There are many places you can take your degree in STEM, and luckily for grads with science, engineering, technology or math degrees, the job outlook remains very promising. But not every job is created equal, and some opportunities out there for STEM majors will allow you to use your skills not only to support an organization, but have a large impact on the world as a whole.
To help you in your search for a meaningful job or internship as a STEM major, we’ve narrowed down four opportunities that might not be on the top of your mind today, but should be.
An opportunity to: Make a large social impact through education
While you may not have considered taking your STEM degree into the classroom to teach immediately after graduation, it’s a great way to kickstart your career. You can help expose young students to content and ideas you are passionate about and you don’t need a second degree in education to do so. Success Academy, the highest performing public charter school network in New York State, offers highly innovative STEM programs in elementary, middle and high school and welcomes candidates with no prior teaching experience who want to help students fall in love with these subjects. Plus, you’ll gain valuable and transferable job skills by working at Success Academy. Teachers at Success receive career development, mentorship, and coaching from the moment they start. Learn more about the opportunities to teach with Success Academy here.
An opportunity to: Get involved in impactful research
For STEM majors interested in a combination of data science, social science, and technology, look no further than Mathematica. As a research company that partners with government agencies, foundations, and businesses to help solve some of the world's most pressing problems, Mathematica applies the latest advances in data science to provide evidence-based insights that improve people's lives. They have many areas of expertise, including education, health, housing and homelessness, labor and workforce development, nutrition and food assistance, poverty and inequality, and many more. STEM majors at the company contribute across these areas, providing support in data analysis, health research, international agriculture, and more. Learn more about career opportunities and this company’s goal to provide an inclusive, diverse staff-driven work culture here.
An opportunity to: Improve the quality of the food we eat
Plenty is on a mission to grow fresh food for everyone, everywhere. As an agricultural technology company, Plenty is working to improve the quality and taste of the food we eat by making it more sustainably and efficiently — and they're doing it by developing the most advanced indoor vertical farming technologies in the world. At Plenty, STEM majors contribute to the larger company in areas such as engineering, plant science, and data analytics, and have a direct impact on the farming startup. Learn more about careers at Plenty here.
An opportunity to: Make the world a cleaner place
As a world leader in serving science, Thermo Fisher Scientific is always looking for STEM majors to contribute to their goal of supporting scientists and researchers worldwide. From assisting researchers in finding cures for cancer to helping food manufacturers produce safer and healthier products, at Thermo Fisher Scientific you'll have the chance to work on projects directly impacting human health and scientific discovery while collaborating with some of the brightest minds in the field. And because Thermo Fisher is constantly innovating and expanding, there are always opportunities to grow and advance your career. Learn more about the wide range of career opportunities at Thermo Fisher Scientific here.
Launching your career with a STEM degree can be intimidating, but with the right research and know-how, you can find your perfect fit. And with the vast array of industries and companies that value STEM majors, you're sure to find an opportunity that suits your interests and passions. So don't be afraid to explore all the possibilities, including these unique career opportunities.