An electrical engineering career can be fulfilling, with gratifying work being done daily. But did you know that it is also one of the most booming industries in the job market right now? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a 7% growth outlook for electrical engineers for the next ten years, which is higher than the national average of 5%.
The interview process may prove to be somewhat daunting for some candidates. However, with the right tools, it can be a fulfilling and rewarding opportunity to showcase skills and secure their dream position.
Keep reading to learn how to excel in an electrical engineering interview.
Research the Company and Role
Interviewing and accepting a new position is a life-changing decision and should not be taken lightly. That is why it is important for job seekers to research a company before applying. LinkedIn found that 71% of job seekers research the company they are considering before they even apply. This means that 29% of job seekers do not, which can be detrimental to their success in the interview.
By researching the company, job seekers can build their knowledge about the company to relate to the work that they will be performing.
Here are some questions that a candidate could ask to get a better insight into the role:
In addition to the mission statement, products and services, candidates should also research the company’s culture and values to see if they align with their own. This information can be useful in tailoring questions and responses during the interview.
Here are some questions that can be asked during an interview to learn more about the company’s culture:
Asking these types of questions can give a great insight into the culture of the organization and learn more about overall satisfaction which can greatly impact the decision of committing to a position.
Highlight Skills and Qualifications
Having strong skills can make any candidate stand out in the interview process. Many organizations depend on the skills that a job seeker brings to the table. TestGorilla found that 76% of employers use some type of skills-based hiring when conducting interviews and considering different candidates for a role. Employers often seek candidates that possess a solid foundation in electrical engineering-related technical skills when hiring for these types of positions.
Some technical skills that an employer may be looking for include:
While technical skills are very important for electrical engineers to succeed in their positions, soft skills are also necessary. Soft skills are the attributes that allow workers to effectively work with one another and communicate information properly.
Soft skills that would be valuable to an electrical engineer include:
If a candidate does not currently possess these soft skills, they should consider offering their services to different projects to work to improve them. Candidates can also develop these skills through coursework or professional development publications.
Review Technical Concepts and Industry Trends
As an electrical engineer, it’s important to stay up to date with the latest technical concepts and industry trends. This can help candidates demonstrate expertise during interviews and show that they are committed to ongoing learning and development in the specific industry or field of electrical engineering.
A job seeker can stay current by reading industry publications, attending conferences and workshops and participating in online forums and discussion groups. Job seekers should consider discussing any recent innovations or trends in the interview so they can demonstrate their engagement with the industry.
Prepare a Portfolio of Relevant Projects
A portfolio of relevant projects is an excellent way to showcase experiences and skills to potential employers. When selecting projects to include in a portfolio, candidates should focus on those that directly relate to the job description and highlight strengths.
For each project, candidates should be sure to include specific details about the role and their contributions. This can help the interviewer to understand their level of expertise and how the candidate could contribute to their organization.
Here is a list of things to consider adding into a portfolio:
By including a portfolio in their application, job seekers can stand out and showcase their skills and abilities to the employer.
Demonstrate Confidence and Professionalism
To make a strong first impression, it’s important to exude confidence and professionalism throughout the interview. Twin Employment found that a lack of confidence is why 40% of interviewers don’t push a candidate past the first interview in the hiring process.
Here are some ways to demonstrate confidence in an interview:
Another way candidates can demonstrate professionalism is to be mindful of their body language. They should avoid fidgeting, slouching, or crossing their arms, as these can signal discomfort or defensiveness. Instead, candidates should sit up straight, lean forward slightly and use open and friendly gestures.
Having confidence and exerting it can be a struggle.
Here are some methods that candidates can do to improve their confidence as an electrical engineer:
Candidates that implement some of these practices can greatly improve their self-esteem, interviewing skills and overall work ethic.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Employers often value problem-solving abilities, so candidates should be sure to showcase their problem-solving skills during interviews. One way to do this is by providing examples of how they have solved problems in the past. Candidates can talk about a difficult project they completed or a complicated coding challenge they overcame. By sharing experiences, a candidate can show the interviewer that they have the skills necessary to tackle complex problems.
Another way candidates can showcase their problem-solving skills is by using the STAR method. This method involves describing a Situation, the Task that was given, the Actions taken and the Results that were achieved. By using this method, job seekers can demonstrate their problem-solving abilities in a clear and concise manner.
Follow-Up After the Interview
After the interview, it’s important to follow up with a thank-you note or email to express appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This not only demonstrates professionalism and continued interest in the position, but can also make a strong impression on the interviewer. Topresume found that 68% of employers say that it makes candidates stand out when they send a thank-you letter after an interview.
If a candidate hasn’t heard back within a week or two, it’s appropriate to follow up with a polite email or phone call to inquire about the status of the application. It is important to know that hiring managers have many other responsibilities and constantly sending them messages about interview statuses can have a bad look on the job seeker.
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In conclusion, acing electrical engineering interviews requires dedicating time and effort to the process. Through thoughtful preparation and successful execution of the interview process, you can showcase your technical knowledge and interpersonal skills and secure your dream electrical engineering job position!
Are you looking for your dream engineering position? Check out STEMHUNTER, a job board dedicated to all things STEM.
Studying the environment and its resources can be very interesting and rewarding, which is why so many people obtain environmental science degrees. According to College Factual, over 9,000 environmental science degrees are awarded every single year. Data also shows that students are studying environmental science at higher rates. Environmental science has seen a 24% increase in awarded degrees since 2016.
