1h4teachers in STEM: Inspiring STEM Pathways through Interactive Career Talks

How to Bring Authentic Role Models and Meaningful Career Conversations into Your Classroom

How can schools inspire young people to imagine themselves in STEM pathways? How can career guidance move beyond static presentations and become a meaningful learning experience that challenges stereotypes, builds confidence, and broadens horizons?

This practice-oriented online session introduces the concept of Interactive Career Talks (ICaT), developed and implemented in the Horizon Europe project ICSE Science Factory. The format rethinks traditional career talks: instead of one-way presentations, students engage in authentic dialogue with role models from science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Speakers share personal journeys, real challenges, motivations, setbacks, and the societal relevance of their work. Students are invited to ask questions, reflect, and connect careers with their own interests and aspirations.

The session is designed for teachers who would like to organise motivating and realistic career conversations in their own schools, whether in STEM subjects, careers education, or interdisciplinary projects.

About the Session

Participants will gain practical insight into:

• What makes an Interactive Career Talk different from a traditional guest lecture
• How authentic role models can strengthen students’ motivation, science identity, and career awareness
• How to select and prepare speakers from research, industry, or the wider community
• How to create an open atmosphere that encourages student questions and dialogue
• How to address stereotypes and make STEM careers visible to diverse learners
• How to organise manageable formats with limited time and resources
• Lessons learned from implementations across five European countries

Why Attend?

By the end of the session, participants will have:

• A clear framework for organising Interactive Career Talks in their own context
• Practical strategies for identifying suitable speakers and preparing students
• Ideas for low-threshold formats that fit everyday school life
• Inspiration for widening participation in STEM pathways, especially among underrepresented groups
• Concrete examples that can be adapted immediately

Format

• Online via Zoom
• Duration: 1 hour (1h4teachers format)
• 20–30 minute input session
• Interactive “Ask the Expert” discussion
• Free of charge
• Certificate of attendance for all participants

Who Should Join?

This session is open to:

• STEM teachers
• Careers guidance staff
• School leaders
• Teacher educators
• All educators interested in widening participation and future-oriented learning

Join Us

Discover how a simple conversation with the right role model can open new perspectives, challenge assumptions, and help students see that STEM careers may also be for them.

Registration: Sign up now!