Scientist urges more South African youth to pursue STEM careers
Biomedical scientist Dr Judey Pretorius is encouraging more young South Africans to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). She says expanding STEM education will help tackle skills shortages, strengthen healthcare, drive innovation and create new employment opportunities.
A South African biomedical scientist says the country needs more young people pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Dr Judey Pretorius who is the founder of the Biomedical Emporium says South Africa continues to grapple with skills shortages, unemployment and the need for greater innovation.
She says STEM professionals are becoming increasingly important to the country's long term economic growth.
The scientist says STEM education develops scarce, high-demand skills that can reduce unemployment and create new employment opportunities.
"We're going to boost innovation. We're going to improve healthcare outcomes, and we're going to strengthen local research and manufacturing.
Manufacturing is not supposed to happen in other countries, and then we import back to South Africa. We need to produce by ourselves, and that will contribute to a better economy."
Pretorius says many young people remain unaware of the diverse career opportunities available within the sciences.
" There are some exciting careers. For instance, I went into a field of biology and chemistry, and I evolved in that, and that led me to enter into biomedical science. That led me to tissue engineering and formulation skills, biotechnology, medical device development, forensic science, data science, even regulatory affairs and clinical research.
Literally, the sky is the limit."
Pretorius says one of the biggest barriers preventing more young people from entering STEM fields is limited access to quality education.
"Well, number one, there is limited access to quality education, and I will be honest, I agree in free education. Our country will look so much different if our education was cheaper and free. But then I would also say we lack role models. We need more mentorship programmes. We need more guidance and practical exposure for our young people. We need to provide stronger support systems."
She says STEM education also has the potential to support entrepreneurship while helping build the workforce needed in industries such as healthcare, biotechnology and manufacturing.
Offering advice to learners and university students considering careers in STEM, Pretorius encouraged them to follow their interests and remain curious.
"Stay curious. Remember, you don't have all the answers, but just start. Try to focus on something where you have a natural affinity. For instance, natural sciences, biology sciences, et cetera. So focus on something that you have a natural affinity to. Start, and then you'll see you will naturally evolve in something significant where you have a high amount of passion, drive, and commitment."y
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