Despite this large number of degrees being awarded, many in this field can find themselves questioning what roles they can pursue after graduation.
Read this article to learn about the potential job opportunities for individuals with environmental science education.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists are professionals that try to find the best solutions to environmental problems that affect wildlife, humans and culture. These types of scientists can also work in a wide range of environments that include:
This career path can be very rewarding, from not only professional career opportunities but also from personal fulfillment. In this line of work, Environmental Scientists are directly working with efforts to make the world a better place, like helping prevent the harmful effects of climate change.
When thinking about the various scientific careers, many assume that higher levels of education are needed to enter this space of work. While having a master’s or Ph.D. is viewed as a positive qualification, it is not always needed to be an Environmental Scientist. Relevant internships or on-the-job experience can help fill in any educational gaps and prepare you for a job as an Environmental Scientist.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for an Environmental Scientist is $76,530 per year with an expected job outlook growth of 5% over the next ten years.
Ecologist
If a student is interested in the side of environmental science that focuses on the environment and the factors that affect it, having a career as an Ecologist may be an ideal job for them.
Ecologists’ main responsibility is to study the relationship between organisms (plants and animals) and their relationships with each other and the environment. A lot of the work that these professionals do requires hands-on fieldwork in different environments such as deserts, forests, parks and more.
Some of the examples of work that Ecologists conduct include:
While there are many different functions of Ecologists, there is one primary goal of their work: preserving and protecting the environment. This can be a very fulfilling and rewarding career for someone that is passionate about science and the environment.
According to Indeed, the median pay for an Ecologist is $65,406 per year with an expected job outlook increase of 5% over the next ten years.
Marine Biologist
While Ecologists mostly work in environments that are on land, Marine Biologists work in the undersea environments and their respective organisms. This can be a great career for someone that loves science, underwater organisms and conservation efforts.
Most Marine Biologists work for state or federal governments to aid with conservation and preservation efforts, but it is possible for a Marine Biologist to also be hired by a private organization. Some organizations can include:
It is required by most openings that a Marine Biologist should hold a bachelor’s and a master’s degree at minimum. Some job openings even require applicants to hold a Ph.D.
According to the Pay Scale, the median pay for a Marine Biologist is $53,651 per year with an expected job outlook increase of 5% over the next ten years.
Microbiologist
A career as a Microbiologist does not necessarily require a microbiology degree. Having an environmental science degree can be a pathway into this type of career due to the overlap of studies and coursework.
A Microbiologist is someone that studies the microscopic aspect of life. This can include studying bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi and other types of parasites. By studying these organisms, Microbiologists are able to identify how these specimens interact with others and their environments.
Microbiologists also have a wide array of fields in which they can work. Some include:
Over the next 10 years, the need for Microbiologists is going to increase. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the growth of Microbiologists Is going to be 9% which equals about 2,000 openings per year.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for a Microbiologist is $79,260 per year.
Water Quality Scientist
Even though they do not work specifically with living organisms, Water Quality Scientists have a big role in society. The main responsibility of these scientists is to run tests on water samples from different environments to make sure they are free from toxins and parasites, and to make sure that it is healthy for organisms to consume.
There are many other roles and responsibilities for Water Quality Scientists which include:
Since water is an essential life source for every living thing on the planet, a job as a Water Quality Scientist is a great pathway to a long-term career that can ensure longevity in the role.
According to Glassdoor, the median pay for a Water Quality Scientist is $69,364 per year with an expected job outlook growth of 5% over the next ten years.
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Environmental science has a wide array of professional options that can enable you to not only have a successful career, but also a very personally fulfilling one.
Do any of these jobs pique your interest? Check out STEMHUNTER, a STEM-focused job board made specifically for STEM professionals.
The warmer months are approaching, and spring cleaning will be a top priority for most. Spring cleaning does not have to only affect a home and physical space, but a fresh overhaul can also be done to a resume!
It is recommended by CNBC, that professionals update their resume every six months to a year in case of new opportunities that may arise. Updating a resume regularly helps make sure that the resume is accurate and showcases all recent achievements that may be desirable for a potential future employer. Refreshing a resume can also make it easier on a candidate, who can avoid having to do a massive overhaul for their resume when entering the job searching market.
However, some professionals may be at a point in their career where they are not interested in changing jobs. In any case, it is a good idea to consider keeping it updated in case anything changes. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an employee changes their job every 4.2 years on average.
Read below to learn more about how you can tidy up your resume for future job searching success.
Add Relevant Information
The main goal of a resume is to show an accurate and quick snapshot of an applicant’s professional experience and achievements. CareerBuilder found that 24% of recruiters spend 30 seconds or less looking at a resume. This means a resume needs to be thorough, but get directly to the point.
A resume should be clear and concise, so job seekers should try to highlight the most relevant information in a resume. For example, accurately detailing job responsibilities is a must, but including extra-curricular activities from over ten years ago may not be the best idea to include.
Here are some more examples of relevant information to include in a resume:
It is also important that candidates make sure to take out any information that may not be relevant anymore. For example, a resume may not have been touched since applying for jobs in early college which may include jobs that were had during high school. Once college has been completed, or it has been many years since high school, having those experiences are not necessary to include on a resume. Employers will want to see relevant information and will likely not place as much importance on work that was done many years ago.
Update Contact Info
One of the most important factors of an effective resume is that the contact information is directly next to, or under, the candidate’s name and title. Contact information will likely include the candidate’s valid phone number, email address and location. It is important for recruiters/hiring managers to know where a candidate is located, even when dealing with remote roles, as time zones may be a factor of employment.
