William & Mary
Close menu Resources for... William & Mary
Popular Topics
Suggested Results
News Events
Apply Visit Request Info
W&M menu close William & Mary
Career Development & Professional Engagement

STEM Careers

Industry Advisor: Don Snyder

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]].

isc43_50-50-row1288x860.jpg

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

STEM Majors

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.

Subscribe

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

STEM Careers in Various Fields

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.
  • 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 & EngineeringCareer Coach: Suzy Lindley
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Sustainability including policy, programming, education, and material sourcing/usage.
  • 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.
  • Education and Outreach including national and state parks, science centers, and museums.
  • 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.