Florida State University recently hosted a Discovery Days panel focused on career opportunities for students in STEM fields. The event, titled “Unlock Your Future: Career Paths for STEM Graduates,” brought together FSU research and academic leaders to discuss how degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can lead to diverse professional paths.
Panelists included Stacey Patterson, Vice President for Research; Alma Littles, Dean of the College of Medicine; Kathleen Amm, Director of MagLab; William Hill, Director of Laboratory Animal Resources; Valerie McDevitt, Associate Vice President for Strategic Partnerships and Innovation; David Larbalestier, Professor at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering; and Matthew Standridge from Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.
Stacey Patterson told attendees: “Your time at Florida State University is profoundly impactful in shaping who you are as a person. Your academic life is just one part of the college experience — what truly defines this time are the relationships you build, the challenges you embrace and the moments that help you grow beyond the classroom as you become the person you’re meant to be.”
Panelists shared experiences from their careers in medicine, laboratory science, university administration, and corporate leadership. They encouraged students to consider roles outside traditional STEM tracks.
“There are so many opportunities out there, and people don’t need to be afraid of exploring them and that’s what makes it exciting,” said Amm. “Even if you choose one path, you can always pivot later. The world is open to you, especially early in your career.”
The importance of mentorship was also discussed. McDevitt stated: “When you’re thinking about mentors, you don’t always have to look to people in higher positions. A lot of times, your mentors are your peers and teammates. I’ve learned so much from everyone around me. You can identify people whose work or approach you admire and pull little pieces of that into your own practice.”
Balancing academics with personal well-being was another topic raised during the event. Littles said: “At the end of the day, you are a human being, you are a person and you have other humans you depend on, who also depend on you. Don’t get so wrapped up as you’re preparing for your next stage in life that you forget that.”
William Hill added: “What I do is not who I am. If all the letters behind my name are gone, I still have to deal with the reality of who I am as a person. That’s fundamental and it’s a message young people should hear early.”
Leighton Hartwell, an electrical engineering major at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering who attended both as a student and musician with the FSU Marching Chiefs commented on how panels like these support his decision-making process regarding his future.
“It’s incredibly easy to get lost along your path, and having panels like these where industry professionals and academic researchers share their insight is so valuable,” Hartwell said. “They talk about what you should be doing as a student — how to get involved, manage your time and focus on what’s really important — while also emphasizing the value of being social and building a network. Having that kind of advice imparted by these people is very enlightening, and it helps me pinpoint what I want to do in the future.”
The panel highlighted non-traditional opportunities available through STEM education while encouraging students to prioritize both professional development and personal growth.
