3 answers
Emily
Student
Naperville, Illinois
2
Questions
Asked
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What advice would you give a highschooler interested in majoring in physics or a different stem field?
I'm a highschooler interested in stem but unsure what field to go in and what to do.
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3 answers
Jason White
Channel Manager
47
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hi Emily,
I'd suggest for any high schooler curious about STEM, it's a great idea to dive into the various components of this exciting field. You could start by sampling the diverse courses your school offers, like physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, and so on. This way, you can discover which subjects spark your interest and which ones don't quite catch your fancy. Remember, different STEM subjects can lead to vastly different career paths and opportunities, so it's important to find your niche.
Feel free to immerse yourself in the subjects you enjoy more, and don't worry too much about the ones that aren't your cup of tea. Alongside this, I'd recommend doing some homework on the career options these subjects can offer, and try to learn as much as possible about them.
To get a real-world perspective, you might want to connect with professionals in the STEM industry. You can use platforms like LinkedIn or even Google Maps to find businesses in this field. Who knows, you might even get a chance to shadow someone on the job and gain some hands-on experience.
Finally, once you've identified your preferred STEM area, start exploring colleges and universities that offer majors in that field. Visit the campuses if you can, to get a feel for the environment and see where you can envision yourself learning and growing.
I'd suggest for any high schooler curious about STEM, it's a great idea to dive into the various components of this exciting field. You could start by sampling the diverse courses your school offers, like physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, and so on. This way, you can discover which subjects spark your interest and which ones don't quite catch your fancy. Remember, different STEM subjects can lead to vastly different career paths and opportunities, so it's important to find your niche.
Feel free to immerse yourself in the subjects you enjoy more, and don't worry too much about the ones that aren't your cup of tea. Alongside this, I'd recommend doing some homework on the career options these subjects can offer, and try to learn as much as possible about them.
To get a real-world perspective, you might want to connect with professionals in the STEM industry. You can use platforms like LinkedIn or even Google Maps to find businesses in this field. Who knows, you might even get a chance to shadow someone on the job and gain some hands-on experience.
Finally, once you've identified your preferred STEM area, start exploring colleges and universities that offer majors in that field. Visit the campuses if you can, to get a feel for the environment and see where you can envision yourself learning and growing.
Andrew Au
Professor of Mathematics & Statistics, Retired
146
Answers
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Mathematics is the language of science and technology. Hence, if you are interested in a STEM discipline, you should first get yourself competent and proficient in mathematics.
Try to take AP math courses up to Calculus BC, AP Physics, and, possibly, AP Chemistry. You do not have to make up your mind until you enroll in college. By then, you will be in a better position to decide on a major.
Try to take AP math courses up to Calculus BC, AP Physics, and, possibly, AP Chemistry. You do not have to make up your mind until you enroll in college. By then, you will be in a better position to decide on a major.
Sheila Schultz
Engineering Leader
31
Answers
Brighton, Michigan
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Emily, Thanks for the great question!
As you explore STEM options, you may want to consider engineering. In high school, I was very good at math and science, and I remember it being recommended that I go into engineering. I really did not know much about engineering, and at the time it was not a typical field for a girl to enter into. There was a “Women in Engineering” week-long summer program offered at a university in our State. It was for high school girls who wanted to learn more about engineering and science-based careers. So, I signed up for the program. I found that there were many different types of engineering and many types of roles which you could do as an engineer. I was inspired and went the engineering route. You may want to search and see if there is a program offered like this around you. In addition, a great foundation for this career is taking math and science classes in high school.
I am a mechanical engineer. Mechanical engineering is a fantastic foundation for many roles. I had the opportunity to work in the automotive and defense industries. Initially, I leveraged my skills in the thermal area where I worked on requirements creation, vehicle development/validation testing (including testing at our proving grounds and out in Death Valley), building analytical models, and designing/releasing HVAC/Powertrain Cooling related systems. Next, I had the opportunity to work as a Vehicle Systems Integration engineer for Propulsion systems which included early vehicle concept, development, and production activities. After this, I shifted to system safety role which included software, controls, and physical part safety. Most recently, I led a team for the Advanced System Integration of defense/military vehicles and projects. The mechanical engineering foundation enabled me to have a wide variety of career experiences.
There are many types of engineering – Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, Software, Industrial, Manufacturing and more. For mechanical engineering, there are also has many sub-focus areas, so you can pick the area(s) that you find the most interesting. Some examples include: Thermal systems/fluids, Mechanical Structures, Materials, and Automotive design.
Best wishes to you as you explore your future career.
As you explore STEM options, you may want to consider engineering. In high school, I was very good at math and science, and I remember it being recommended that I go into engineering. I really did not know much about engineering, and at the time it was not a typical field for a girl to enter into. There was a “Women in Engineering” week-long summer program offered at a university in our State. It was for high school girls who wanted to learn more about engineering and science-based careers. So, I signed up for the program. I found that there were many different types of engineering and many types of roles which you could do as an engineer. I was inspired and went the engineering route. You may want to search and see if there is a program offered like this around you. In addition, a great foundation for this career is taking math and science classes in high school.
I am a mechanical engineer. Mechanical engineering is a fantastic foundation for many roles. I had the opportunity to work in the automotive and defense industries. Initially, I leveraged my skills in the thermal area where I worked on requirements creation, vehicle development/validation testing (including testing at our proving grounds and out in Death Valley), building analytical models, and designing/releasing HVAC/Powertrain Cooling related systems. Next, I had the opportunity to work as a Vehicle Systems Integration engineer for Propulsion systems which included early vehicle concept, development, and production activities. After this, I shifted to system safety role which included software, controls, and physical part safety. Most recently, I led a team for the Advanced System Integration of defense/military vehicles and projects. The mechanical engineering foundation enabled me to have a wide variety of career experiences.
There are many types of engineering – Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, Software, Industrial, Manufacturing and more. For mechanical engineering, there are also has many sub-focus areas, so you can pick the area(s) that you find the most interesting. Some examples include: Thermal systems/fluids, Mechanical Structures, Materials, and Automotive design.
Best wishes to you as you explore your future career.