STEM Graduate Jobs
Are you considering a career in STEM? Well, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll take a look at the benefits of studying a STEM subject as well as STEM graduate jobs.
What is STEM?
STEM is an acronym which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. So, if you study a degree related to any of these subject areas at university, you’re studying for a degree in STEM. These four subject areas share a strong emphasis on innovation, critical thinking, digital literacy, and problem-solving. This makes them an extremely fast-growing industry in today’s world.
Why Is STEM Important?
If you’re studying for a degree in a STEM-related subject, you’re setting yourself up for career success. How? Well, our society is in desperate need of skilled workers who are trained in STEM. This is mainly due to the technological, economic, and societal changes we’re currently seeing in the UK and around the world. The UK government is working to close the skills gap but needs more graduates in STEM in order to do so.
Popular STEM Careers
Now that we know what STEM is and why it’s important in today’s society, let’s take a look at some of the most popular STEM careers. This will give you a better idea of what’s out there.
Science
- Doctor
- Nurse
- Dentist
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
Technology
- Web Developer
- Software Developer
- Data Security
- Graphic Designer
- Fintech
- Software Tester
- Computer Science
Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Agricultural Engineer
Maths
- Financial Analyst
- Research Analyst
- Investment Analyst
- Economist
- Actuary
- Auditor
- Statistician
Top Careers in STEM
We’ll now explore some of the top evolving STEM careers to consider. These graduate jobs in STEM will typically require further study at a postgraduate level and/or a significant amount of relevant work experience.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are healthcare professionals and medically qualified doctors who specialise in the treatment and diagnosis of mental health disorders like dementia, depression, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
After completing your medical degree recognised by the General Medical Council (GMC), you’ll do two years of Foundation Training. You’ll work in a hospital as a junior doctor on a rotational basis in different departments, including psychiatry. On completing this and receiving your Foundation Achievement of Competency Document (FACD), you’ll then go on to begin six years of training in psychiatry.
Throughout all your years of study and work placements, your salary will range from just over £28,000 in your first year as a junior hospital doctor trainee to over £82,000 as a newly qualified consultant psychiatrist.
Computer Network Architect/Engineer
A network architect, or network engineer, is responsible for creating and maintaining all types of network designs and specifications within an organisation or between organisations. You’ll typically need a degree in a related IT subject to enter this career path. That being said, it is also possible without a degree as long as you have significant work experience.
Entry-level salaries start at around £19,000 rising to over £70,000 for senior network engineers.
Petroleum Engineer
A petroleum engineer designs ways to extract natural gas and oil from within the earth. They develop new equipment and strategies to extract these fossil fuels safely.
After studying for a bachelor’s degree in engineering, it would be necessary to get some relevant work experience. After that, you could further your career prospects by obtaining a master’s degree, followed by a PhD, in chemical or petroleum engineering.
Starting salaries for petroleum engineers with a master’s degree are in the region of £25,000. PhD graduates can expect to start at £35,000. Senior petroleum engineers can earn up to £95,000 per year.
Financial Advisor
A great financial advisor has excellent people skills along with specialist knowledge of investments, savings, and money management. They are hired to provide their clients with expert advice on how to best manage their money.
In order to do this, they must have professional qualifications in finance and follow strict financial industry rules. It is possible to enter this career without a degree, although a related degree may improve your chances. A large part of being a financial advisor is based on your personal qualities and people skills.
Trainee advisors can expect a salary ranging from £22,000 to £30,000. At a senior level, you’ll earn around £60,000. Financial advisers also tend to earn bonuses and commission as well as additional benefits on top of their salary.
Finding STEM Graduate Jobs
Be sure to check out Developing a Student’s STEM graduate jobs board for all the latest STEM jobs in your area. On top of posting the latest STEM jobs for graduates, we’ve also got help and advice for graduates looking for work. Visit our dedicated pages on topics like How to make a graduate portfolio and When to apply for graduate jobs among many more.
Feel free to contact our team if you have any questions. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter below for all the latest from Developing a Student.
