Nic Ponsford discusses 'invisible careers' and the importance of diverse and inclusive role models for students to unlock their potential. Is your school addressing this?
As young people grow up and explore the world around them, they are often asked to consider what they want to do when they’re older. However, for many, the answer isn’t clear. They may not know what they want to do - or they may not even be aware of all the career options available to them.
This lack of awareness is particularly acute for students from underrepresented backgrounds who might not have access to the same networks or resources as their more privileged peers.
This can lead to ‘invisible careers’ - professions that are not widely known or understood. Here are some examples of invisible careers that are often overlooked by students.
Making invisible careers accessible for all students requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the specific needs of underrepresented students
In addition to the lack of awareness, systemic biases also play a role in limiting the career options available to young people. Women are often discouraged from pursuing careers in STEM due to gender stereotypes and biases, which not only limit their career options but also hinder the overall diversity and inclusion of the industry.
To address these issues, it is vital to recognise the value of diversity and inclusion and work towards creating more equitable and accessible environments. Here are some ways to make that happen.
Educators must acknowledge and value the unique qualities and experiences that everyone brings to the table. Schools can do this by creating inclusive environments where all students feel safe and supported.
This can involve celebrating different cultural or religious holidays, promoting diversity in the curriculum, and showcasing the contributions of people from diverse backgrounds in different careers.
Providing equitable resources, promoting diversity in the curriculum, and providing diverse role models are all crucial steps towards creating a more equitable and accessible environment for all students
A great way of making all this happen is to provide diverse role models for students to inspire and motivate them – and to make ‘invisible’ careers feel real and achievable.
If a student from an underrepresented background wants to pursue a career in STEM, seeing a role model who looks like them and has succeeded in that field can be incredibly inspiring. This can help to break down barriers and provide students with the self-belief and motivation they need to succeed.
We know that identifying the specific needs and interests of underrepresented students and catering to them is crucial in helping students pursue a range of careers. Schools can provide access to work experience which can help students gain hands-on experience in different careers.
Providing accessible resources means creating opportunities for all students to explore a wide range of careers, even those that may be considered invisible. For example, if a student has an interest in creative writing, but doesn't know about the different career options available to them, schools can provide resources that highlight different pathways, such as:
This will help in showcasing the work of a diverse number of people.
Schools can also provide access to mentorship programmes or workshops with professionals in these fields, to allow students to ask questions, learn about the different pathways, requirements, and gain insight into what it takes to succeed in these careers.
Making invisible careers accessible for all students requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the specific needs of underrepresented students.
Providing equitable resources, promoting diversity in the curriculum, and providing diverse role models are all crucial steps towards creating a more equitable and accessible environment for all students. By doing so, we can help young people to explore their interests, talents and pursue fulfilling and rewarding careers, regardless of their background or identity.
A collective of diversity and inclusion experts and the creators of the GEC platform, making ordinary classrooms extraordinarily inclusive.