In case there has been a recent move, make sure that the location is correct on the resume. Having a full address is not necessary to have a standout resume. All that is needed to be listed is city and state.
Also, candidates should consider having a professional email listed on their resume. A professional email should include some iteration of a name and maybe some numbers. Some examples of emails to avoid using include, “[email protected]” and “[email protected].” Unprofessional emails such as these may convey to the hiring manger that the applicant is not serious or professional when it comes to job searching.
Additionally, it is best to avoid using emails that are associated with colleges/universities as this can convey that you are enrolled and be potentially unavailable for full-time work. Candidate’s will also want to refrain from using a work or company-sponsored email address on their resume when job searching. The best practice is to have a professional, personal email for job searching purposes.
Check All Grammar
Utilizing proper grammar is a necessity when crafting a resume that could result in landing a dream job. According to Zippia, 59% of recruiters will automatically reject a resume if it contains improper grammar and spelling. Candidates should consider following grammar best-practices and asking a trusted colleague to review their resume for spelling and grammar errors.
If there is a job listed on your resume that is being done presently, it is best that the descriptions are written in current tense. For example, it would not make sense if a candidate were currently at an engineering job and described it on their resume as, “helped and recorded measurements.” It should instead read, “helps and records measurements” since it is being done in the present. If the work was being done in the past, the first description would be accurate.
Here is a grammar checklist to review a resume with:
Going over a grammar checklist such as this when reviewing a resume can be the reason that sets an individual apart from other candidates in the screening process.
Keep It Simple
Sometimes it seems that bigger is better, but that is not always the case for resumes.
The best way to format a resume is to make sure it is detailed, but also very simple for the recruiter or hiring manager that will be reading it.
Since a lot of recruiters spend such little time screening resumes, they most likely will want to get right to the skills and experience of a candidate as it relates to an open position. Having a resume that includes a headshot, flashy borders and hard to read fonts may immediately turn a recruiter away.
Additionally, simplicity can help your resume work well with recruiting software. According to Forbes, up to 75% of resume can get rejected from an applicant tracking system (ATS) due to the software not being able to read or parse the resume. This can be due to complex fonts and pictures. If a resume gets rejected from an ATS system, there is a chance that it will not be reviewed by a recruiter, which means the applicant will not get screened for the job at all.
Here are some quick ways to keep a simple resume:
Making these small adjustments can help a hiring manager be able to understand a resume easier and speed up the hiring process overall.
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Cleaning up and simplifying a resume periodically can be the key step in your next job search without the headache of having to completely overhaul a resume in a short amount of time.
Looking for your dream STEM job? Check out STEMHUNTER, a job board specifically designed for STEM professionals.
Entering your last semester of college is exciting, but can also be nerve-wracking with the pressure of finding a job after graduation. If you are feeling these uneasy thoughts, you are not alone. According to a recent study, 24% of college students report feeling stressed with the idea of landing a job after graduation.
With the right tips and practices, job seeking in your last semester can be less stressful. Read below for some best practices of job searching when you are in your last semester of college.
Prepare Your Resume
The first thing you should do when starting your job search is to create or revise your resume. Your resume gives hiring managers a high-level overview of your experiences and abilities to see if you match the type of job they are hiring for. Without a resume, most hiring managers will not consider your application and move on to the next candidate.
Make sure your resume includes these sections:
Also, consider having a peer or professor to read over your resume before you submit it to job applications. This can be useful to make sure there is correct grammar, accurate/relevant information, ideal formatting and more.
Having a clean and standout resume can give you the extra edge when it comes to job searching while still in college. Check out our blog, Anatomy of a Resume to learn more about making the most of each section.
Use University Resources
While universities are a great place to learn new things and study for your future career, they also have career services departments that specialize in helping college students prepare and find their first job out of college. These departments employ full-time staff whose role is to provide opportunities and resources to guide you to career success following graduation.
Here are some of the services career centers offer:
While these services are extremely helpful in job searching, there is only a fraction of college students utilizing these services. Gallup found that only 20% of college students utilize their school’s career center for job searching advice or services.
Most colleges also host a variety of different career fairs throughout the semester to allow students to have the opportunity to meet with potential companies and hiring managers. These career fairs can be general or specific to a type of major or field of study.
Consider utilizing one of these services from your university’s career center to give yourself an extra step ahead of others that are not taking advantage of these perks.
Start Searching Early
When job searching, it is typically better to start earlier than later. If you start searching too late into your last semester, you can find yourself at graduation without a position lined up.
After you revise your resume and figure out the type of role you would like, start searching on online job boards and network with others in your desired field. Searching early will give you a better understanding of the types of companies that are hiring for your desired role, an idea of your field’s salary outlook and if there is chance you may have to relocate for work.
The exact time to start finding a position can depend on the industry or role you are looking for. For example, if you are looking for a job in accounting, you could potentially receive a job offer a whole year before you even graduate due to the nature of the industry. But for a more creative role, like marketing or communications, employers will likely consider graduates who will be able to start in a month or two from the job posting date due to an immediate demand in these services.
It is a best practice to start looking at job openings during your second-to-last semester of college to research potential career paths. Then, start applying to relevant jobs at the beginning of your last semester. In addition to job searching, consider reaching out to professionals in your network that you may have met at professional events or previous internships. These individuals may have connections that can help you find different opportunities than what you are search for online.
