Prepping High School Students to Excel in STEM Careers

Thinking about a career in a STEM field? Lots of students believe getting into a top STEM program means focusing on challenging classes and earning the highest possible grades, but that’s not the whole story.

STEM education is a big deal today, not just because we need experts who understand science, technology, engineering, and math. STEM also teaches valuable skills useful in any career (and in life, too), including teamwork, problem-solving, and creative thinking. Here’s the good news: You can start building those skills in high school.

Want to explore your interest in STEM and see if a future STEM career is right for you? Try any (or all) of these steps.

Take STEM-related classes

High school classes can give you a head-start for a solid math and science foundation. If your school offers honors or AP versions, consider taking them. Note that this list isn’t exhaustive, and your school may offer other relevant classes, so check with your counselor (or the course catalog). Start with these basics:

• Math: Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, statistics
• Science: biology, chemistry, physics
  

Did you know: Colleges have begun classifying “economics” as a STEM rather than a social science field, as it relies heavily on math — especially at the graduate level. Some engineering programs also require you to take a course in engineering economics, which uses economic principles to evaluate engineering projects.

Many high schools now offer career and technology education (CTE) programs or tracks. While these classes might not have the same prestige as AP classes, they’re valuable for aspiring STEM students, especially if you’re interested in engineering. College engineering courses often focus on theory, but CTE courses invite you to experience real-world applications, giving you a better understanding of what engineers do. In some cases, you can even earn certifications after taking classes like:

• Architectural design and drafting
• Automotive technology
• Information technology
• Manufacturing (carpentry, electrical wiring, metalworking)
• Welding

A third option for high schoolers? Engineering prep courses that aren’t necessarily part of a CTA program. These classes require you to learn and apply math and science to actual engineering problems while you learn about design, construction, operation, maintenance, and manufacturing. Course options might include:

• Introduction to engineering design/ engineering design and development
• Principles of applied engineering
• Robotics
• Computer science
• Digital electronics

Cultivate soft skills

STEM careers require more than hard skills like science and math. You need strong soft skills, which are essential abilities that help you communicate and collaborate effectively.

Communication: You’ll need to explain complex ideas clearly and concisely. Believe it or not, reading and analyzing literature boosts your critical thinking and ability to understand others’ perspectives. 

Creativity and the arts: Art makes you a better STEM professional because it helps you see things differently, visualize complex objects, and communicate more effectively. Engineering, for example, relies on creativity to design innovative solutions. Even a drawing class can improve your ability to represent 3D objects in 2D, a skill engineers use constantly.

Critical thinking: Curiosity, a knack for analyzing things, and a drive to understand how things work are key to succeeding in school (and beyond). Looking at information from different angles and using logic and reasoning to solve problems is a skill that will help you in any subject, and it’s crucial for STEM. One Pearson survey found that over 80% of companies value critical thinking abilities when they’re vetting potential new hires. 

Foreign language: Learning another language can enhance your future. Research shows that bilingual people are often better at multitasking. Plus, speaking another language opens doors to different cultures, which is valuable in today’s diverse STEM workplaces.

Networking and teamwork: All careers rely on networking, often in less traditional settings, like a golf course. Fun fact: according to Syracuse University, 90% of Fortune 500 CEOs hit the links, and 54% see the sport as perfect for networking. So join your school’s golf team to start! Other team sports, like basketball, baseball or softball, or clubs like chess, teach you the importance of teamwork, persistence, and patience — essential qualities for STEM professionals working in collaborative environments.

Perseverance: Sticking with something, even when it’s tough, is necessary in challenging subjects. Your teachers play a role in helping you develop these qualities. And if you believe you can learn, you’re more likely to keep trying even when things get hard. Set realistic goals, track your progress, and celebrate the effort (not just the correct answer). 

Public speaking: Classes like speech, debate, and theater can help build the confidence and persuasiveness you’ll need to present your research to a room of experts or investors.

Join your school’s STEM clubs

STEM clubs are great for deepening your interests and boosting future prospects. See what your school offers, like subject-specific clubs for math or science. Professional organizations like the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) have programs for younger students. Other options include the Technology Student Association (TSA), a national group for students interested in STEM fields.

Other clubs your school might offer include:

• Computer science or coding
• Robotics (BEST Robotics, FIRST Robotics Challenge, FIRST Tech Challenge, NASA Robotics, VEX Robotics)
• Engineering
• Science Olympiad
• Girls Who Code
• National Science Bowl
• HOSA - Future Health Professionals

Participating in these clubs has great perks. You might get to attend summer camps, compete in quiz bowls, get newsletters, or connect with mentors and find scholarship opportunities. If you become an officer, you’ll gain leadership skills, too.

Participate in academic STEM competitions

Academic competitions are great for challenging yourself and working with a team. There are tons of options, too, like science fairs. The International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) is the “world championship” of science fairs. Another option is the National Science Bowl hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy. See whether your school participates in science olympiads like the Chemistry Olympiad or Biolympiad. Other competitions include:

• Envirothon
• National Ocean Sciences Bowl
• The Conrad Challenge
• Technovation

Attend STEM programs/camps or participate in scholars/research programs

STEM camps and research programs are a great way to explore potential STEM careers. These programs show you how to apply what you’ve already learned in your classes to real-world situations. You’ll get to explore STEM fields more deeply, work on actual projects, and improve your problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills. Here are just a few of the top STEM programs in the U.S.

• AMGEN Scholars Program
• Brown Pre-College STEM Programs for Rising 9th and 10th Graders 
• Carnegie Mellon University High School Programs
• Illinois Tech Computational Science Course
• Los Alamos National Laboratory High School Internship Program
• Mathcamp
• MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science
• National Student Leadership Conference Summer Engineering Programs
• Penn Medicine Summer Program

Find a Makerspace at your local library or community college

If your high school doesn’t have many options or you’re looking for STEM experiences outside of school, see if your area has any makerspaces. These are community workshops where people with shared interests in making, learning, and exploring come together. Whether you’re into art, computers, machining, science, or technology, you may find something that sparks your interest.

Check your local library, community college, or community center. Makerspaces offer tools and resources to bring your projects to life. While tools vary, you may find equipment like 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines. It’s a great way to access tools and learn new skills you might not otherwise have a chance to explore.

The cool thing about developing STEM skills even if you choose a different profession? They’re universal and will give you a solid foundation for college, career, and beyond. 

Want more tips and insights? Check out our full Guide to Your Future In STEM here.