How to get a job in STEM
With the rise of technology, science and the emergence of AI, it comes as no surprise that there are more jobs and roles in demand looking for people to fill positions within the cutting-edge industries within STEM. And with STEM employment growing 7% (from 9.7 million to 17.3 million) since 1990, more people are looking at STEM as a potential path to study at school and beyond.
How to get a job in STEM
When it comes to getting a job in STEM, there are a few key areas to getting a job in any industry, but when it comes to STEM specifically, look no further than our founder Bill’s 5 step guide to landing your dream job.
Sometimes it can be difficult to know where to begin when it comes to finding a job, let alone a job you really love. To help make the process smoother, Bill breaks it down into 5 easy to follow steps:
Know your goals
Be clear on what it is you are looking for - is it more money? More responsibility? Are you looking to change careers and enter STEM? Or are you working in STEM and looking for a better job?
To help get a clearer idea of what it looks like, write down a top line summary of your dream role as well as any steps you know you need to do to get there.
Update your CV
Before applying for any jobs, it is time to clear up the old CV. Show who you are as a person as well as your experience and working background. If you are a graduate and looking for your first job, be sure to include your education history and include any projects or experience that are relevant to the role you are applying for.
Network
Job ads on LinkedIn can feel plentiful at a first-glance, but they are not always the best way to secure a job. It can feel frustrating to apply for job after job to only be greeted with silence. To help look at job applications from another angle, it is time to network. Reaching out to former colleagues (if you are in a role already), or fellow tutors or classmates (if you are a graduate or intern) is a good way to expand your network. All it takes is one yes and one opportunity, so the more people you speak to and get your name out there to, the better the chance you have of securing an interview.
Interview
This is the notoriously anxiety-inducing part of the interview process for some, but all it really is is a chance for the company to get a better idea of you and your credentials, and is also a chance for you to get a clearer idea of them. Be sure to adequately research the company, give clear and insightful answers (with data and examples where applicable), practice common questions, and finally try and enjoy it! The company clearly saw something in your application and CV, else they would not have put you through to this stage of the process.
Negotiate
Once you know the company is sold on you, it is time to negotiate. It can be tempting to accept the first offer you receive, but take time to think about it before saying yes. You can still go back and ask for what you are after (within reason) so long as you are still clearly excited about the opportunity and company.
At this stage, it is unlikely they will retract the offer just because you want to negotiate - so be sure to be firm with what you are after (e.g. don’t take a lower salary that you cannot afford), but still be respectful. It might not always be a yes, but it is only a definitely no if you do not ask the question.
Benefits of working in STEM
When it comes to job stability, a lot of industries are seeing changes at the moment from the emergence of AI alone. However in STEM, the need for roles in this space feel stable and are continuing to grow, and it is not looking likely that will change any time soon. Working in STEM can be a lucrative and future-proofing decision to help individuals move into various career paths. The number of STEM jobs is predicted to grow 8% between 2017 and 2029, a higher rate than non-STEM jobs - with positions in computing, engineering, and advanced manufacturing leading the way.
Working in STEM fosters environments of problem-solving, thinking analytically, curiosity and can make a positive impact and help contribute to society. Additionally, the analytical thinking and problem-solving required in STEM roles can help individuals not only contribute to innovative progress (e.g. scientific discoveries, technological solutions for greater inclusivity) but developing skills in efficiency and curiosity too. For those looking into leadership roles in future, there is the opportunity to marry up a skill set of problem-solving and people management within STEM.
Tips on how to get a better job in STEM
We can all feel a bit trapped in the day-to-day running of life especially if you are working in STEM full-time already. The to-do lists continue to stack up and we might need some headspace to think and get some distance from our daily situation, but we are time-strapped or do not know where to start.
When it comes to finding a better job in STEM, working with a coach can help open up doors and new areas of thinking. If you work with a coach like our founder, Bill, you can expect to dive into tips and ideas as to answering the following areas:
● Finding a fulfilling job position
● Conducting productive job searches
● Looking for a better-paying job
● Marketing yourself better to find the best job for you
● Improving mindset and confidence levels
Whether you are looking for your first job in STEM or are itching to move into a different, more challenging role, following the above steps can help you on your way to a more fulfilled and exciting career next step.