The STEM FOI Alumni Career Panel panelists shared tips on the mindset that has helped them to achieve professional and personal success, and provided first-hand knowledge and candid advice on their various career choices.
The inspiring Panelists and their current areas of career focus:
- Caity Flores - Medical Research
- Jasmine Hinton - Claims Processor, Physics Student
- Afam Nwambuonwo - Physical Therapy
- Jacob Przbylski - Aviation
1) Focus on your signature strengths. Within your many strengths are some that rise to the top, that you love doing and do well. Both Jacob and Jasmine encouraged students to write things down to help you determine what it is you really want to do and identify your passion(s). From Jasmine’s perspective, “It is just a “dream” until you write it down and put it into practice. Narrow down and focus on your goals.”
Afam said, “Being passionate is the key; then you’ll work hard toward achieving your goal.” And if you’re not sure what your strengths are, ask people like professors, friends, and colleagues. The key to a fulfilling career is to make sure you’re using those signature strengths and passion in the work that you’re doing.
2) Try different tasks, classes, roles, and even jobs to find your passion. You’ve probably heard the advice, “Follow your passion.” While well-meaning, it can cause stress if you’re not sure about your passion. Caity said, “There are lots of different paths, it can be overwhelming to figure out what’s right for you. Start by asking questions. Talk to your professors, talk to graduates and grad students. Be open to exploring a little bit. Finding your career is more than taking courses. Get exposure to the profession. Get hands-on experience, find a professional you can shadow, do internships, join clubs. It’s most important to make the decision that’s best for you. You decide the timeline and the footsteps that are best for you. There is no “set” timeline you need to follow. It’s a huge decision and it’s your decision; do what’s best for you and determine your path.”
Afam added, “The ability to be open to different aspects of subjects, groups and volunteer opportunities is critical for networking and determining your interests.” Caity said, “Take time to build relationships with peers, advisors, professors; they are your future colleagues. Having the support of your “community” is so important. You need to tap into community support to develop your career successfully.”
Jasmine also spoke to the value of networking. “Network in class and outside of class; network with fellow students and professors. Talk to your professors who have been in fields you are interested in. Asking questions of others will help you narrow things down. Find someone to shadow for a day. Look at YouTube “behind the scenes” videos.” Caity recommended, “Set up informational interviews. Ask, why did you select this field? You often need recommendations as part of the application process, so those relationships and conversations can be the catalyst to carve your path.”
3) Be like a sponge. Soak everything up. Everything offers opportunities to learn; the great bosses, the not so great ones, the projects that go well, the ones that don’t. Jasmine shared, “In STEM, you develop your critical thinking skills and these can be applicable in so many environments. Anything you are doing can help you gain experience. It will be related in some way. If you know how to think in STEM you’ll be able to cross train.”
4) Take care of yourself. Jasmine said, “Take breaks, don’t cram; STEM classes are very challenging. Jacob advises, “Block off time for your hobbies.” Caity added, “Always give yourself permission to rest and do things that make you happy at the end of the day. Continue to cultivate the other parts of your lives. Attend to your other needs. Don’t lose sight of who you are as a person. Burnout is real, you need a mental break.”