The Science and Research Career Community is for students who are curious about the natural world, passionate about discovery, and driven to understand how things work—from molecules to ecosystems. Are you fascinated by cell structures, wildlife behavior, or chemical reactions? Do you enjoy analyzing data from experiments or exploring the earth's physical processes? Interested in fields like biochemistry, health informatics, or physics? This community supports students who want to pursue knowledge through research, lab work, and scientific analysis.
You’ll learn about careers in areas such as biomedical research, environmental science, health data analysis, pharmaceutical development, conservation biology, and more. Whether you're majoring in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Microbiology, Biostatistics, Wildlife Biology, or a related field, this community connects you to research-focused internships, faculty projects, job opportunities, and industry insights.
Many students are interested in pursuing areas within Science and Research at GVSU, but aren’t sure how to get started. Here are some tools to help you learn more about GVSU majors and various pathways in Science and Research.
Getting involved and gaining experience is a great way to explore your interests, “test out” ideas, and learn more about the world of work. Getting involved can look like a variety of things. The important thing is to try something!
Some jobs and industries may require you to go beyond a bachelor’s degree to consider graduate level programs, licensure, or continuing education. For some students, they may choose to start a graduate program immediately after undergrad, while others may choose to take a gap year to gain experience before pursuing an advanced degree.
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Many students are interested in pursuing areas within Science and Research at GVSU, but aren’t sure how to get started. Here are some tools to help you learn more about GVSU majors and various pathways in Science and Research.
Careers in STEM: As Seen on TV
Undergraduate Research: Answering Questions, Debunking Myths, and More
Areas of interest might include Pharmaceutical Scientist, Conservation Scientist, Clinical Data Analyst, Environmental Geologist, Geochemist
Areas of interest might include K‑12 Education & Outreach Scientist, Museum or Exhibit Educator, Curriculum Developer
Areas of interest might include Research Associate, Biomedical Researcher, Epidemiology Assistant / Biostatistics Researcher, Materials Research Scientist, Geological Research Assistant.
Areas of interest might include Microbiology Technician, Laboratory Technician / Research Technician, Quality Control, Lab Manager
Click on each career guide to obtain information about internship & volunteer sites, job titles, and skills relevant to these areas.
Check out department and college websites for course offerings and curriculum guides, additional career resources, relevant events, and more!
Minors and certificates can be a great way to demonstrate to employers that you have training in a specific area or skill set.
One of my favorite GVSU memories comes from the friendships and connections I made through the Cook Leadership Academy. I'll never forget orientation during junior year move-in week sitting at a table of complete strangers who became lifelong friends with
One of my favorite Grand Valley memories is the GVSC mainframe computer being kept fairly busy for a while with my test runs of a computational physics problem.
I miss the physics club area all the time! We had a space within Padnos where physics students could congregate, collab on projects, and work through tough problems on whiteboards.
Find more Science and Research alumni on LinkedIn!
Don't have a LinkedIn profile? Read these tips to learn more!
Getting involved and gaining experience is a great way to explore your interests, “test out” ideas, and learn more about the world of work. Getting involved can look like a variety of things. The important thing is to try something!
On-campus student organizations with a professional goal are an excellent way to explore your future career and get involved in your field. For more information on the organizations below use the GVSU LakerLink.
October 13, 2026 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The Fall Career & Internship Fair is an excellent place to kick off your job or internship search, or to begin networking with organizations looking to hire Grand Valley students and alumni of...
October 21, 2026 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Explore your future at the annual GVSU Graduate School Fair hosted by the GVSU Career Center on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 12pm - 2pm in the Henry Hall Atrium on the Allendale...
October 28, 2026 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Did you know the State of Michigan is the largest employer in the state? And did you know that applying for a position with the State of Michigan can look a little different from a typical job application? Join...
October 29, 2026 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Connect with leading employers from the greater Traverse City area to explore internships, entry-level positions, and career opportunities across a variety of industries. Learn what makes Northern...
November 16, 2026 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Join us to explore part-time and full-time job opportunities in the Lab Sciences field! This event provides students the chance to hear from various employers in the Lab Sciences industry. You'll...
10/6/26
2027 Analyst Program - Data Strategy
for job 11602668
SMBC
Expires: 10/9/26
10/1/26
Principal Systems Engineer at Space Dynamics Laboratory
for job 11570928
Space Dynamics Laboratory - Space Dynamics Laboratory
Expires: 10/8/26
10/1/26
Analytic Systems Integrator (ASI) at Space Dynamics Laboratory
for job 11570835
Space Dynamics Laboratory - Space Dynamics Laboratory
Expires: 10/9/26
10/1/26
Enterprise Architecture Mission Engineer at Space Dynamics Laboratory
for job 11570234
Space Dynamics Laboratory - Space Dynamics Laboratory
Expires: 10/9/26
10/1/26
Cable and Harness Assembly Technician at Space Dynamics Laboratory
for job 11567976
Space Dynamics Laboratory - Space Dynamics Laboratory
Expires: 10/9/26
Some jobs and industries may require you to go beyond a bachelor’s degree to consider graduate level programs, licensure, or continuing education. For some students, they may choose to start a graduate program immediately after undergrad, while others may choose to take a gap year to gain experience before pursuing an advanced degree.
Fellowships are high-impact, potentially life-changing opportunities for students and alumni, opening doors to careers in public service, advanced academic study, foreign service, international teaching, and other career and service pathways into meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Connect with the Frederik Meijer Office of Fellowships to learn about opportunities both in the U.S. and abroad
Some common post-undergraduate pathways at GVSU in Science and Research may include:
Check out opportunities for testing out the world of work via paid and unpaid experiences with a low time commitment.
Office Address: 101B DEV
Phone: (616) 331-6708
Email: [email protected]
Office Address: 101B DEV
Phone: (616) 331-6780
Email: [email protected]
