By Taylar Cook, CSO Arizona Program Coordinator
When you think of a STEM career, what do you imagine? Is it a chemist or an engineer? Perhaps the most wonderful thing about STEM careers is that they can be anything. Fashion design is a STEM career due to its problem solving, fabric engineering, and mathematical measurements.
For those interested in landscaping and gardening, biology and more specifically botany and soil science are crucial! By expanding your mind beyond the ideas of what a STEM career COULD be, you open yourself up to the STEM careers that ARE.
If you’re interested in a STEM career, there are many educational paths you can explore. For example, if you’re interested in technology, you could land an internship with Google or Intel out of high school and get hands-on training with their software in less time than it takes to get a college degree.
If you prefer a structured academic path, college is a great option whether it’s a four-year university or a community college, which offers a more affordable way to explore your interests. You can also go to trade school if you are drawn to fields such as automotive technology, welding, and more skilled trades! If you want to go even further after getting a college degree you can pursue graduate school and PhD programs to take your expertise to the next level!
So, what can you do right now to start exploring STEM and find your passion? Getting involved in school clubs is one of the greatest and easiest ways. Does your school have a robotics club, academic decathlon, or gardening club? Attend a meeting to see if it sparks your interest. If you are in high school, consider taking a class to become lab certified and gain experience volunteering or working at a college laboratory. If you are 16 and over, you could even apply to be a Blue Crew member at the Arizona Science Center.
By joining clubs, gaining hands on experience, and volunteering in STEM-related roles, you will be well on your way to discovering the STEM career that’s right for you!