Apply to Multiple Postings
While there are many job openings for soon-to-be graduates, it is important to apply to more than one job opening to cast a wide net. Many of the job openings you apply for may have hundreds of different candidates who are your competition. Beyond that, your chances of getting an interview for the position may be low even if you match every qualification in the job posting. For example, Zippia found that it takes around 21 to 80 different job applications to get a single job offer due to the many applications that a business can receive. With this in mind, only applying to a handful of jobs may not be the best decision when job searching in your final year of college.Also, it is important to keep your mind open to different types of roles. For example, if you are a mechanical engineering major, look at roles for mechanical engineers, civil engineers and construction engineers due to the overlaps of these types of industries.
Landing your dream job directly after college can be difficult. Consider each opportunity as a stepping stone to obtaining your dream job later. Simply getting experience in a field of work can be extremely valuable to growing your career. Just like many other things, dream jobs can take time to achieve.
Expect Rejection
When applying for jobs, rejection is almost inevitable. Being fresh out of college gives you a lot of advantages, but also can bring you disadvantages, like lack of experience. Many times, when you apply for a job, you may be competing with professionals who already have had a couple of years of work under their belt.
With so much competition in the job market, you may be faced with rejected applications or not being moved into the next round of an interview process. This should not be taken personally since almost every professional has gone through this at some point in their career. When you get a rejection, reflect on the reasons you didn’t move forward, and move onto the next opportunity.
The job market is also always changing. When the economy is facing more hardship, an increase in rejected jobs could follow. While the state of the market can be overwhelming and anxiety inducing, there is still a positive outlook for college graduates. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, hiring for the class of 2022 college graduates was up 31.6% from previous years.
While finding a job before graduation may be preferable, all hope should not be lost if you graduate without a job offer in-hand. Being patient in the hiring process is essential to keeping your stress low and can also be key to finding the best job after graduation.
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Looking for an entry-level STEM job? Check out STEMHUNTER, a job board made specifically for STEM professionals.
Chemistry is an essential part of many innovative and future-focused businesses and is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing career fields. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is estimated that jobs for chemists will grow 6% over the next 10 years, which totals about 90,600 jobs.
With the right skills and tools, you can land a job as a chemist in no time. Read below to learn more about how to expand your skills and nail your next chemist interview.
Pursue Career Development Opportunities
Whether you are at the beginning of your career or are many years into it, career development is an important method of improving your skills. Career development involves sharpening skills, learning new things and meeting others in your shared industry.
Some ways to increase your career development include:
If you are a college student, consider looking into extracurricular groups or clubs that involve chemistry that would be ideal to put on a resume. Some of these groups could include honor societies, clubs or even studying groups. Being an active and engaged member of groups such as these will not only improve your skillsets, but could also lead you to helpful networking that could benefit you in future when job searching.
Being exposed to these types of professional development methods can also give you the opportunity to talk to other peers in your field which can lead you to dream job positions.
Evaluate Your Soft Skills
When thinking about becoming a chemist, you can assume that you are required to have a deep understanding of chemistry. While that is true, there are many other skills that applicants can have that will enable them to be successful in the chemistry field.
Skills that are not technical are considered soft skills. Soft skills are the common skills that help you interact and work with others. These can include interpersonal and communication skills.
Some of the soft skills, suggested by Scholarship Guidance, to be a successful chemist include:
A great way to show these skills during an interview is bringing them up in natural conversation with situations that demonstrate how you utilized that skill. For example, if the hiring manager is asking about a project you have worked on, you can mention that you utilized time management skills to make the project successful. Also consider including a small list of them on your resume so that the hiring manager can see them before they even interview you.
Consider analyzing the areas in which you excel and noting any opportunities for further development. Develop your soft skills by enrolling in courses, taking on new projects or asking for feedback from trusted colleagues.
Practice Interview Questions
After researching and applying for jobs, you will hopefully enter the interviewing stages for a new job as a chemist. Interviews can be nerve-racking and stressful for some. In fact, JDP found that 93% of job candidates report being nervous before a job interview.
A great way to combat this nervousness and uncertainty is to practice interview questions before the actual interview.
Here are some examples of questions you could be asked at an interview for a chemist:
Consider practicing these questions with a trusted colleague to ease your nerves and enable yourself to answer with no hesitation.
When you are answering the interviewer’s questions, try to tailor your answers to the type of industry that you are applying for. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the industry with the highest amount of chemists is the pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industry which means there may be a high probability of interviewing with that type of company. If you are asked, “why did pursue chemistry?”, try to weave in your passion for medicine and how it will fulfill you as a chemist. This will show the hiring manager you have a passion for their industry and are very interested in the position.
While it is good to practice interview questions, keep in mind that there may be other parts to your upcoming chemist interview with things such as a technical assessments, background screenings, personality tests and more.
Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviewing for a job not only lets an employer get to know you, but it is also an opportunity for you to learn more about the company and their values. Utilizing this time effectively can give you greater insights into the organization and show the interviewer that you are prepared and interested in the role.
Here are some questions to consider asking your interviewer:
Asking these types of questions can give you a better idea of the work dynamic, how others collaborate with each other daily and what the general company culture is.
Remember that you are also interviewing the company to see if they are a good fit for you and your career trajectory. If you ask these questions and your interviewer gives very general answers or tries to avoid the question altogether, this could be red flag. Consider taking a closer look into the company itself and its culture using websites like Glassdoor or directly reach out to current employees to see if it is a good fit for you.
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Landing a job as chemist does not have to be hard. With these tips, you can find yourself landing a chemistry job in no time.
