Community Empowerment Fuels Economic Growth

Deciding what career to pursue is not always clear. Sometimes, this uncertainty comes from being unaware of the possibilities available to us. While for some, a career path is clear, for others, exploring different opportunities, gaining new experiences, and learning more about themselves helps in identifying the right direction. I have gone back and forth with my own career interests, but my experience with Pivot 314 allowed me to explore a new opportunity and begin fine-tuning my career goals. Similarly, through my internship, I had the opportunity to worked alongside individuals who are dedicated to helping others develop their skills, access opportunities, and reach their full potential.

During my internship, I worked with the Education to Workforce, a sector within the BioSTL. The Education to Workforce team plays a key role in building and strengthening the talent pipeline. The team connects individuals to career pathways, helps employers meet their workforce needs, and enhances training systems through collaboration with educators and community partners. Through these efforts, the team helps individuals gain access to quality employment while reinforcing the connection between education and the workforce. Additionally, the team also creates opportunities for K-12 students to explore STEM fields and learn about potential career pathways. The opportunities help students gain greater awareness and exposure to STEM.

A challenge I learned through my internship is the gap between the skills employers are seeking and the skills being taught to individuals. To increase the likelihood that individuals secure employment after completing a certification program, it is important to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the workforce. I assisted with a pilot project that brought together educational institutions and industry partners for a stakeholder meeting focused on identifying these gaps and improving existing curricula to better align with industry needs. This experience showed me the importance of collaboration between education and industry in preparing individuals for successful careers.

One of my favorite aspects of working with the Education to Workforce team was witnessing their dedication to building partnerships that help individuals develop skills they need to access quality employment. Their commitment to expanding opportunities and creating meaningful pathways into the workforce has a tangible impact on the community. I also enjoyed learning more about the different sectors within BioSTL and how each contributes to strengthening the STL innovation ecosystem. Learning about the ways BioSTL creates opportunities for both the region and its residents gave me a deeper appreciation for the important role it plays in supporting economic growth and improving community outcomes.

My experience reinforced my passion for being part of an organization that invests in and supports the surrounding community. When communities are uplifted and empowered, they are better positioned to experience and contribute to economic growth. Individuals gain opportunities to advance in the workforce, which ultimately contributes to the betterment of the broader community.

I have personally benefited from organizations and individuals who were passionate about providing resources and opportunities to communities with limited access to them. Those resources helped me pursue higher education and have played a role in my journey toward earning a doctorate degree. Since I have experienced the impact of community investment firsthand, I want to help create similar opportunities for others. These experiences have helped me better understand the type of work I want to pursue and have shown me that my career can be both personally and impactful to the communities I serve.