A career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) offers endless possibilities, from developing innovative technology to answering the world’s greatest questions. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking for ways to advance toward your career, here are five key ways to prepare yourself for working in STEM:

1. Research Career Paths

STEM careers span a wide range of industries, including healthcare, artificial intelligence, environmental science, and data analytics. Take the time to explore different roles, required skills, and potential career trajectories and see what excites you most. Use resources like Steppingblocks and the Occupational Outlook Handbook that  provide valuable insights into job outlooks and salary expectations.

2. Gain Hands-On Experience

Internships, research projects, and co-op programs are excellent ways to gain real-world experience. Many companies offer STEM-focused internships that help students develop technical skills to build out a more competitive resume. Look for opportunities through Handshake by using the Jobs tab on the homepage, as well as on our Majors Resources pages.

3. Connect with Industry Professionals

Networking is crucial in any field, even in STEM. Follow the Career Center’s myUMBC page to get notified of upcoming events. Keep an eye on Handshake events as well. When you see something that seems relevant to you, attend these events to meet professionals and learn about job opportunities. You can also connect with UMBC alum through Retrievers Connect as well.

4. Develop Technical and Soft Skills

While technical skills like programming, data analysis, and engineering are important, employers also value soft skills. In fact, according to NACE, the top attributes employers seek are problem-solving skills, team work, and communication skills. Develop soft skills by taking online courses, joining student organizations, or working on personal projects to enhance these skill sets.

5. Stay Updated on Industry Trends

STEM fields evolve rapidly, so staying informed is key. Follow industry news, read research publications, and join professional associations related to your field of interest. Keeping up with trends in areas like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and cybersecurity can help you stay competitive in the job market.

Take the Next Step

A career in STEM is full of opportunities, but preparation is key. Start building your network and explore your career paths today by attending the BEYA STEM DTX Career Fair and Conference. This event is an excellent way to connect with recruiters, learn about job openings and internship opportunities, and gain valuable industry insights. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take your STEM career to the next level. Registration to travel with UMBC closes end-of-day on February 11^th, but you can also register on the BEYA website should you miss the deadline.

Good luck! 

Despite what you might read in the news or on social media, diversity is more than just a buzzword when it comes to the workplace. It can actually help companies build innovation, profitability, and employee satisfaction. Here are a few ways that diversity in the workplace can create positive, lasting impact.

Builds Creativity. When organizations bring together employees from different cultural and experiential backgrounds, generating creative solutions can come more easily. Employees are more likely to question the status quo and think outside of the box to tackle complex problems. They take more novel approaches to the work that they do, causing the company to overall be more adaptable.

Fosters Innovation. Diverse teams bring broader perspectives and foster innovation. By challenging conventional thinking, companies can now make decisions that positively impact the bottom line. According to a McKinsey report (1), companies in the top quartile for gender and racial diversity are more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians. Additionally, a BCG study (2) highlighted that organizations with more diverse management teams have a 19% higher revenue from innovation compared to companies with below-average diversity.

Causes Work Satisfaction. Other than financial benefits, diversity promotes a more inclusive and respectful workplace culture, which increases employee engagement and retention. People feel valued when their unique perspectives are welcomed, a consideration that recent grads do not take lightly, nor should they. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), equity and inclusion is a career readiness competency that employers should seek to promote open-mindedness, flexibility, and adaptability in the workplace in order to recruit top talent (3).  

Represents Customer Base. Lastly, having a more diverse workforce better reflects the global customer base companies serve. As businesses operate in increasingly international markets, the ability to meet diverse consumer needs becomes crucial to ensure success. Additionally, companies that embrace diversity and reflect a diverse workforce are seen as more relatable and inclusive by global customers, opening the door for lucrative relationship building opportunities and partnerships.

Increasing workplace diversity isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a strategic imperative for companies hoping to hire and retain the best employees. What that said, students should strongly consider a diverse organization for their next internship or job to experience the benefits firsthand.

If you want to get a head start, join us for our Diversity Recruitment Event on Thursday, October 17^th from 5-8 PM at the University Center Ballroom. This is open to ALL students. Enjoy a free dinner, network with top organizations, and hear from UMBC alum Bobby Allen ’99 about his work at Google.

(1)   https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/featured%20insights/diversity%20and%20inclusion/diversity%20wins%20how%20inclusion%20matters/diversity-wins-how-inclusion-matters-vf.pdf

(2)  https://www.bcg.com/publications/2018/how-diverse-leadership-teams-boost-innovation

(3)  https://www.naceweb.org/career-readiness/competencies/career-readiness-defined