Looking for your next job in chemistry? Check out STEMHUNTER, a job board made specifically for STEM professionals.
Due to the great technological growth that we see every day, STEM jobs are some of the most in-demand jobs in the market considering that many industries are reliant on new age technology like virtual reality, artificial intelligence, 3D printing and more.
As technology becomes more sophisticated, new job opportunities will arise for those with advanced technical skills. For example, Pew Research reported that since 1990, STEM employment has increased 79%.
Wondering what are the most popular jobs in STEM right now? Here is a list of the 10 most in-demand STEM jobs of 2022.
IS Analyst
As an Information Systems (IS) Analyst, you can expect to be working with different types of technologies and leading new age projects. IS Analysts also research large amounts of technology and data to develop new processes and improve workflows.
In this line of work, you can find yourself in many different sectors of an organization. Some examples of direct sectors that IS analysts can work in include healthcare, IT, financial services and many others.
The national average salary for an IS analyst in the United States is $70,407 per year.
Data Scientist
Similar to IS Analysts, Data Scientists collect large amounts of data and analyze it. What makes them different from an IS Analyst is the amount of data they collect and what they do with it. Data Scientists collect massive amounts of data and try to present findings that help their organization make important business decisions This can include looking for patterns, developing visual data graphs, creating new algorithms and more.
This line of work has become increasingly popular recently, as many companies are looking to add these positions to their teams to improve functions and to keep up with changes in their industries.
The national average salary for a data scientist in the United States is $100,560 per year.
Software Developer
Software Developers play a crucial part to many businesses due to their role designing new software and programs that can improve functions and ensure that current systems work properly.
Another reason for the high demand of Software Developers, is due to the wide variety of industries that someone in this field can work in. Some of these industries include healthcare, social media and finance. With technology improving every day, most industries are looking for ways to develop new technology and tools and having strong software developers can help them stand out from competitors.
The national average salary for a Software Developer in the United States is $85,020 per year.
Web Developer
Software Developers make the systems that computers run on, while Web Developers make the actual websites using that software. Web Developers not only focus on developing websites, but also are responsible for the technical aspects of the website, performance and capability, loading speed and more. Web Developers can even create content for sites such as adding animations, color, typography themes, videos and more.
Having a dedicated team developing an online presence can be essential for most businesses. Due to this need, the web development field is growing every day.
The national average salary for a Web Developer in the United States is $77,200 per year.
IT Manager
IT Managers act as the leaders of technological efforts at companies by overseeing network security measures, directing online operations, guiding the directions for technological efforts for the company and more.
IT Managers typically have bachelor’s degrees in information science, computer science or other relevant fields. These types of degrees give them an opportunity to have a strong background in all things technology so they can work in a variety of fields.
Having such an important role at companies, IT Managers are highly sought out from companies in nearly every industry.
The national average salary for an IT manager in the United States is $151,150 per year.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers are trained to design and work with major transportation projects which is always needed for both major and minor cities. These projects include highways, roads, buildings, sewer systems and more.
With the variety of projects and industries, the demand for civil engineers is high. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, civil engineering jobs are expected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030 with an average of 25,000 openings per year.
The national average salary for a Civil Engineer in the United States is $88,570 per year.
Mechanical Engineer
Like Civil Engineers, Mechanical Engineers are responsible for designing a wide array of different projects. Mechanical Engineers focus on power-producing machines which include engines, generators, HVAC units and more.
The outlook for Mechanical Engineers is growing every year. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor reports that there are nearly 17,900 yearly openings for mechanical engineering jobs. This high number is because of the variety of industries a Mechanical Engineer can work in. These industries include research and development, manufacturing, construction and more.
The national average salary for a Mechanical Engineer in the United States is $90,160 per year.
Chemist
Chemists play an important role in making new medicines and developing new products on a chemical level. Many societal advances would not be possible without Chemists, so there is typically a high demand for them. Chemists can work in a number of industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, manufacturing and more.
There is a common misconception that chemists must have a higher education than a bachelor’s degree to obtain a job, but there are many Chemist positions that do not require a master’s degree or a PhD.
The national average salary for a Chemist in the United States is $76,094 per year.
Biologist
Biologists lead the way for advancement in medical research and learning more about the natural world around us. They have a wide array of tasks like collecting samples, conducting research, performing tests and reporting their findings to help advance the study of life.
Biologists are not just limited to studying general life. Many Biologists work in conservation efforts, laboratory environments, forensics and more. Biologists are always in demand due to the variety of fields that they can work in.
The national average salary for a Biologist in the United States is $82,549 per year.
Physicists
The daily workload of a Physicist includes exploring properties and laws of science, studying theory, performing experiments and more. Many Physicists are employed through NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense, colleges and laboratories.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, the employment of Physicists is expected to grow 8% between the years of 2021 to 2031 with an average of 2,100 openings per year.
The national average salary for a Physicist in the United States is $122,850 per year.
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Are you a STEM professional and feeling lost on regular job boards? Check out STEMHUNTER, a smarter job board built for STEM professionals.
High school graduates have a difficult decision to make when choosing their college major. With jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) growing 79 percent since 1990, and STEM occupations averaging a salary of $100,900, majoring in a STEM field may be of interest to many future college students. Here are the different majors and corresponding occupations that students can pursue careers in.
Astronomy/Astrophysics
Astronomy and Astrophysics majors study the creation of the universe and everything, including black holes, planets, suns and galaxies, within it. The coursework for this major typically includes classes in data modeling, physics and mathematics.
