Boost your confidence and career options with these 5 tips for building science capital
If you haven’t heard of science capital, you’re not alone. It’s all the bits and pieces that shape how you see science, and whether you might see yourself in a STEM career in the future.
It includes a whole range of factors, including:
- What you know about science
- Who you know that works in science, or uses STEM in their job
- The science-related activities you do outside school
- Whether you think science is “for people like me”
Building your science capital will help you feel capable, curious and confident when it comes to science. Plus it opens up all sorts of exciting STEM career pathways, from coding and conservation, to space science and sports tech.
The more science capital you have, the more likely you are to keep your STEM options open. That’s a big win for future you.
Five fun ways to build your science capital!
1. Meet real-life role models
Head along to Q&As, webinars or mentoring sessions with scientists, mathematicians, engineers, or tech professionals. You can also check out our Careers with STEM role models right here on our website.
2. Read, watch and listen to science
Whether it’s watching a movie, listening to a podcast or reading a book, the media you tune into helps build your science capital. It’s as easy as imagining yourself as a movie scientist, or listening to one of these top podcasts. Here are some of our favourite social media channels to follow too!
3. Visit science centres, museums and universities
Bundle up your family and friends or join your class for a visit to an interactive science centre or natural history museum. Or head along to a university open day or careers fair. Their hands-on exhibits and displays will help you see science in action!
4. Participate in STEM clubs, competitions and camps
Get involved in extracurriculars including coding clubs, science fairs, robotics teams or STEM holiday events and camps. These activities help build skills, confidence and help you make friends with similar interests.
5. Highlight science in everyday activities
Find the science in cooking (chemistry), sport (physics), music (sound waves), or even pets (biology)! Citizen science helps make mini science investigations at home or in the classroom even easier.
Most importantly, have fun! It’s the best way to enjoy the world of STEM while learning and keeping your career options open.
