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what are your STEM career experiences?
Hi!
Im really into math, physics, and computer science and its something I want to do when I'm older however I've never met someone in these fields besides teachers, so career wise I'm confused. Could some of you tell me about your careers and what you do? I want to see what would suit me.
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Andrew’s Answer
I had a similar question some fifty-five years ago when I was in high school. I aspired to be a scientist but there was no role such role model in my school or social environment. I was groping in the dark as far as my career path was concerned. I wish I had mentors in STEM areas.
At this point of your academic career, it is prudent to concentrate your energy on learning mathematics and physics. Academic success in these areas will open doors to many future opportunities. Be flexible and do not worry about meanders in your academic path if you are making progress towards your dream and passion.
I started out as a physics major in my undergraduate years not knowing what I would be doing after graduation. I continued to earn my master’s degree in physics and ended up with a Ph.D. in solid state geophysics/mineral physics. Still, I did not know how my career path would materialize. The suspension was prolonged with a one-year postdoctoral fellowship at the Carnegie Institution for Science. Finally, I joined the work force as a consultant scientist supporting research programs in geodynamics, space-borne geophysics, and space geodesy at NASA for twenty years.
I went into partial retirement with an academic appointment as Professor of Mathematics at a local university for another fifteen years. I am finally retired but remained in academia as an adjunct professor.
Many of us would find it confusing and anxious when we ponder our future career path. Don’t be afraid. Do your best at your current endeavor to open doors for the future. Your immediate task is to do well in school and earn good grades. Work hard and look forward to a bright future.
At this point of your academic career, it is prudent to concentrate your energy on learning mathematics and physics. Academic success in these areas will open doors to many future opportunities. Be flexible and do not worry about meanders in your academic path if you are making progress towards your dream and passion.
I started out as a physics major in my undergraduate years not knowing what I would be doing after graduation. I continued to earn my master’s degree in physics and ended up with a Ph.D. in solid state geophysics/mineral physics. Still, I did not know how my career path would materialize. The suspension was prolonged with a one-year postdoctoral fellowship at the Carnegie Institution for Science. Finally, I joined the work force as a consultant scientist supporting research programs in geodynamics, space-borne geophysics, and space geodesy at NASA for twenty years.
I went into partial retirement with an academic appointment as Professor of Mathematics at a local university for another fifteen years. I am finally retired but remained in academia as an adjunct professor.
Many of us would find it confusing and anxious when we ponder our future career path. Don’t be afraid. Do your best at your current endeavor to open doors for the future. Your immediate task is to do well in school and earn good grades. Work hard and look forward to a bright future.
Thank you so much!
Itzel
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Emmanuel
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Itzel,
Thanks for the great question. 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.
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. Next, I led a team for the Advanced System Integration of defense/military vehicles and projects. I am now running my own company and focused on business and engineering agile practices and processes. 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.
Thanks for the great question. 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.
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. Next, I led a team for the Advanced System Integration of defense/military vehicles and projects. I am now running my own company and focused on business and engineering agile practices and processes. 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.
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hello Itzel! The realm of STEM education is vast and full of endless possibilities. My journey, which started with a background in science and environmental law, has led me to a variety of exciting roles over the past 15 years. Here are some of the highlights that might inspire you:
- During my time with a non-profit trade organization, I had the privilege of arranging educational events for professionals involved in toxic cleanup and community redevelopment. These events took place across the nation, spreading knowledge and fostering collaboration.
- At a state government agency focused on environmental regulation, I assisted local governments in securing grant funding. This funding was crucial in assessing and cleaning up contaminated properties, making their communities safer and healthier.
- While working with a public transportation agency, I spearheaded the development of a sustainability program. This initiative was aimed at achieving climate change goals and preventing pollution, making a tangible impact on the environment.
- In my role within a local city government, I was involved in city planning. This included helping the community and elected officials shape their long-term vision for the city. We tackled a range of complex issues, from making biking and walking more accessible, to housing and climate change planning, all of which significantly affect the everyday lives of residents.
- Currently, I'm immersed in the world of corporate sustainability and sustainability education. I'm helping companies align their practices with climate goals, contributing to the global fight against climate change.
As you can see, the opportunities within STEM are limitless and can cater to a wide array of interests. Your journey can lead you to diverse and rewarding paths!
- During my time with a non-profit trade organization, I had the privilege of arranging educational events for professionals involved in toxic cleanup and community redevelopment. These events took place across the nation, spreading knowledge and fostering collaboration.
- At a state government agency focused on environmental regulation, I assisted local governments in securing grant funding. This funding was crucial in assessing and cleaning up contaminated properties, making their communities safer and healthier.
- While working with a public transportation agency, I spearheaded the development of a sustainability program. This initiative was aimed at achieving climate change goals and preventing pollution, making a tangible impact on the environment.
- In my role within a local city government, I was involved in city planning. This included helping the community and elected officials shape their long-term vision for the city. We tackled a range of complex issues, from making biking and walking more accessible, to housing and climate change planning, all of which significantly affect the everyday lives of residents.
- Currently, I'm immersed in the world of corporate sustainability and sustainability education. I'm helping companies align their practices with climate goals, contributing to the global fight against climate change.
As you can see, the opportunities within STEM are limitless and can cater to a wide array of interests. Your journey can lead you to diverse and rewarding paths!
Updated
Avirup’s Answer
With interests on Math, Computer Science and Physics you have many options in engineering and the sciences. For me, I always wanted to go into software engineering but later decided that I was better suited for UI/UX design. You have to do some intrusive thinking and outside research: what are your strengths and interests and how do the top jobs in your field play into them.
Updated
bill’s Answer
Well that's quite a list of studies as far as something you want to do YOU have to find something that excites you something that is futuristic don't follow friends or relatives into a dead-end career look to the future as it is an exciting place you will be and it's very hard to make a decision at a young age so take many varied classes in college even some outside of STEM find something that not just interests you but you think about almost daily it is very hard to make that decision early in life but something that might help is, as they say, sleep on it if you can access thru lucid dreaming that universal mind we all have it may give you a direction to look into then dream on it nightly and with enough practice this idea of what excites you will filter thru the subconscious mind and you will find the answer GOOD LUCK