The Journey to Becoming a STEM Professional: Tips and Advice

In today’s world, STEM professionals are shaping the future—from pioneering medical breakthroughs to developing technologies that redefine how we live, work, and connect. For those considering a career in STEM, the path is full of opportunities, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. Whether you’re a student, a professional seeking a career change, or someone in the early stages of your STEM journey, success doesn’t require you to have all the answers. It requires curiosity, persistence, and a commitment to continuous learning.

At STEM Greenhouse, we believe in learning from those who have walked this road before. By sharing lessons and advice from STEM professionals in our network, we hope to inspire and guide those launching their journey into the STEM fields.

A STEM Journey: A Personal Story

Katie Hollis, one of STEM Greenhouse’s STEM Instructors, shares her story:

“A good science teacher is what got me interested in STEM. I was unsure of if I wanted to solve crimes or cure diseases, but I knew I liked solving problems and was always asking why. I remember being in high school biology and the human genome project being discussed on how it was so complex that it would not be completed in our lifetime. I thought, “I want to help decode it!” By the time I graduated college with a degree in biology, it was done. Technology had advanced faster than predicted. I kept reading articles about different discoveries looking for something to pique my interest. I found an article about centenarians and living long and was hooked on how the body changes as it ages. From there, I seized opportunities working in Alzheimer’s Drug discovery to researching cellular signals in cancer biology and osteoporosis. While I no longer work at the lab bench, I am still a STEM professional. I got trained in science communication and business to become an advocate for equitable access and inclusion in science education and healthcare.

Katie Hollis , STEM Greenhouse, STEM Instructor

Katie’s story reminds us that STEM isn’t just about lab work or coding. It’s about asking big questions, solving real-world problems, and finding innovative ways to make a difference.

7 Keys to Building a Meaningful STEM Career

Recently, STEM Greenhouse welcomed members of the local chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity to speak with our STEM Scholars at Alger Middle School. These accomplished professionals—a trauma surgeon, mathematics professor, chemist, and software developer—shared valuable advice based on their own STEM journeys. Here are some key takeaways:

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1. Feed Your Curiosity—and Let It Lead the Way

Curiosity is at the heart of every STEM breakthrough—the drive to understand why things work the way they do and how they can be improved. It drives discovery, innovation, and the constant pursuit of improvement. Early in your journey, allow yourself to explore. Take a variety of courses, join STEM clubs, and attend events to uncover your interests. “It all requires math,” advised Dr. Oscar Neal, the Department Head and Professor of Mathematics and Statistics at Grand Rapids Community College .? All of the professionals agreed that math is the basis for everything in the STEM field and even noted that the more math you learn, the more money you can earn!

Tips:

• Treat every challenge as an opportunity to learn.
• Explore the things that excite you—your hobbies may hint at future careers in STEM.

2. Find Mentors Who Inspire—and Be One Yourself

One of the most powerful resources in any career, especially in STEM, is mentorship. A good mentor can offer guidance, share their experiences, and help you avoid common pitfalls. A great mentor will introduce you to their network and advocate on your behalf (even when you’re not in the room)! Don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers, industry professionals, or peers who inspire you. They can help illuminate the less obvious paths and open doors to new opportunities.

This small group of fraternity brothers demonstrated the power of mentorship and networking. Retired Grand Rapids Public Schools Principal Jerry McComb, who mentored Dr. Neal as a fifth-grade math student, is now his fraternity brother—a reminder that mentorship can shape the future and lead to lasting professional relationships.

Tips:

• Look for mentors in unexpected places.

• Don’t just seek mentorship—uplift and mentor others, too. You may inspire someone who becomes your future collaborator.

3. Master the Art of Communication

STEM professionals are not just scientists and engineers; they are also communicators. Whether you’re teaching a class, talking to a patient, or writing an article, your ability to convey ideas clearly is critical. Good communication can make your work more impactful and increase your visibility in your field.

Tip:?

• Practice simplifying complex ideas in simple, relatable terms. Use analogies, visuals, and relatable examples to make your ideas accessible.

4. Embrace Collaboration and Teamwork

The stereotype of the lone scientist working in isolation is outdated. Today’s STEM problems require collaboration. We live in a globalized world with large-scale challenges that affect people across continents.

Whether developing new pharmaceuticals, addressing climate change, or advancing AI technologies, diverse teams working together produce the best results. This is because the large-scale adaptation required to affect large-scale solutions requires both resources and consensus.

Tip:

• Be open to working with people from different backgrounds and disciplines. Interdisciplinary projects can broaden your perspective, help you learn new skills, and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

5. Don’t Fear Failure—Learn from It

In STEM, failure isn’t the end; it’s a key part of the process. Experiments don’t always go as planned. Prototypes fail, and solutions may take multiple iterations. But each setback is an opportunity to refine your ideas and grow. Remember, penicillin and the pacemaker were discovered by accident.?

Tip: When faced with setbacks, take a step back and ask yourself:?

• What did I learn from this??
• How can I use this experience to improve??

By reframing failure as a learning experience, you’ll cultivate a growth mindset that will serve you throughout your career.

6. Advocate for Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

We know the STEM fields thrive on diverse perspectives and inclusive research, yet many barriers still exist for underrepresented groups. As you progress in your journey, consider how you can contribute to creating a more inclusive environment in your day-to-day life. Whether through mentorship, advocacy, or policy work, your efforts can help ensure that the next generation of STEM professionals and the solutions they create reflect the diversity of our world.

Tips:

• Seek out organizations and initiatives dedicated to equity and inclusion in STEM, like @STEM Greenhouse.
• Look for ways to contribute to systemic change.
• Amplify the voices of historically marginalized communities.

7. Stay Adaptable in an Ever-Changing Field

STEM is constantly evolving, and staying relevant means being open to change. The skills and technologies that define today’s careers might not exist tomorrow. By staying adaptable, you’ll remain ready for whatever the future brings.

Tips

• Regularly assess your skills and knowledge.?
• Identify areas where you want to grow and take proactive steps to upskill, whether through additional coursework, certifications, or hands-on experience.
• Don’t be afraid to pivot because most careers are not a straight line?

Your Journey is Unique

Like most careers, the path to becoming a STEM professional isn’t linear, and that’s okay. Your journey will be filled with twists, turns, and unexpected opportunities. There is no single “right” way to build a STEM career. Whether you’re at the starting line, switching paths, or looking to level up in your field, the steps you take today will have a lasting impact on the world tomorrow.?

As one speaker shared with our students, he went from a career as a professional dancer to a successful software developer by seizing opportunities, learning continuously, and leaning into his strengths.

At STEM Greenhouse, we believe the world’s greatest challenges—climate change, equitable healthcare, and advancing technology—will only be solved by the brightest minds from all walks of life. Your voice, perspective, and skills are needed. Your journey matters.

Wherever your path takes you, remember: the future of STEM is better because you’re part of it.