Common jobs for Astronomy/Astrophysics majors, include:
Agronomy/Crop Science
Agronomy majors study plants and soils, how they are produced and their interaction with the environment. Curriculum for Agronomy/Crop Science degrees can include the application of biological, chemical and physical science principles to the cultivation of plants.
Common jobs for Agronomy/Crop Science majors include:
Biology
A Biology major can open the door to a variety of career possibilities. While some may study biology in a pre-medicine capacity hoping to later pursue career in the medical field, others may have an interest in a life science career.
Common jobs for Biology majors include:
Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the study of chemical reactions and interactions with living organisms. This practice is important for the development of vaccines and medications. The curriculum for Biochemistry is a mix between both biology and chemistry-focused courses. This major can be combined with other educational degrees to help you specialize in various areas of interest.
Common jobs for Biochemistry majors include:
Chemistry
Explore the complex ways that elements combine together and how matter undergoes change with a degree in Chemistry. Coursework in this field can include concepts related to chemical equilibrium, thermodynamics and periodic concepts. Studying this field can lead to careers in many different industries, including: specialty chemicals, medicine and research.
Common jobs for Chemistry majors include:
Environmental Science
Environmental Science majors study Earth’s natural environment and the impact humans have on it. Courses for this major can include chemistry, biology and geology. Often times, the curriculum will include laboratory classes and field experiences.
Common jobs for Environmental Science majors include:
Food Science & Technology
Students who pursue a major in Food Science & Technology will learn about using science to safely create, manufacture, package and preserve food products. They will have coursework in areas such as chemistry, microbiology and food safety.
Common jobs for Food Science & Technology majors include:
Microbiology
When you study Microbiology, you will learn about the way that microscopic organisms evolve, function and cause disease. This scientific major includes coursework in chemistry, biology, biological chemistry, physics and other topics. A degree in Microbiology can open the door to a number of different scientific careers.
Common jobs for Microbiology majors include:
Physics
A Physics major studies the relationship between energy and matter. Students who pursue this degree will get exposure to scientific methods and concepts that can be useful in a number of career paths.
Common jobs for Physics majors include:
Computer Science
Explore computer systems and the way humans interact with them with a Computer Science major. The curriculum for this major includes the programming and design of software as well as theory and problem-solving methods. Coursework may also include calculus, statistics, data visualization, among other subjects.
Common jobs for Computer Science majors include:
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a growing field with ample career opportunities. A major in Cybersecurity can open up doors to the various areas of information technology space. Students in Cybersecurity will likely study information systems, computer science, cyber defense, mathematics and other related courses.
Common jobs for Cybersecurity majors include:
Data Analytics/Data Science
Data Analytics/Data Science majors collect, manage and analyze large, multifaceted data sets to make informed business decisions. Often, students studying this discipline will complete coursework in computer science, statistics and mathematics.
Common jobs for Data Analytics/Data Science majors:
Computer Engineering
Students interested in using creative problem-solving methods to work with computer software and hardware should consider a major in Computer Engineering. Within this major, student can specialize in various areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence or cybersecurity. Coursework in this major can include foundational mathematics, calculus, data structures or computer architecture.
Common jobs for Computer Engineering majors include:
Aerospace Engineering
Those majoring in Aerospace Engineering will take courses in physics and mathematics as well as engineering lectures and labs. This curriculum prepares students in the design, propulsion and systems for both aircrafts and spacecrafts.
Common jobs for Aerospace Engineers include:
Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering combines both engineering and scientific techniques to find innovative solutions to issues in the medical field. Students majoring in Biomedical Engineering will likely take courses in chemistry, physics, bioelectricity, biomechanics and other related courses.
Common jobs for Biomedical Engineering majors include:
Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering majors will study the planning, design, development and evaluation of structures and systems, such as buildings, tunnels, airports, drainage systems, railways and bridges. This major open the door to a range of different specialties within the Civil Engineering field.
Common jobs for Civil Engineering majors include:
Industrial & Systems Engineering
Industrial & Systems Engineering (ISE) majors utilize scientific and mathematical principles to design, implement, evaluate and improve systems of people, information and materials. Students who study ISE will learn about creating efficiencies and eliminating labor or material waste in various business or manufacturing processes.
Common jobs for Industrial & Systems Engineering majors include:
Materials Science & Engineering
Explore the structure, processing, properties and performance of materials used in engineering systems with a degree in Materials Science & Engineering. Coursework for this field includes foundational engineering courses and typically students have the ability to specialize in various areas of Materials Science & Engineering, including biomaterials, electronic materials, metallurgy and polymers.
Common jobs for Materials Science & Engineering majors include:
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering majors study a diverse curriculum. This involves creative design, manufacturing engineering, machine elements design, measurements, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, among other topics.
Common jobs for Mechanical Engineering majors include:
Actuarial Science
The study of financial implications of uncertain future events and quantifying and managing risk is known as Actuarial Science. Students with this major will learn modern business practices, have an understanding of finance principles and develop quantitative reasoning skills.
Common jobs for Actuarial Science majors include:
Applied/Pure Mathematics
Applied Mathematics focuses on applying analytical and computation math techniques and principles to solve real-world problems in various industries. While Applied Mathematics is the practical use of mathematical practices, Pure Mathematics is the theoretical study of boarder mathematical concepts, such as proofs, theorems and abstract concepts.
Both of these majors can lead to a number of mathematical career paths within different fields of study.
