Contributing editor James Schlett, who authors Photonics Spectra’s annual industry workforce feature, is as adept as any writer at the “show, don’t tell” approach to reporting. Schlett’s years covering this topic also make him well-versed in isolating the industry-specific challenges, nuances, and opportunities that abound in growing the optics and photonics workforce. There are plenty of each. Yet Schlett’s journalistic capabilities, and the insights he has collected from years spent peeling back the layers of this industry’s workforce dynamics, are not required to discern one of the most glaring needs in resolving present and future personnel shortages. The inroads to a career in optics and photonics are out there, but rising professionals need guidance to pursue them. A profusion of high-level conversations during the past few years, and likely longer, has focused on this problem and the elusive nature of its clear-cut solutions. The need to better market the industry to raise awareness of its career opportunities has become the prevailing takeaway. Many of these conversations break out from topical panel discussions, forums, conference keynotes, and — perhaps most indicative of the severity of this issue — unprompted gatherings of industry changemakers. This suggests that any shortcomings related to marketing the industry affect prospective members of the workforce rather than those who are already part of it. In response, the tremendous work of institutions of higher learning and government- and industry-funded initiatives to increase awareness of a sustainable and fulfilling career in optics and photonics is increasingly targeted. These efforts today are precisely aimed at distinct populations of prospective technicians and engineers, spanning the middle school, high school, and college talent pools. As is true of the issue of workforce demand in the broadest sense, there is nuance to outreach and awareness, too. The optics and photonics field is far-reaching and expansive. Opportunities for prospective members of the workforce — to innovate, achieve financial stability, and give back to their communities — are available. In fact, they are available in numerous disciplines and subdisciplines — from optics technician to fiber optics technician, and from integrated photonics engineer to quantum engineer. The challenge, beyond helping prospective members of the workforce find industry inroads, is guiding them to the right opportunities that align both with available prospects and with the unique skill sets and interests of each individual. Schlett is not the only contributor to this month’s edition to elucidate this point. Another happens to soon be advancing into the workforce himself. Jasper Stackawitz, recipient of the 2025 Teddi C. Laurin Scholarship, speaks with Photonics Spectra about his journey and plans for a career involving photonics.