unless we can create a little buzz around the opportunities that will exist then I am fearful that the effort will only yield more engineers and scientists. The wide range of types of jobs and organizations in the STEM world means that there will be an area that feeds the natural tendencies of our future scientists and engineers – our other responsibility is to ignite their passion and sell them on the possibilities of what is to come. STEM professionals are as passionate about their work as anyone else – we just have a hard time showing it. If we can let some of that passion and excitement leak out then we can begin to show the next generation of potential scientists and engineers what the future could entail.
Law #2 – They Still Don’t Get It!
By “it” I mean that the need for non-technical skills will continue to exist as they are today and, in fact, will probably be more necessary in the future. I often work with technical staff to help them develop the “soft” skills they lack but need to thrive, not just survive, in organizational life. We stress communications and management and leadership. While many STEM professionals don’t see the need for some of these skills, just think about the next time you send someone to meet with a client to discuss project status or the next conference where you are presenting the results of your research. Do you still think the communications skills are optional in technical fields? I don’t.
Law #3 – Sometimes You Get What You Ask For.
The recent initiatives to encourage students, girls and boys alike, to pursue STEM education will produce a large generation of highly-educated, technically-adept, and creative professionals. Think of it like a Baby Boom for STEM professionals. What happens when they hit the job market and want to put those skills to work? Are our organizations prepared for a generation that thinks differently and acts differently and has a much different attitude about careers and the work place. Many organizations are not ready for the changing face of technical professionals. The demographics are definitely changing – more diverse from nearly all perspectives – and the industries need to change with them. We want more technical professionals but if we can’t create a way to have them fit in, organizations will lose them as they seek a better cultural fit.
The good news is that these unintended consequences are not cast in stone. More progressive companies will recognize what the next wave of STEM professionals will mean for organizational life. Let’s hope that the wave is just part of the rising tide and will carry us to safety, prosperity and growth.