Job Horizon
by Amy Blitchok THE OUTLOOK FOR STEM STUDENTS E
ven with a recovering economy, new graduates face a competitive job market where even getting a foot in the door can be difficult. For STEM students, who are specially poised to enter a business world that increasingly relies on science and technology, the realization that a degree is not an automatic pass into a career-path job can be disconcerting. Fortunately, demand for STEM jobs is high, and with the right strategy, students can ease the transition into professional life.
According to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, “Economic projections point to a need for approximately one million more STEM professionals than the U.S. will produce at the current rate over the next decade if the country is to retain its historical preeminence in science and technology.”
While demand is high, securing a position can still be challenging and can require a more comprehensive approach.
Graduates should be willing to relocate and perhaps set their sights on less competitive job markets. New York and California may be technological hubs, but they also have
the highest number of college graduates. Meanwhile, “Massachusetts, Delaware and Washington have the most job openings per college graduate.” Less competition could yield better results and allow young professionals to build a resume before moving to larger, more attractive markets.
Popular STEM jobs cover a wide range of industries and have one thing in common: They look towards the future. Whether students are majoring in mechanical engineering or finance, the key to a successful career may be anticipating trends and looking for creative ways to apply their knowledge in new ways. Currently, employers are looking for applicants with strong social media, software, HTML, and SEO skills.
These skills show a versatility and ability to problem solve so that new employees can contribute well beyond the confines of a job title.
Another tactic would be to research the top companies with the most STEM job openings right now and the top STEM jobs for recent grads.
Forbes.com published their results based on
Indeed.com posts.
editors@ccgmag.com
Not surprisingly,
Amazon.com had the most openings, but there were a few other names that might be familiar, like Lockheed Martin and IBM. The top STEM jobs for recent grads are petroleum engineer, followed by nuclear engineers and careers in marine engineering. Careers in marine engineering alone are “expected to grow 17% between 2010-2020.”
The main takeaway is that securing STEM jobs requires a comprehensive approach that includes research, innovation, and networking. Experts suggest that “this isn’t the time to sit back and be casual in your approach. Start by creating a hit list of 10 target companies, and utilize your network to locate an ‘in’ at each.”
Next, go beyond the Internet, job boards, and search tools to harness the power of personal connections. This could mean joining local alumni and trade groups or volunteering. Endlessly emailing resumes won’t yield results. A modern job market means that applicants have to go above and beyond to be noticed.
www.hispanicengineer.com
HISPANIC ENGINEER & Information Technology | FALL 2016
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