Empowering the Next Generation to Pursue a Career in IT
Blog by Nicky Monk
I recently had the privilege of speaking at a high school STEM club during their STEM Week. It was an incredible opportunity to engage with young minds about the exciting possibilities of a career in IT, particularly in the field of Wi-Fi solutions. We explored the school’s own Wi-Fi environment, with students getting hands-on experience using some of the industry’s most powerful tools.
The STEM Club
The STEM club, a lunchtime initiative led by a passionate Year 12 student, is dedicated to nurturing a love for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics among students from Year 7 through to Year 12. This student-led club is already making a significant impact, offering its members the chance to engage with a diverse range of professionals who provide valuable insights into careers in STEM.
A Day with Akomplished
During STEM Week, I had the pleasure of visiting the club to discuss what it’s like to be a Wi-Fi Specialist and how to embark on a career in IT. We covered a range of topics, including:
Educational Pathways and Qualifications – What to study and the importance of gaining the right certifications.
The Value of Work Experience and Internships – How real-world experience can set you apart.
My Career Journey – Sharing my personal experiences and how I founded Akomplished.
The Tools of the Trade – Demonstrating the essential tools used to diagnose and fix Wi-Fi issues.
Wi-Fi Best Practices – Sharing tips on how to ensure optimal wireless coverage.
A Day in the Life – Providing a glimpse into the daily activities and diverse environments a Wi-Fi Specialist might encounter.
Putting the School Wi-Fi to the Test
One of the highlights of the day was putting the school’s Wi-Fi network through its paces. Armed with an evacuation plan of the school, students used Ekahau Survey, Sidekick II, and an iPad to conduct a coverage check of the STEM club building. It was fantastic to see the students fully engaged, as they walked around the school, performing their own checks and analysing the results.
Analysing the Results
After the coverage check, we gathered to review the results. The iPad displayed detailed heatmaps and graphs of the areas covered, which led to a lively discussion. The students quickly noted that the school’s Wi-Fi wasn’t performing as well as expected, and we took a brief look at why that might be, using the data they collected.
Designing a Wi-Fi Network
Next, we moved on to the design phase. Using Ekahau AI Pro, the students input building details and began placing simulated Access Points on a floor plan, getting a taste of what it takes to design an effective Wi-Fi network from scratch.
Q&A
The session concluded with a Q&A, where the students asked insightful questions about study options, internships, and how their school’s Wi-Fi compared to others. My favourite question was, “What was the weirdest place you’ve ever visited?”—a testament to their curiosity and engagement.
A Future in IT
At the end of the session, I extended an invitation for work experience or internships, either through the school or during their further education. I left the school feeling inspired by the students’ enthusiasm and hopeful that some of them might one day pursue a career in IT.
