Career Advice

Your resume is the very first thing that potential employers see when considering your job application, and it can be daunting to sit down to write out short explanations of your campus involvement and work experience in a way that best highlights your skills. In fact, it takes time and patience to draft a great resume to ensure that it’s digestible and properly tells your story as a student and a new entrant to the workforce. But the work doesn’t end there.

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.

There are many elements that make up a good work experience. That includes a competitive salary that makes you feel like a valued member of the team, a supervisor that helps you to reach your career goals, and an inclusive culture that celebrates different perspectives and viewpoints. But there’s another factor you don’t want to overlook that can have a large impact on your overall happiness both in and outside the office — feeling a sense of belonging at work. And while some of that may depend on the opportunities your office provides, it also rides on your willingness to step outside your comfort zone.

There are benefits of working in the office and benefits of working at home. In an office setting, you can build relationships with coworkers over shared meals and breaks, have an easier time troubleshooting issues or asking questions to your supervisor without having to schedule a meeting or explain yourself over an email or messaging app, and can learn from others about professional behaviors in the workplace. At the same time, working from home gives you more control over your work schedule, allows you to cut down on commute time to and from the office, and enables you to work in clothing and a setting you feel most comfortable in.

Study after study has shown that today's college students – Generation Z – are a socially-conscious generation, with their commitment to social good influencing everything from their purchasing decisions to their career paths. One study by Cone Communications found that 94% of the Gen Z individuals surveyed believe companies should help address critical social issues, while a survey by DoSomething Strategic found that 76% of Gen Z respondents said they have purchased or would consider purchasing from a brand to show support for the issues that the company supported.

There's no better time to get into tech — the industry is booming, and is worth a total of $5 trillion today. And you don't even need a STEM degree to get your foot in the door.

If you’ve ever attended a career fair, you know the drill: have copies of your resume handy, dress professionally, and be ready to introduce yourself to each company. For virtual events, it might look more like: ensure your internet connection is stable, secure a quiet spot, and be sure to dress to impress — at least from the waist up. Whether you’re looking to connect with a company in person or over the screen, you’re probably wondering how to make an impact on a recruiter to set yourself apart from other job candidates. Here are some tips for standing out at in-person and virtual career fairs.

Picture this: You've just been offered your dream job. The company has the salary, benefits, and culture you’ve been searching for, but there's one caveat — you have to relocate for the position. The questions swirling around in your head might include whether you can afford the costs associated with moving, have the time to search for and secure a new place to live, and how easy the adjustment will be to a new city. Luckily, there are select companies out there that have policies in place to help you navigate this exciting, yet scary life change — from setting you up with a consultant to find an affordable apartment near the office, to helping you manage the stress that comes along with moving.

It can be daunting to watch your graduation date inch closer and still be unsure about where you want to kick-start your career — especially if you haven’t yet nailed down an industry or role that you’re passionate about. But there are some opportunities that will allow you to build new skills and challenge yourself regardless of what you studied in school, and gain a meaningful experience along the way.