Gaining Experience in the STEM Industry. Start Early and Explore

One of the best ways to prepare for a STEM career is to begin gaining experience early. Whether you’re interested in research, healthcare, engineering, technology, environmental science, or another STEM field, hands-on experiences can help you build technical skills, explore career interests, and make meaningful professional connections. The experiences you pursue in college can often help you discover what types of work you enjoy and which career paths align with your goals.  

Consider getting involved by: 

  • Joining a faculty-led research project to apply classroom concepts to real-world questions, develop analytical skills, and explore potential graduate school or career interests. Explore opportunities through the Undergraduate Research Office or connect with faculty members whose work interests you. 
  • Participating in STEM-related student organizations to meet peers with similar interests, develop leadership skills, and engage in activities outside the classroom. There are many organizations to explore through EngageBSU. 
  • Attending career fairs, networking events, and employer information sessions to learn about industries, discover internship and job opportunities, and connect with professionals working in STEM fields. Handshake regularly features events ranging from graduate school fairs to employer panels and industry-specific networking opportunities. Explore options here: Events | Handshake 
  • Pursuing internships, co-ops, volunteer experiences, or field-based learning opportunities that allow you to gain practical experience, build your resume, and explore potential career paths before graduation. 
  • Completing class, research, or personal projects that demonstrate your technical abilities, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Students in technology, engineering, data, and research-focused fields may also benefit from creating a portfolio that showcases coding projects, research posters, presentations, design work, or data analysis projects. 

Remember, you don’t need to have your entire career path mapped out today. Exploring different opportunities can help you identify your interests, strengthen your skills, and make informed decisions about your future. Every experience, whether it’s a research project, internship, student organization, or networking event, helps you learn more about yourself and the possibilities available to you. The Career Services & Internships Office is here to help. We can assist you with exploring STEM career paths, searching for internships, preparing application materials, developing your professional network, and connecting your experiences to future career opportunities. 
 
Connect with Career Services & Internships: 
Schedule an Appointment on Handshake 

By Anastasia Krueger
Anastasia Krueger Early Career Engagement Advisor
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