The world of science opens up various career options that aren’t necessarily linked to traditional professions.
At the ages of 11 or 12, Year 8 students will have usually expressed interest in a general area but would maybe not have had the opportunity to explore the various unconventional careers in that same area.
On Thursday 28 and Friday 29 November 2024, the University of Malta opened its areas and laboratories dedicated to the Built Environment, Education and Science Communication, Engineering, Health Sciences, ICT, Media & Knowledge Sciences, Medicine & Surgery and Science, to around 1000 students and educators from 13 schools (a mixture of state, independent and church schools) to be able to do just that - explore and engage in exciting activities that will help them choose their future career options.
The third edition of the Unconventional Science Career Days, spanned over two days, and included everything from robotics, to coding challenges, to science experiments and virtual reality. Students were able to deepen their understanding of real-world challenges by incorporating these elements, shifting their learning mindset from a lecture set-up to a hands-on experience.
A number of Education Officers from the Directorate for STEM and VET Programmes (DSVP) within the Ministry of Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation were also in attendance.
UM Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella and Pro-Rector for Research & Knowledge Transfer, Prof. Ing. Simon G. Fabri, visited a number of the labs throughout the two days, where they also participated in some of the experiments and interactive activities.
Staff members from the participating faculties and students from various organisations contributed greatly to the activities themselves and to ensure the safety of the young visitors.
The young visitors were also given a set of cards displaying information about UM courses, with the aim of having them follow up with their parents and educators and ultimately helping them pursue their dream careers in science.
Ms Danielle Martine Farrugia, the University’s Senior Executive for Science Engagement, remarked that “involving students in STEAM learning is not just useful in that it helps them develop their thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills, but it also sets the tone for a supportive environment for them to experiment, learn and cultivate a growth mindset to solve today’s and tomorrow’s world challenges. Who says learning can’t be fun?!”
"Student engagement in hands-on activities is vital in STEAM education, as it bridges the gap between theoretical learning and real-world application. As a University, our role in organising such career-focused initiatives is to help students make informed decisions about their future professional goals and to equip them with the skills and experiences that they need to succeed. Early career exploration helps to offer clarity in today’s complex world which is inundated with so many diverse options and opportunities," continued Prof. Fabri.
In 2024, UM continued to renew its effort to make science more accessible, spearheading various initiatives such as the She Can, Exhibition, which featured 26 inspiring women who have made remarkable contributions to several sectors, and the most recent MoU signed with Xjenza Malta towards greater inclusion in STEAM education, among many others.
More information about USC is available online.
