Panel Introduces STEAM Career Options

April 8, 2022

Five STEAM professionals shared their career paths and answered student questions as part of the Stupka STEAM Week. 

The panel included Kristy Mollner Simmons '93, Vice President of Quality and Integration Program Management Office at Medtronic’s Cardiac Ablation Solutions Operating Unit, Saura Jost, Structural Engineer at Short Elliot Hendrickson, Wayne Beaman, an artist and educator and currently Project Manager at Valve Check and KAP Education, Brenna, Manager at Mayo Clinic, and Jon Hansen, Computer Programmer specializing in data architecture at Holland Parker.

The five panelists represented a wide range of STEAM Careers, and gave students an opportunity to learn about the vast array of options in these fields. 

"The thing I found most interesting about the panel is how each person had some type of connection to STEAM even though they are all in different professions," said Carmen Sagbo '25. "I liked how when I asked a question, they didn’t just give me a simple answer, instead they made sure I understood the concept of how each project works."

The panelists shared specific information about their own career paths, and also encouraged students to begin thinking about their professional lives while they're still students, by creating a resume, trying new things, and building strong relationships.

"The most valuable thing I learned from this panel is to never give up," said Sagbo. "If you're passionate about something, chase it and don’t let others bring you down. Put all the negative to the side and chase your lovely dreams."