At Colgate University, many students initially unsure about their career paths discover a passion for STEM subjects as they progress through their courses. While some students may feel that STEM leads only to pre-med careers, others, like senior Teagan Williams, emphasize that STEM majors offer diverse post-graduation options. Williams, concentrating in neuroscience and molecular biology, plans to pursue a PhD in neuroscience. Similarly, chemistry major Ellen Mannschreck is exploring both graduate school and career opportunities in the corporate side of STEM, such as working for cosmetics companies. Both students highlight the importance of graduate education for higher-paying STEM careers and the challenges of finding jobs with only an undergraduate degree.
Beyond Medicine: The Diverse Paths of STEM Students Shaping the Future