Common jobs for Applied Mathematics majors include:
Statistics
Statistics majors study the collection, interpretation and analyzation of data. These students will take a number of courses in mathematics, including calculus and linear algebra. They may also complete coursework in programming languages and data modeling.
Common jobs for Statistics majors include:
Students who are prepared to enter the job market have an important decision to make about what occupation will be their first step in their career. Jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields are great initial opportunities for recent graduates across a variety of different major categories. Additionally, these fields are growing! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM jobs are expected to grow 10.5% between 2020 and 2030 compared to 7.5% growth for non-STEM jobs. This could mean over 1 million more job openings spanning 10 years! Check out these 15 jobs that could be your way into a STEM career.
1. Laboratory Technician
For those interested in pursuing a career in the sciences, an entry-level laboratory technician position is a great starting point. Lab techs are exposed to a number of different sample types, collection techniques, scientific instruments and testing methods within a dynamic working environment. Lab technicians are able to move up within the ladder and advance into a Senior Laboratory Technician position and additionally grow into other scientific disciplines such as a chemist or associate scientist role.
2. Software Engineer
If you are looking for an exciting and dynamic industry, and ample career growth, the technology industry may be a great option for you! Entry-level software engineering roles offer a great opportunity for recent grads to learn new skills, get hands-on experience and understand the entire software development lifecycle. The career outlook for these positions is also good, with starting salaries being on the higher end for most entry-level positions and opportunities for advancement within the field.
3. Research Assistant
A great way to get your foot in the door in the research and development field is to get started as a research assistant. In this role, you may perform experiments and tests following specific guidelines as well as collect and analyze data to find results. Following this role, you may pursue career growth as a research associate or research scientist and define further what specific areas you are most interested in studying.
4. Jr. Staff Accountant
For graduates who are ready to learn accounting and financial principles through hands-on experience, a Jr. Staff Accountant role may be a great entry-level opportunity. This position’s daily tasks include preparing financial statements, updating accounts receivable, processing invoices and assisting with other financial duties. Individuals in this role will get real-world experience working in a business setting and gain valuable knowledge concerning accounting principles, policies and legal requirements. This first career step can lead into opportunities for growth and ultimately a lifelong STEM career in accounting.
5. Registered Nurse
Healthcare is a growing industry with great entry-level opportunities, including registered nursing positions. A career as an RN can be rewarding, as these individuals are responsible for a range of different patient services. These positions also offer a range of work schedules and sometimes have the ability for travel. Registered nurses have the ability to grow their career within their discipline or move into another role that utilizes their skills such as a nurse educator or clinical manager.
6. Jr. Information Security Analyst
As the world becomes more reliant on technology in our work, school and daily lives, data security is becoming increasingly important. A great role to get started in this field is a junior information security analyst. In this role, you can get exposed to a wide range of data security procedures, protocols and tools to help an organization avoid cyber threats. There are many tech jobs that you can move into within the data security field following his role, including cybersecurity analyst, penetration/vulnerability tester and potentially working your way up to a chief information security officer later in your career.
7. Financial Analyst
Do you enjoy working with numbers and identifying results that tell a bigger story? A job as a financial analyst may be for you! In this role you can expect to analyze financial statements, provide recommendations and prepare reports for your organization. Career growth from this role, can include paths in finance, such as, financial manager, business analyst, or continuing into a senior financial analyst role.
8. Project Coordinator/Jr. Project Manager
For organized self-starters who enjoy communicating with different groups of people, project management is an excellent job for recent graduates. Starting as a project coordinator or junior project manager, you will work with internal and external groups to keep the project moving. You may organize project tasks, answer basic customer questions and serve as a liaison for your company to the customer. From this, you can move up within project management and attain certifications within the field.
9. Web Developer
Students with or without degrees in Computer Science can enter the exciting career path of a Web Developer. With many online, bootcamp and employer-taught programs, this job for recent graduates is available for grads from a number of different major disciplines. As a web developer, you will be responsible for building, supporting and optimizing various web projects. This is a great career path for those who are lifelong learners, enjoy problem solving and have a good attention to detail.
10. Data Analyst
A career as a data analyst can be rewarding. In this role, you can utilize technical skills to extract data sets, create useful reports and present findings to management teams so they can make informed decisions. Starting a career as an entry-level data analyst can lead you to many different career paths. Some of this career growth includes moving into a data scientist position, progressing into management levels as a data analyst, or moving into a more specialized position such as a health care analyst.
11. Engineering Analyst
Engineering is both an exciting and broad STEM Career. While many engineers define their specialty earlier in their education, there are still opportunities to get into the field following graduation for those that did not study engineering. One of those ways is as an engineering analyst. This position uses data to improve processes and propose solutions to management to help the project get underway efficiently. From here, engineering analysts can move into a project management position or into other engineering roles with additional education or certifications.
12. Biological Technician
If you are interested in science, a career as a biological technician might be something you’d enjoy! Biological technicians are responsible for performing important laboratory tasks to ensure that processes are being executed effectively. In this occupation, it is helpful to have good organizational and observational skills as well as an excellent attention to detail. In this field, career growth can include moving into the biology field as a biologist or into the medical field as a medical laboratory technician.
13. IT Support Technician
Starting off a career as an IT support technician is a great way to get experience in the technology space. This job is an essential function at many mid-size and large corporations. In this role, you will work with others to troubleshoot technology issues and upgrading company hardware and software. This role also requires excellent communications skills, as IT support technicians work with a variety of internal and external groups to communicate issues, processes and solutions. From this career, you can pursue tech jobs in cyber security, management or cloud/system administration.
