Given the opportunity to go back in time, would you still choose the same major? Do you apply the knowledge you gained at university to your job? How many people regret their academic choices?
According to a 2022 study, 37% of college graduates regret their chosen field of study. An intriguing finding is that the regret rate for humanities and arts, at 48%, is considerably higher than for engineering, at 24%. This leads us to ponder a crucial question: “How can we find a career that brings us a sense of purpose and fulfillment?”
We believe that our Girls in STEMM (GIS) program helps students discover the right academic path by exposing them to a wide range of professions and connecting them with inspiring female role models who are deeply passionate about their work.
On May 29, teen girls from Keystone Academy, Canadian International School, and Dulwich College, had the privilege to meet female professionals and gain insights on cutting-edge technologies during our GIS visit to Microsoft in Beijing. It started in the “WOW” (windows to the world) room which not only elicited exclamations of awe from the students but also gave them a chance to learn about Microsoft and its ongoing projects.
The girls were invited to experiment with the ChatGPT bot by creating a story together. Afterward, the girls tested Microsoft’s Mixed Reality (MR) glasses – HoloLens. HoloLens could be used to examine virtual replicas of the human body or embark on virtual field trips to historical sites. The students used HoloLens to play musical instruments and access training from top fitness instructors, among other activities.
As part of the tour, the girls were also introduced to technologies that aid artists in creating visuals and illustrations. Furthermore, thanks to AI, we can analyze natural disasters more accurately, enabling us to predict and notify people in advance, thereby ensuring timely evacuations and minimizing casualties. This tour showcased how technology can be harnessed to bring about positive change in the world.
Shang Rong, VP of Communications and Corporate Affairs, Microsoft Asia-Pacific Research and Development Group(ARD), went on to introduce programs that Microsoft has developed for people with disabilities, ensuring that technology is accessible to all.
Next, the students heard from Scarlett Li, Principal DM Manager, who generously shared her personal and professional journey as a woman pursuing a career in IT. During her university years, she found herself among a mere nine girls in her course, surrounded by a predominantly male cohort. Undeterred, she encouraged the girls to embrace boldness and fearlessness, advising them to select careers that align with their inherent talents and passions. She firmly believes that the combination of aptitude, courage, and passion will propel them to great heights.
To conclude, Su Cheng Harris-Simpson, WEC Founder and President, emphasized the value of self-awareness and the exploration of one’s strengths and weaknesses. By understanding ourselves deeply, we can make informed decisions that will set us on a path that is uniquely right for us.
