STEM & Information Technology

The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) cluster is all about utilizing science, math, and technology to solve problems, make discoveries, and invent innovative solutions that change the world. This includes everything from designing rockets that go to Mars to creating video games to finding cures for diseases.
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People in this field work in many different places. Some work in laboratories discovering new medicines or studying how the human body works. Others design bridges, buildings, and vehicles that are safer and more efficient. Some create the special effects you see in movies or design the apps on your phone. Others study weather patterns, explore the ocean depths, or search for life on other planets.
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Why This Field Is Growing:
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Climate change challenges require new green energy solutions and environmental technologies
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Space exploration is expanding with private companies and Mars missions
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Artificial intelligence and robotics are creating entirely new types of jobs
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Medical breakthroughs like gene therapy need more scientists and engineers
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Cybersecurity threats require experts who can protect digital information
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New materials and nanotechnology are revolutionizing manufacturing
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Cool Technology in STEM:
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Artificial intelligence that can diagnose diseases and discover new drugs
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3D bioprinters that can create human organs for transplant patients
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Quantum computers that can solve problems regular computers can't handle
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CRISPR gene editing can fix genetic diseases
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Virtual reality systems that let surgeons practice complex operations
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Telescopes that can see planets in other solar systems
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Robots that can explore the deepest parts of the ocean
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Smart materials that can change shape or heal themselves when damaged
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In Virginia alone, this field employs over 350,000 people! Jobs for data scientists, software developers, and biomedical engineers are expected to grow 35% faster than most other careers in the coming years.
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Scientist

Software Developer
What They Do: Software developers are like digital architects who design and build the apps, games, and programs that run on computers, phones, and other devices. They write code (a computer language) that tells machines exactly what to do.
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Daily Tasks:
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Write code in programming languages like Python, Java, or JavaScript
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Design user interfaces that are easy and fun to use
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Test software to find and fix bugs (problems in the code)
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Work with teams to plan new features and improvements
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Update existing programs to work better or add new capabilities
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Research new programming techniques and technologies
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Meet with clients to understand what kind of software they need
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Document their work so other programmers can understand and improve it
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What's Cool About This Job: You get to create digital worlds and tools that millions of people might use! You could develop the next viral app, create life-saving medical software, or build games that entertain people around the world.
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Biomedical Engineer
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What They Do: Biomedical engineers are like medical inventors who design devices and equipment that help doctors save lives and help patients get better. They combine engineering skills with medical knowledge to create healthcare solutions.
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Daily Tasks:
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Design medical devices like artificial hearts, prosthetic limbs, or brain scanners
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Test new medical equipment to make sure it's safe and effective
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Work with doctors and nurses to understand what patients need
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Use computer programs to model how devices will work in the human body
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Conduct research on new materials that can be used inside the body
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Write reports about their designs and test results
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Collaborate with other engineers and medical professionals
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Stay updated on new medical discoveries and engineering techniques
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What's Cool About This Job: You get to invent devices that literally save lives and help people walk, see, hear, or breathe better. Your work directly impacts patients and their families in amazing ways!
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Animator
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What They Do: Animators are digital artists who bring characters and stories to life through the creation of images. They create the cartoons you watch, the special effects in movies, and the graphics in video games.
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Daily Tasks:
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Create characters and backgrounds using computer software
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Draw or model objects and make them move realistically
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Work with directors and writers to tell stories visually
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Use special software to add lighting, shadows, and textures
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Create storyboards that show how scenes will look
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Collaborate with voice actors, sound designers, and other artists
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Edit and refine animations until they look perfect
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Stay updated on new animation software and techniques
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What's Cool About This Job: You get to bring imaginary worlds and characters to life! Your creations might entertain millions of people in movies, TV shows, video games, or online videos.
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Start in Middle School:
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Take advanced math and science classes
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Join robotics clubs, science olympiad, or coding clubs
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Learn basic programming languages like Scratch or Python
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Try the Virginia Education Wizard career assessment
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Participate in science fairs and engineering competitions
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Visit science museums and technology centers
Continue in High School:
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Join SkillsUSA, TSA (Technology Student Association), or the Science National Honor Society
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Take AP math, science, and computer science courses
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Get internships at tech companies, research labs, or engineering firms
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Take dual enrollment classes in engineering, computer science, or mathematics
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Participate in FIRST Robotics, Science Olympiad, or coding competitions
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Learn advanced programming languages and software design
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Get certified in CAD software or other technical tools
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Job shadow scientists, engineers, or technology professionals
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Participate in research projects with local universities
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Visit Virginia's STEM programs at Virginia Tech, VCU, or UVA
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Take courses in emerging fields like cybersecurity or data science
Technical Training (1-2 years):
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Jobs: Computer Support Specialists, Engineering Technicians, Lab Assistants, Web Developers
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Average Salary: $45,000 - $60,000
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Community College (2 years):
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Jobs: Network Administrators, Environmental Technicians, Aviation Mechanics, Cybersecurity Specialists
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Average Salary: $55,000 - $75,000
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Four-Year College:
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Jobs: Software Engineers, Biomedical Engineers, Data Scientists, Research Scientists, Animators
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Average Salary: $75,000 - $110,000
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Advanced Degrees:
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Jobs: Research Directors, Senior Engineers, Computer Scientists, University Professors, Medical Researchers
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Average Salary: $100,000 - $200,000+
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Try It Out!
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Build robots or electronic projects using kits or online tutorials
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Learn programming through free websites like Code.org or Khan Academy
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Shadow engineers, scientists, or software developers
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Join your school's robotics team or start a coding club
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Participate in science fairs or engineering design challenges
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Take apart old electronics to see how they work (with permission)
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Create animations or simple video games
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Conduct science experiments at home or in maker spaces
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Visit NASA Langley Research Center or other Virginia research facilities
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Fun Fact: Did you know that Virginia is home to NASA Langley Research Center, where engineers and scientists work on space missions and aircraft design? Virginia Tech's engineering program is ranked among the top in the nation, and many major technology companies have research centers in Northern Virginia. The state is also where the internet was invented - the first email was sent from a computer in Virginia in 1971!
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