What does a path to a NASA job look like? Taylor was wrapping up an undergrad degree at @southwesternuniversity, majoring in physics. But she had no idea what was next, she didn't have any particular professional prospects in mind, and was unaware of the thrilling career opportunities an advanced degree could unlock. Maybe she would just keep tending bar for awhile as she figured things out? But a nudge from an advisor led her to a PhD program at @tamu and a chance to become an astrophysicist, using some of the largest space telescopes around the world. The rest is (recent) history. Today, Taylor is the same fascinating, multi-talented person she has always been -- cellist, seamstress, outdoorsperson, cat mom, tattoo enthusiast, passionate advocate for STEM representation -- but she is also working at @NASA as a postdoctoral fellow, analyzing data from the @NASAWebbTelescope to unravel the mysteries of the farthest reaches of our universe.

Taylor's story is a reminder that an advanced degree can be a stepping stone to a dream career that wouldn't otherwise be an option. But it's important to identify and weigh the opportunities a degree can unlock beforehand, so you can factor them in while considering programs.

Best Colleges offers countless articles and resources connecting degree programs to career paths to help students pursue their dreams, strategically:
https://www.bestcolleges.com

The Point of Becoming You is a video series where we share short portraits of real people who have made education work for them in unique and inspiring ways.

As a tattooed, LGBTQ+ woman in astrophysics, Dr. Hutchison is passionate about redefining who scientists are, and has won awards for her advocacy work pushing for representation in STEM fields. Learn more or follow her:
https://twitter.com/aibhleog
https://aibhleog.github.io/home

#NASA #college #astronomy #phd #shorts #highereducation

@tamuphysastr @NASAGoddard @TAMUScience