STEM Careers

Whether you are a declared undergraduate or graduate STEM major or are considering a STEM major, know that there are many exciting careers in STEM available. A STEM education lays a solid foundation with transferable skills and experiences that can take you in various directions. There are well-known fields such as research and healthcare, but also fields that may not be as visible such as science communications, policy, and consulting. Your intended career path may stay the same or it may change, which happens for many students, and is completely normal. We are here to help you navigate your STEM career journey! Explore your options through the STEM careers list, resources and programs below. Questions along the way? Connect with your STEM Industry Advisor, [[dlsnyder,Don Snyder]].

Understanding STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These fields are essential for fostering innovation and solving complex problems in today's world. From researching emerging medical fields to designing sustainable engineering solutions, STEM professionals are at the forefront of advancements that shape our future.

W&M Resources by STEM Industry

Healthcare, Public Health & Biomedical
Technology, Data & Engineering
Environmental & Sustainability
Science Communication, Education and Outreach & Policy
Research
Science Education
Consulting

Potential Majors

Students interested in STEM careers could pursue a major in:

Science and Technology Newsletter

The Science and Technology Newsletter features upcoming STEM programs from the the Office of Career Development & Professional Engagement, across campus, and beyond; articles, alumni and employer spotlights, STEMs job and internships, and more. To subscribe to this newsletter, log in to TribeCareers. Click on the circle on the top right of the page, then My Account, then Industry Newsletters/Career Interests and update your Industry Newsletters section by checking the box next to all of the newsletters you'd like to receive.

Events and Programs

There are many STEM programs and events that occur throughout the fall and spring semesters. Take advantage of these opportunities to learn from and connect with W&M STEM alumni and other professionals in a variety of fields.

STEM Career & Internship Fair

This event features employers from a variety of fields including technology, data, engineering, biomedical, public health, energy, transportation, government and more. Connect with representatives to learn about full-time, internship, fellowship, and volunteer positions.
Computer Science Night

Hear a panel of W&M computer science alumni talk about their career paths and provide advice for entering the field.
Careers in Public Health Panel

Hear a panel of W&M alumni in various public health sectors talk about their education and career paths and provide advice on entering the field.
What I Wish I’d Known – Science Research @ W&M

Hear a panel of W&M students in different research labs give advice on connecting with faculty for opportunities and navigating the lab environment.
Becoming an EMT Panel

Hear a panel of EMT-certified students give advice on the certification process and developing EMT-related experience.
Gap Year Jobs Panel for PreHealth Students

Connect with clinical providers offering gap year positions, including medical assistant and scribe.

Additional Resources

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“Science & Technology Career Resources” Blackboard Ultra site: Includes career exploration, job, internship, fellowship, on-campus research resources; STEM resume examples; industry-related websites; Federal job search resources; websites by career area; recordings and slides of previous programs; graduate school search guidance and more! Self-enroll Here!
TribeCareers: Find some of the best STEM jobs, internships, externships, fellowships, and opportunities; RSVP for the Office of Career Development & Professional Engagement events, schedule an advising appointment, and access resources including crash courses and video clinics.
LinkedIn: Research STEM career and education paths of W&M alumni and reach out to them for information and advice.
Vault Guides: These guides include information on STEM careers, industries, and employers. Research industries such as Alternative Energy, Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology. There is much more information in this online career library at your fingertips.
CandidCareer: Watch video interviews with professionals in a variety of careers in STEM. Get the “day-in-the-life” inside perspective. Search for interviews in STEM careers including:

Graduate School: There are many careers in STEM that will require some form of advanced education and training. Because there is such a wide array of STEM career options, the level of education will vary considerably, from certificate programs to professional degrees.

The timing to go to graduate school is a very individualized decision. Some students want a break from academics and desire industry experience first, while other students want to keep up their academic momentum and roll directly into graduate school. There are many additional factors to consider. Whatever timeline you choose for your further education, that decision should be made with confidence. Gather as much information as possible from multiple people and resources. Visit our Graduate School page to learn more about this process.

Keep in mind that plans may change, new opportunities may arise, and learning and career development will continue in many different forms well after your experience at William & Mary.

Each industry has a different recruiting timeline and it’s good to know a deadline well in advance to avoid a last-minute rush with your application materials. Organizations will also utilize the “Just in Time” hiring model, where a position won’t be posted until there is an opening, and that position needs to be filled sooner than later. Please inquire with the STEM Industry Advisor, [[dlsnyder,Don Snyder]], for specific programs and dates. For example, most healthcare gap year fellowship programs have an application deadline anywhere from December to February, while many gap year medical assistant positions may be posted anywhere from February to May.

It can be very important to utilize networking in your job search as well, as many positions are competitive in nature. Keep in mind that it’s best to cultivate your network before you need it. Check out our networking page for more information on networking strategies.