14. Project Engineer
Another way to get into the engineering space is by starting your STEM career as an entry-level project engineer. Some companies may require that you have your Professional Engineering license and/or internship experience, but many have programs designed to develop entry-level employees’ skills and expose you to multiple areas of the business. This is an excellent position to get on-the-job experience and explore areas of engineering that you may want to specialize in later in your career.
15. Jr. Network Administrator
Junior network administrators have an important role in keeping a company’s computer network running efficiently. This role is responsible for maintaining and fixing company hardware, continually improving the network and teaching others how to use the systems. This tech job offers a range of career development options including moving into a management role or advancing into more sophisticated information technology positions.
There are many other careers in STEM that you may want to explore. Search entry-level careers and more on STEMHUNTER!
Whether you are creating a resume for the first time or updating an existing resume, you want to make sure you are putting your best foot forward. Several mistakes are commonly made and can cause headaches for the individuals reviewing your resume. Avoid the items below to increase your chances of getting in front of the hiring team and landing the job.
1. Missing Information
A mistake commonly seen is missing information on a resume. This includes contact information as well as employment and education details. To start, make sure that your phone number and email can be easily found on your resume (common practice is to feature these items toward the top, near your name). Additionally, make sure you aren’t leaving off any important sections that may show a recruiter why you’d be a good fit for their role. Your education and employment sections should paint a picture about your background and capture the dates (month and year) that you were employed. Including the major sections on your resume will give you a good starting point to create an effective resume.
2. Incorrect or Inconsistent Details
Just as it is important to make sure you aren’t missing any information on your resume, you’ll also want to ensure that the details you provide are accurate and consistent. Incorrect contact information can frustrate hiring teams and more importantly, make you miss out on potential job opportunities. Additionally, make sure that your resume and online profiles, such as LinkedIn, include consistent information. Having varying experience or incorrect dates on your resume can be confusing and hiring managers can become apprehensive about hiring you.
3. Spelling & Grammar Issues
You’ve heard it time and time again. Proper spelling and grammar on your resume is extremely important. Your resume is likely one of the first things a recruiter looks at when considering you for a job opportunity and is how they form their first impressions. Hiring teams will often come back to your resume throughout the hiring process to review your experience and responsibilities. Fortunately, this common mistake is easily avoidable by using online tools like Grammarly or asking trusted colleagues to review your resume before applying to jobs. Taking the extra time to make sure your resume is polished and professional will go a long way in your job search journey.
4. Length (Too Long or Short)
While resume length isn’t something that is a dealbreaker for most job seekers, there are times where it can hurt your chances of getting in front of the hiring team. Resumes that are too short often fail to include important details that help recruiters and hiring managers understand your responsibilities and experience. Resumes that are long often go into too much detail, risking the chance that you lose the hiring managers attention. So, what is the perfect middle-ground? Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. While it is recommended you aim for your resume to be one to two pages, the length can depend on your experience, industry and overall career situation. Whether your resume is one page or four pages, capturing your experience as accurately and concisely as possible is most important.
5. Lack of Specifics
As you are forming concise bullet points to describe your experience, think about where you can be specific in your descriptions. If you managed a team, how many people did you manage? If you had a budget to work with, how much were you given? Having vague explanations can leave a recruiter wondering what your actual duties and responsibilities were. You can also utilize specifics to show off your accomplishments. For example, if you increased company sales, include the amount or percentage. Being as specific as possible is an excellent way to paint a picture for the hiring team considering you for a role.
Job searching can feel like a mindless cycle of submitting resumes and refreshing your inbox only be left in the dark about your application status. It is easy to lose motivation during this seemingly endless process and neglect what made you begin looking for a new opportunity in the first place.
Recruiters weighed in on this topic, using their knowledge of the hiring process and personal job search experience to come up with five tips for staying motivated during the job search process.
1. Be Tenacious
Rejection is just another step closer to finding the right opportunity. As a Recruiter wrote, “A job search is similar to a maze. You will go down wrong routes multiple times only to get rejected, but you have to keep trying to find the way out. That is when you find your dream job!”
2. Stay Organized
Adequate preparation can ease the woes of job searching. An HR leader offers her wisdom on this topic, “If you want to find a job sooner rather than later, make quantifiable goals for yourself. Apply to a set amount of jobs every week and remember to take notes on the positions you are applying for. While it’s good to be motivated in the number of applications you submit, a poor response during a phone interview such as, ‘I have applied for so many jobs.. which one is this again?’ could hurt your chances on landing the opportunity.”
3. Remain Positive
Think of denial from employers as a way of agreeing that the opportunity wasn’t a mutual fit and that there are still other opportunities out there. “One ‘no’ does not dictate your whole job search, keep your head up and continue searching. A better fit will always be around the corner, even if it takes longer to find than expected,” another Recruiter describes.
4. Utilize Resources
Whether you just graduated college or are well into your career, there are a variety of resources available to you. Leverage creativity in your search to help you break the application cycle and potentially get a leg up over other applicants. “Ask a friend to look over your resume to be sure that things are spelled correctly and that there is proper grammar. Sometimes another person can give you a tip that might improve your resume and set you apart,” another HR leader explains.
5. Have Patience
In the hiring process, it is easy to become agitated and impatient. Make sure that you give the employers ample time to go over your qualifications and skill set. A Recruiter explains, “Sometimes feedback takes longer than expected, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the company isn’t interested in you as a candidate!”
