STEAM Career Workshop for Undergraduate Students

About this event

Save the date for an exciting opportunity for undergraduate students! Are you curious about careers in science, museums, or research?

Want to find an internship or fellowship in a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) field?

Join us for a full day of hands-on learning, networking, and behind-the-scenes access to the Smithsonian!

Meet museum professionals and explore natural history careers.

Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, and recent grads from community colleges, colleges and universities are invited to sign up for the event.

Agenda

10:00 – 10:45 a.m.: Check-in/Welcome/Continental Breakfast

Participants will meet in the Constitution Avenue Lobby and be escorted to Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center. Enjoy a light continental breakfast while meeting fellow students and museum staff.

10:45 – 11:00 a.m.: Introduction to the Smithsonian and the National Museum of Natural History

Learn about the Smithsonian Institution and the National Museum of Natural History, its mission, and the wide range of careers that support its research, collections, exhibitions, education, and public programs.

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: Internships, Fellowships, and Natural History Research

Learn about Smithsonian internships, fellowships, volunteer opportunities, and pathways for students interested in museum and science careers. The session will also introduce students to genomics research and the work taking place behind the scenes at the National Museum of Natural History.

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.: Catered Buffet Lunch

Continue conversations with fellow students and Smithsonian staff over lunch.

1:00 – 2:15 p.m.: Behind-the-Scenes Career Shadowing Experiences*

In small groups, students will visit NMNH laboratories, collections areas, offices, and other behind-the-scenes spaces. Meet museum professionals, learn about their work and career paths, and discover the many different skills and disciplines involved in operating a natural history museum.

2:15 – 2:50 p.m.: Career Panel Discussion and Q&A with Museum Fellows

Hear from early-career researchers and professionals about their paths to the Smithsonian, their current work, and their advice for students interested in natural history, museum, and research careers.

2:50 – 3:00 p.m.: Program concludes and take-aways are distributed

Students are free to explore the museum

*Career Shadowing Experiences

Students will choose from the behind-the-scenes experiences shown below, by selecting and ranking their choices. Experiences will fill on a first-registered, first-served basis. Botany

Entomology

Informatics & Data Science Center / GIS Technology

Invertebrate Zoology

Paleobiology​​​​​​

Photography and Media Services

Public Engagement (Exhibits, Education, & Communications)

Vertebrate Zoology - Birds

Vertebrate Zoology - Fishes

Register here . This program is for undergraduate college and university students ages 18 and above, including community college students.