An analysis of pre-professional attributes for inclusive 21st century skilled workforces

Langston, William; Twidale, Michael

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/126232 Copy

Description

Title

An analysis of pre-professional attributes for inclusive 21st century skilled workforces

Author(s)

• Langston, William
• Twidale, Michael

Issue Date

2025-03-11

Keyword(s)

• STEM
• Workforce
• Underrepresented
•  Skills

Abstract

Identifying the makeup of skills, networks, training and experiences toward eligible workforce candidacy in highly competitive industries ignites a deep analysis of overall attributes desired to be enfranchised within the future of work. Historically marginalized groups have remained underrepresented in employment fields of greater compensation, prestige, and career mobility. Commonly such employment has been aligned with Fortune 100 companies, leading research institutions, and formal training within the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) disciplines. An ongoing study has been initiated to survey, observe, and interview the practices of a set of collegiate trainees who seek to matriculate from temporary to permanent employment within these highly competitive workforces. The 13 participants recruited at the beginning of this study represent a group diverse across demographics, academic resume, and skills. The study has taken account of various sets of information, attitudes, and professional prospects provided by the participants. Information practices displayed throughout the process of social and professional networking, skill acquisition, and talent development can often be recognized as a mixture of information seeking and gathering practices essential to Information Science disciplines. The examination of these practices would also be relevant to the Labor and Employment community as a complementary approach to skills development, a component of Talent Management for employers and organizations. Ultimately, this interdisciplinary venture may help develop an avenue toward expanding the pool of candidates eligible for career advancement in a competitive 21st century workforce. Keywords: STEM · Workforce · Underrepresented

Publisher

iSchools

Series/Report Name or Number

iConference 2025 Proceedings

Type of Resource

Other

Genre of Resource

Conference Poster

Language

eng

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/126232

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2025 is held by William Langston and Michael Twidale. Copyright permissions, when appropriate, must be obtained directly from the authors.

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