Worksite Engagements

Success in the work place will be promoted by the participation of scholars in worksite engagements. Job placement can be facilitated by means of direct interaction with potential employers through internships, job shadowing, networking and collaboration. According to the American Association of Colleges and Universities, “Engagement in career-related activities is one of the best practices to assist women and other underrepresented students” to obtain STEM related jobs (Kuh, 2008). Scholars will spend three different work days within the academic year at industry and/or academic partners, in order to better understand the workplace environment, job expectations and career preparation necessary to excel in their STEM field after graduation. 

• SPIRES participants planning on entering the STEM industries will coordinate 3 site visits to shadow at companies, R01 research institutions or government agencies. Students shall choose entities that reflect their area of interest. Worksite Engagements will be chosen by each student with guidance by the student’s major professor and arranged by the SPIRES staff. 
• Students pursuing a career in science education will perform 3 visits to local community colleges to observe lecture & laboratory courses. The worksite engagements will also entail interviews of the Community College faculty by the SPIRES participants regarding Student Learning Outcomes, course assessment, as well as successful & failed learning strategies.
• Students applying to PhD programs will plan 3 visits to research labs at R01 Research Universities. Our experience at Cal Poly Pomona has made us aware that many students become apprehensive and nervous during the actual PhD application process due to fear of PhD program expectations and separation from their undergraduate institution. We have found that visitation of institutes resumes enthusiasm and builds confidence.