Page 4 - Impact Spring 2023

CAREERS WITH A CALLING
U.S. teens seek more than just work
From rising world hunger to dwindling natural resources, America’s teens are concerned about the complex challenges facing the world today — and they want to do something about it.
A new CFANS Insights survey takes a closer look at U.S. high schoolers’ perspectives on their future careers. Ninety percent of respondents said it was important to pursue careers in which they can make a difference, including addressing hunger, sustainability, environmental conservation, and natural resources.
To tackle these challenges, 93 percent said that science, technology, and innovation will play a crucial role, and 37 percent are interested in careers in food, agriculture, natural resources, and the environment.
“It’s heartening to see that today’s high school students are both deeply concerned about the challenges facing the world today, and motivated to make a difference,”
said Frances Homans, professor and interim associate dean for CFANS Academic Programs and Faculty Affairs. “At CFANS, we use science to find answers to the world’s greatest challenges and to do so we need students with a passion for solving the problems of today and tomorrow.”
That science is applied across a wide variety of CFANS majors and minors that address students’ interest areas. For example, the fisheries, wildlife and conservation biology major at CFANS has seen a 76 percent increase in undergraduate enrollment over the past eight years. This aligns with the survey, which shows that 87 percent of high schoolers are concerned about protecting natural resources.
Driven to make a difference
For student Madison Stoltzman, the survey results echoed her own feelings when she was a high schooler. She, too, was driven to choose a major where she felt she could impart positivity in the world and find a fulfilling career. This led her to the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering (BBE).
“The department’s emphasis on sustainability garnered huge appeal, but food engineering and food systems
fit my career ambitions and personal values perfectly,”
she said. “Food, a fundamental component of life, is
an underrated medium for identity, culture, and life. Yet
so many people struggle to maintain access to safe, sustainable, and nutritious sources of food. I believe
that this truth is unacceptable. I chose to study food engineering and food systems to fight for equitable access.”
Good news for sustainability-focused
organizations
When it comes to future employment, the majority of
high schoolers surveyed said they’ll seek careers with organizations that care about sustainability. Eighty-eight percent indicated it’s important to work for an organization