For students pursuing a degree in STEM, networking is one of the many steps they may find themselves needing to take before looking toward graduation or further education.
Addison Case, a sophomore studying nursing and president of the downtown cohort for Health Occupations Students of America at ASU, said networking has different outlets, including connecting professionally and socially.
By attending club meetings, students can connect with potential job opportunities and meet people actively in the field they want to pursue, she said.
"Being able to meet people who are currently in the field and who are excited about their jobs, and being able to listen to what they have to say, can help guide current students to help decide what they would like to do," Case said. "They have a contact in those places that they are interested in."
Kerrie Anne Loyd, a professor at the School of Life Sciences, said employers are typically looking for students to have practical skills and show commitment, rather than just good grades and a completion of a degree.
While it may be often overlooked, she said with sciences being competitive, networking gives students exposure. She added that it can give students the benefit of knowing employers when positions open up or they need letters of recommendation.
She said showing commitment to a club and developing practical skills could set a student's application apart.
"The more you're doing, the better chance you have," Loyd said. "Then the more things you learn, the more areas you find out that you might excel at."
In addition to academic benefits, clubs build camaraderie among members and create a space for them to relate to others going through similar experiences, Case said.
With the level of competitiveness for STEM majors, Case said she finds students getting discouraged and wants them to know there is more to their field than academics.
"Medicine is about way more than that. It's about helping people and being able to help people help others get to their best version of themselves," Case said. "It also includes being able to be part of a community and work together and practice your skills outside of the classroom."
Chloe Greetis, a sophomore studying chemical engineering and the president of Women in STEM at ASU, said the club's main purpose is to provide women who are pursuing STEM degrees with a community, and prepare them for their careers.
Through social events and professional development activities, Greetis said she wants the club to counteract feelings of doubt or discouragement women may experience in this field.
"We kind of just try to reinforce the idea that it's good to be interested in science," Greetis said. "It's normal to be discouraged and there's a light at the end of the tunnel."
Last Fall semester, Greetis said the club launched a mentorship program where freshmen or sophomores are paired with upperclassmen or graduate students.
The program enhances community building by aiming to support students on a personal level.
"It's a good way to connect people within the club that made it feel a little bit less intimidating," Greetis said. "It's providing a smooth transition for that person to talk with more people."
With more women pursuing STEM degrees, Greetis said she hopes those who attend the meetings find a sense of belonging.
"I really just hope that the people who come to our meetings leave feeling a little bit lighter and more encouraged," Greetis said. "It gets easier when you know you have the support of a big network of people behind you who are always going to defend you and support you."
Edited by Natalia Rodriguez, Senna James and Pippa Fung.
Reach the reporter at alillest@asu.edu and follow @allylillestol on X.
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Allison Lillestol is a reporter for the community and culture desk. She is in her 3rd semester with the State Press. She also works for the Arizona PBS.
