Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers continue to outpace other fields for job hunters – the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10.4% increase in STEM positions from 2023 to 2033, nearly triple that of other occupations … with each position boasting nearly double the average non-STEM salary.
Whether you’re interested in STEM as a career pivot, or you’re already on a STEM career path and seeking advancement, MOAA can help. Here’s some advice from a recent MOAA panel discussion that may help you find your way in this lucrative sector; Premium and Life members can access the full discussion at this link.
Know Your Requirements
STEM positions frequently come with hard and fast requirements – certifications critical to show an applicant can tackle the task at hand. While interviewees may be able to talk their way into a non-STEM role, that’s much less likely in a high-tech sector, said Philip Hicks, senior project manager for Dewberry.
“What I would tell everyone … if you don’t have it, you do have a lot of resources available to go and get those specific degrees if you need them,” Hicks said. “So that’s kind of the first checklist item we look at: If you’re applying for an electrical engineering job, or a civil engineering job, and you don’t have that specific degree, it’s going to be challenging to get into that career field.
“So I recommend using those GI Bill assets, or those tuition assets before you get out of service, to pursue those degrees, because that will the first hurdle.”
Resources include the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship, which covers an array of STEM fields.
Don’t Shortchange Yourself
Many servicemembers struggle with the move from a clearly defined, rank-based system to a civilian sector where positions and responsibilities vary by industry and company. While it’s critical to do your research and make sure you are applying for positions that match your experience and skill set, human resources strategist and talent management professional Jo Weech stressed the need to aim high.
“I would look at what the manager level requirements are and what the director level requirements are. And you’ll know by reading what they want you to be responsible for and manage, if you can do that,” Weech said. “And you’ll probably be surprised that it’s at a much higher level than you’re expecting. Always shoot for the top.”
Search for Success
Having trouble matching your skills with an employer’s wish list? Unsure whether your background makes you a good fit? Your search engine may be your best friend, Hicks said.
“If you want to be a CEO, go find a CEO’s résumé,” Hicks said. “See if you can make that fit. If you want to be a senior VP, go find a senior VP in that industry or in that company. … If you go and grab those details, try to match those to what you’re doing, and don’t be scared to use a similar format.”
Want to go to the next level? Don’t be afraid to reach out to these individuals via LinkedIn or other platforms, Hicks said – it’s a great, targeted way to grow your professional network.
“Don’t just connect with them and say, ‘That’s it,’” Hicks said. “Take the time, craft something, get to know them online. … Build that rapport with them so that you can then move that relationship forward so you can start asking those hard questions about how they got to the level they’re at.”
Find a wealth of additional career resources, including member-exclusive publications, at MOAA’s Transition and Career Center.
