You have now graduated from a STEM university; congratulations! We know it was not easy and it involved a lot of hard work and sacrifices. But here comes the good part – you will for sure find a well-paid job and a challenging working environment. Wondering where to start looking for a STEM job? Then just read on and you will find the best answer possible. Below, there are several essential guidelines on how to search and apply for STEM openings as a fresh graduate.
Guidelines for STEM graduated students
1. Start with job websites
The first place to look for a job, even in the STEM domain, is represented by all sorts of online websites. Create resumes on these sites; look for a specific position and see what’s out there. However, pay attention to details like the name of the company, the location, the salary, the working hours and other benefits offered by the employer.
Usually, along with a resume, companies also ask for letters of recommendation and small online interviews. Make sure to have a few letters of recommendation from your college professors, in which they mention your drive for research, your passion about a particular subject and your high work capacity. Regarding the online interview, try to give personalized answers that help employers see the person behind a filled in document.
2. Search for companies in the field and submit resumes
Some companies are so famous and so badly wanted by candidates, that they receive tons of resumes without even posting openings. In this situation, your best solution is to follow the same path as everyone else. Be careful, though. Don’t send the same resume to all companies! Create personalized one for each application and also write a letter that should include the following aspects
– a short presentation of your studies and work experience, if relevant;
– a short presentation of your personality and hobbies;
– the reasons why you would like to work for that particular company;
– what you can bring to the company in terms of professional values;
– finish by mentioning that you are also available for internships and trial periods.
3. Ask professors for job recommendations
Professors are in touch with industry-related companies and most of the time, they represent a source of fresh talent. Companies are asking academics to recommend them brilliant students who will make impressive employees. So why not try the other way round? Tell professors you are looking for a STEM job and you would like to know who needs more personnel. Going about it this way, chances of being called in for an interview are higher.
4. Go to internships
The best way of knowing which company is best for you is to work there for a period and see how things are going. No one is hiring someone just to offer them the possibility of getting familiarized with the business. However, there is still a solution – applying or asking for internships. In this time frame, both sides can learn if the collaboration is beneficial and if all team members can properly relate to one another. Additionally, persons who offer to enroll into internships are appreciated for their true passion for STEM fields and their willingness to learn even more about a subject.
5. Attend job fairs
During job fairs, companies hold video presentations of their activity, workflow, offices, clients, completed projects and more. This is a great opportunity for getting to know specific information about different businesses in the industry and to learn if they are worth applying to. Additionally, candidates can now talk directly to managers and try to impress them with innovative ideas and fresh perspectives. This can be the beginning of a successful career.
6. Sign in to STEM communities and forums
In the online environment. you can find out everything about a company. Join STEM communities and forums and follow discussions about certain businesses. This is first-hand information provided by employees and collaborators. Stay close to find out what company offers the best working environment, the best salaries and the best research resources. Then, be the first to know if there is going to be an opening and what skills are required from the perfect candidate. Take advantage of this amazing opportunity and send a flawless resume, cover letter and recommendation letter.
In conclusion, fresh graduates can find good STEM jobs, too, if they focus all their energy in this direction. Follow the indications above and start searching for the career of your dreams. Create online resumes and apply on job websites. Submit CVs directly to companies, ask professors about openings in the field, enroll in internships, attend job fairs. and join online STEM communities and forums. If you have any other successful methods of getting a STEM job, don’t be shy; share it with us!