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As reported in the Herald Sun, 2 February 2005
Career One Supplement
Reporter: Daniel Hoy
Students risk career roadblocks later if they drop out of maths, writes Daniel Hoy
When you were at school, you were probably in one of two camps: you either loved maths or hated it.
As soon as they get the opportunity, many students give maths the flick.
But a rash decision like that can have a major effect on your career.
RMIT science communicator Georgina Holbeche says many students are ill-informed when they decide to drop maths.
"We particularly see a lot of girls who give up maths, then want to do psychology but can't because maths is a prerequisite," she says.
In fact, maths is a prerequisite of any career in science.
A career in science does not involve simply working in a laboratory. A science career can range from engineering to DNA profiling and genetics.
Holbeche's job is to educate students to help them develop a love of science.
"I started off with an Arts degree and worked with ANZ for awhile, but my parents both work in science, so I have always been surrounded by it. It was a natural progression to end up studying science," she says.
"At the moment my role is talking to schools about science and careers in science, and trying to encourage students to keep up their maths and science for Year 11 and Year 12 so they keep their options open."
Part of that role included organising this year's Siemens Science Experience for RMIT.
The event, held each year in early January, gives Year 9 students the chance to explore a side of science they may not have experienced at high school.
"More than 80 students did the Siemens Science Experience, and I set up the projects for them to do. They did six laboratory sessions and we tried to cover as many aspects of science as we could," Holbeche says.
"My aim was to show the kids the great variety of jobs you can do within science.
"Year 10s in particular have to pick their subjects so early they they have no idea what they like or dislike.
"With these sorts of experiences, they can maintain their interest in science until they decide what they want to specialise in and where they want to head with a career.
"If it keeps kids hanging on to maths and science for as long as possible, it is a success.
"Nobody wants them to go through their entire schooling, then realise they cannot have the career they want because they were ill-informed."
The Education and Training Committee’s maths and science inquiry will report to Parliament by September.
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