The Shaking up Tech event inspires high school girls to pursue careers in technology
During the day, young people get the chance to try out in workshops what it would be like to work in the field of technology. At the University of Oulu's workshops, they will explore, among other things, the kind of mathematics that lies behind the operation of smartphone cameras, as well as plan how digital tools can help in, for instance, eating healthier, exercising more regularly, or tracking health progress. In the FabLab, they can design and create their own design product using digital fabrication methods with a laser cutter and sticker cutter.
At the University of Oulu, a doctoral research is underway that has studied the underlying factors of high school students' educational and career interests. According to the research, gender still directs field choices. More information about different fields and changing professions is needed so that high school students can make field choices more consciously and based on their own strengths.
"Young people should be provided with more up-to-date information about the changing opportunities in the working world and the skills needed in different sectors at various stages of their study paths. The results showed that if students receive multi-channel workplace information in high school, it can have a positive impact on their interest in the technology field. Young people need role models that challenge the so-called conventional gender roles, as gender still very strongly directs the educational and career choices of young people in Finland," says doctoral researcher Satu Kaleva.
At the Shaking up Tech event, researchers from the University of Oulu share their personal journeys and career stories in the field of technology with the youth.
"If you have any interest in technology, mathematics, or information technology, do not hesitate to apply to fields of technology. You'll have the opportunity to influence big matters, as the world will increasingly need advanced technology in numerous application areas, from industry to healthcare," encourages one of the speakers, Postdoctoral Researcher Henna Tiensuu.
About 500 young people have registered for the Shaking up Tech event. About 90 people from all over Finland are coming to the University of Oulu. The event will be held at the University's Linnanmaa campus in Oulu, where the Faculty of Technology and the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering will participate.