Celebrating National STEM Day: Hargrove Teammates Encourage STEM Careers

As a huge driver of workforce and industry development, it is evident that Hargrove Teammates are passionate about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. Teammates recognize November 8th as National STEM Day and celebrate the many varied careers that STEM education supports.

By engaging with and teaching interns and Co-Op Teammates, volunteering for STEM causes, and sharing firsthand experiences, Hargrove Teammates hope to inspire those considering a career in STEM.

Fostering the Next Generation

Hargrove is committed to fostering the next generation of talent by providing career exploration, quality mentorship, and aiding workforce development. In an effort to support this commitment, Hargrove offers two hands-on programs that allow those interested in STEM careers to gain real-life experience through their internship/co-op programs.

Hargrove’s College Intern and Co-Op Program is a comprehensive and immersive experience designed to provide aspiring professionals with the skills, knowledge, and real-world exposure needed to excel in their careers. This program is building the next generation of STEM professionals with a foundation of problem solving, networking opportunities, and on-the-job training and mentorship.

Hargrove also offers a Summer Academy to eligible high school students who are interested in gaining experience in the engineering and construction industries. With the ability to participate in hands-on projects, build relationships with current Hargrove Teammates, and develop the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field, the Summer Academy is perfect for those who are eager to learn more about STEM education.

Community Involvement

Hargrove’s connection to the communities where Teammates live and work is incredibly important to their “One Team” culture. By supporting STEM education and fostering a love of STEM subjects at every academic level, Hargrove can directly invest in the individuals that will support their Team and the industries they serve for years to come.

Through the Hargrove Foundation, Hargrove’s charitable arm, and its dedication to supporting causes in education, Hargrove Teammates are able to support many STEM related initiatives including programs such as BEST (Boosting Engineering Science and Technology) Robotics.

Recently, Hargrove participated as an industry partner in TriNova’s inaugural Community Career and Education Forum. This event connected local middle-school students, their families, and educators with industry professionals to provide information about educational opportunities in STEM related programs and fund scholarships for several local schools.

Teammate Testimonials

STEM Beginnings

Several Teammates fondly remember their first interactions with STEM and how they influenced their perception of the field. As in the case of many Hargrove Teammates, connecting your interests with a hands-on experience can spark inspiration and uncover hidden talents.

“I always enjoyed taking things apart and understanding how they worked. By age 10, I was taking apart my cassette tape player to figure out how to reverse the tape to play it backwards. I was wiring friend’s radios, amplifiers, and automobile speakers by age 15. That’s when I knew I wanted to pursue a career in STEM.” –Kerry White, Industry Leader – Discrete Manufacturing

“I attended a space and moon landing program [when I was younger]. It was during that time that I developed an interest in astronomy and knew that STEM could be an option for me, despite my family repeatedly telling me that ‘girls don’t do that.’”  – Karen Morton, SIS Technical Consultant

“My dad was an electrician (retired now) and as a kid I thought he could fix anything. One day our first home computer died. I asked my dad to fix it and he said he didn’t have time I needed to figure it out and fix it myself. He’d occasionally pop in and nudge me in the right direction, but I figured it out eventually. That was probably the first time I took something electronic apart and put it back together the way it was intended.” – Rob Delles, Technical Consultant

“My dad was also in a STEM field. He had a heavy hand in shaping my interests and planting the seed for my love of fundamentals, principles, and logic. He is also the reason I learned programming at a very young age. When I wanted ATARI games, he bought me a BASIC disc and a manual. He didn’t teach me programming, but he gave me the manual and the cartridge. From that point I understood that I would either learn to program the games I wanted to play, or I would have to wait for a special occasion.” – Karen Griffin, VP, Controls & Automation

Why Choose STEM

Teammates have pursued STEM careers not only because of their personal interests, but by aiming to make an impact on the world around them and improve the quality of life for others – in specific industries and in society at large.

“STEM is always changing. The problems you solve today pave the way for the problems of tomorrow. It’s very fulfilling to actually see the products of your labor and the impact they have on people. An engineer can impact many people for years with one advancement. A transistor is a simple electronic device, but they’re the basis for every digital device. One small invention can continue to change the world.” – Rob Delles, Technical Consultant

“Math has clear, concise logic behind it and because of that it always appealed to me. It eventually led me into an engineering arena dealing with some of the brightest people I’ve ever known. The science and technology behind our daily lives is fascinating. STEM fundamentals create those foundations and the careers within have limitless possibilities.” – Roxanne Sullivan, Project Controls Technical Specialist

“As the Leader of Projects in our Baton Rouge office, I chose to pursue a career in the fields of STEM because I believe in the innovation and the positive impact it can have on our community. STEM fields are at the forefront of solving complex challenges, driving technological advancements, and shaping the future. I am committed to promoting a culture of creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration within our organization, and I am excited to lead our Team to achieve our project goals and contribute to the progress of STEM.” – Kim Crovetto, Baton Rouge Leader of Projects

“It is exciting to explore new innovations that will help our Team succeed. By diligently researching and bringing the latest technologies to our Team, we impact not only thousands of Teammates across the globe, allowing them to execute projects safely and efficiently, but we position our Team to best serve Hargrove clients everywhere. From digital teaming solutions to cybersecurity investments, Information Technology is absolutely vital in today’s world.” – Tommy McNeal, Chief Information Officer

Join a One Team Culture

Hargrove is dedicated to being the Right People in the Right Place at the Right Time, not only for our clients and partners, but for our communities, and the growing need for STEM education.

If you’re interested in a career within the Hargrove Team of Companies, visit us online.