It's important to get connected to your community! There are many STEM-related student organizations at William & Mary. You can hear from guest speakers, participate in professional development events, and learn about research and internship opportunities. Getting involved will provide you with a support system of peers and other advocates to help you on your journey.

Log into TribeLink to find a full list of organizations, learn more and sign up for a club/organization that interests you. Here are just a few of the clubs and organizations you may want to explore:

W&M Resources by STEM Industry

STEM Careers in Healthcare, Public Health & Biomedical

Healthcare, patient-facing including physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, physical therapist, occupational therapist, dentist, and many others.
- Pro Tip: Use the Pre-Health Advising Interest Form to consult with a health professions advisor for guidance on academic and application requirements.
Healthcare, non-patient facing including healthcare consulting and healthcare administration.
Public Health including epidemiology, health disparities, education, communication, policy, environmental, and global.
- Pro Tip: Attend the annual Careers in Public Health Panel to hear from alumni in the field.
Biomedical including biomedical, clinical research, biotech, pharmaceutical.
- Pro Tip: Attend the annual Science Career Expo to connect with organizations in the field.

STEM Careers in Technology, Data & Engineering

Technology including software development, user experience design/UX, product management, cyber security, web development, and technical sales.
- Pro Tip: Attend the annual Computer Science Night panel to hear from alumni in the field.
- Pro Tip: Participate in TribeHacks, a hack-a-thon coordinated by the W&M ACM chapter.
Data including data science, data analytics, and GIS.
- Pro Tip: Consider GIS courses through the Center for Geospatial Analysis.
Engineering including mechanical, aerospace, biomedical, chemical, electrical, civil, environmental, materials science, geological, and automotive.
- Pro Tip: Consider the Engineering Physics and Applied Design (EPAD) track to learn about engineering sectors and work on engineering-related projects.
- Pro Tip: Get involved with the W&M Makerspace to develop hands-on engineering skills and experiences.

STEM Careers in Environmental & Sustainability

Environmental, field-related including consulting, wildlife, and land/resources conservation.
Environmental, non-field-related including education, outreach, and advocacy.
- Pro Tip: Connect with the Institute for Integrative Conservation to learn about research, courses, and other opportunities.
Sustainability including policy, programming, education, and material sourcing/usage.
- Pro Tip: Get involved with W&M’s Office of Sustainability and their many initiatives.
Green Careers: A green career is any position that attempts to make the world more sustainable. Backgrounds in sustainability and the environment may foster economic success in the future. This passion can be applied through a variety of sectors including nonprofit, government, and private industry. The green careers field is growing in an effort to continue to make the world a safe place.

STEM Careers in Science Communication, Education and Outreach & Policy

Science Communication including writing, web design, infographics, video, and podcasting.
- Pro Tip: View the Science Communications panel from the Science Career Expo.
- Pro Tip: Check out this SciComm Toolkit.
Education and Outreach including national and state parks, science centers, and museums.
- Pro Tip: View the Science Museum panel from the Science Career Expo.
Policy including federal government, think tanks, and nonprofits such as national associations.

STEM Careers in Research

Research-focused careers encompass all areas of STEM, from neuroscience to geology to computer science. Research positions can be found in academia, nonprofit foundations and institutions, and industry.
- Pro Tip: Identify and reach out to W&M faculty early to inquire about research opportunities, and begin building your experience.

STEM Careers in Science Education

Science education including higher education and K-12.
- Pro Tip: Explore the W&M Noyce Scholars Program to learn about teaching science in grades 6-12 and funding options to help you along the way.

STEM Careers in Consulting

Consulting including science-specific, technology, management, and strategy.
- Pro Tip: Attend the Meet the Firms event to learn about different sectors of consulting, and connect with alumni and other employers in the field.

Understanding STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

W&M Resources by STEM Industry

Healthcare, Public Health & Biomedical

Technology, Data & Engineering

Environmental & Sustainability

Science Communication, Education and Outreach & Policy

Research

Science Education

Consulting

STEM Majors

Potential Majors

Science and Technology Newsletter

Events and Programs

STEM Career & Internship Fair

Computer Science Night

Careers in Public Health Panel

What I Wish I’d Known – Science Research @ W&M

Becoming an EMT Panel

Gap Year Jobs Panel for PreHealth Students

Additional Resources

Topics

Online Resources

Special Topics

Recruiting Timelines & Breaking into Professional Roles

W&M Clubs & Organizations

STEM Careers in Various Fields

W&M Resources by STEM Industry

STEM Careers in Healthcare, Public Health & Biomedical

STEM Careers in Technology, Data & Engineering

STEM Careers in Environmental & Sustainability

STEM Careers in Science Communication, Education and Outreach & Policy

STEM Careers in Research

STEM Careers in Science Education

STEM Careers in Consulting