As a graduate with a STEM major, you are already a very bright individual. But even while your skills are impressive and demand for STEM-capable workers has increased over the years, even the smartest cookies have trouble when it comes to the job search.
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed when looking for that dream job. After all, it is a big world out there, and a lot of other qualified candidates are going after the same position. But worry not, while it may take some time and perseverance, you will find the job you desire. If you still need some guidance, we have compiled some great info on exciting careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math, including how to get your foot in the door and what to do if the job search is taking longer than expected.
STEM Careers
The first step to landing a job in the STEM fields is to find the career that interests you and cater your resume and job search to that goal. There are many positions in each of these categories that are in major demand, and they need smart people to fill them. For example, every business, big and small, needs an accountant who can help the company grow and survive in a changing world, and math majors can do that for them. Data scientists are also in demand, as they find patterns and insights that help companies in all industries thrive and increase their customer bases.
Technology fields are more important than ever as our world continues to evolve and advance with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and augmented reality. If you have a degree in information technology, you can become a software engineer, web developer, or help fight the evolving threats created by hackers as a cybersecurity expert.
The engineering field is another essential element of a growing society. Those who excel in the fields of engineering understand how things work and can use that knowledge to improve our way of life. Civil engineers are always in demand because they can help improve every essential element of society, from our buildings and roads to our airports and water systems. There has also been a lot of talk about learning more about the universe and other potentially habitable planets, and for that, aerospace engineers are needed to get us out there safely.
Those with strong critical thinking and analytical skills are currently needed for the many in-demand science careers that our continued way of life depends on. Just look at the arrival of COVID-19. This pandemic has created a demand for more epidemiologists who can help us understand new and existing diseases and educate the public on how to stay safe. On a similar note, there has been a growing demand for genetic counselors who can help the medical community and affected families understand genetic diseases and birth defects.
The sky really is the limit for the important jobs that need to be filled by STEM majors. If you are unsure of which field you want to pursue, research the common careers in your particular major and see if any of them match up with your interests.
Considerations During Your Job Search
Now that you have come to a conclusion about which job field you want to enter, you need to think about how you will obtain that job. If you are about to graduate, talk to your college counselor or your professors and ask if they can refer you to any companies where you might be a good fit. Networking is the name of the game here. Get on LinkedIn, build your profile and reach out to your friends and family. You can also network at career fairs, cultural events at your school, or by attending conferences hosted by experts in your field.
If you have been talking to everyone you know and handing out resumes, but you are still not having luck, you might have to think about alternative ways of making an impression. For instance, it might not make you a millionaire overnight, but by joining a company at the entry-level or as part of an internship, you can show management what you know and work your way up the corporate ladder. Also, do some research online for startup companies where you can get in on the ground floor and work in many different roles. Doing so could give you a path to a future position and allow you to try different jobs so you can see what you like best.
No matter how you apply, you will need your resume to do the talking. Cater each resume to the specific role you are applying to fill. In the education section, list specific STEM courses and certifications you hold that are related to the position you desire. You should also include relevant research experience, especially in the science fields.
Use Downtime To Your Advantage
Even with your high GPA and extensive schooling, there is still a chance that you will not find a job out of the gate. If you feel that you have bled the well dry where you currently live, then you might use this time to research other locations throughout the United States where your field of study is needed. As an example, those in the technology field may be let down when they can’t get a job in Silicon Valley, but they might have more luck in other tech-heavy communities like Portland, Oregon, and Austin, Texas. You might also find that these areas are more cost-friendly when it comes to housing, which could be beneficial if your first job doesn’t pay as much as you hoped.
You can also put this downtime to good use by continuing your education. Many people look to training courses or boot camps to brush up on their data science skills or learn new areas of expertise that they can add to their resume. There is also the opportunity to head back to college during this off-time, where you can earn a graduate degree that will put you above the other applicants. Many graduate courses also give you real-time experience at active companies. Impressing them now could lead to a job in the future.
If you have moving expenses or you want to chip away at your student loans, you could also consider using this time to work at a side gig to make some extra cash. Many choose to drive for Uber or delivery companies, but you can also put your major to good use. For instance, those in the tech fields could work as a freelance IT support specialist or use your expertise to be an online tutor to others coming up in your same field. If you were let go from a previous job and you are struggling a bit, then make sure to take advantage of the unemployment benefits provided by the government. If you are in major financial straits, then you may also be able to file for bankruptcy to get a break from paying some expenses.
While it may not happen overnight, the world needs the experience and knowledge that only STEM majors can provide. Those about to graduate from college should heed these tips to get a leg up on the competition.
