Four Tips to Transitioning from STEM Student to STEM Standout in the Workplace

As many students begin a new academic year, millions of undergrads around the world will be entering their final year of college. While it’s typically a time filled with excitement for what comes next, this year there is also uncertainly about the future. With inflation and a possible recession, the job market may go through some dynamic changes over next several months.

Despite that, globally we’re facing a worker shortage in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. Experts expect the skills gap to widen over the next decade. By 2025, it’s estimated that 3.5 million jobs in STEM will need to be filled. As a technology leader and a father of four girls who have either left home for college or will soon be doing so, I tell my daughters to control what you can control. If you are at your best and are well prepared, there’s nothing you can’t accomplish. So in that spirit, here are four pieces of advice that will help you transition from a STEM student to a STEM standout in the workplace:

1. Look for a Purpose-Driven Company:? When you begin to map out your career, be sure to take a company’s mission and purpose into account. New MetLife research shows that loyalty and job satisfaction are low among young workers (21–30-year-olds) in the tech sector. Thankfully, the same research cites purpose as a key retention driver among this younger employee cohort – with 58% of workers calling it a “must-have.” Indeed, it’s important to understand “the why” behind your work. You want to consider whether what you do has meaning and impact, and how it connects to a bigger picture. Aligning your values and goals with those of a prospective employer will lead to a more fulfilling start to your career.
2. Be Authentic:? Talking with prospective employers can be intimidating. However, if you can authentically convey your passion and interest, it will really set you apart from other candidates. Make sure your elevator pitch summarizes who you are both personally and professionally, what your experience is and why you want to pursue a career in STEM. Practice your pitch a couple times before interviews so it really feels authentic and familiar when speaking with a potential employer.
3. Be Confident in What You Do [and Don’t] Know: It’s important to convey confidence in your skillset and experience, but be sure to focus on the power of continuous learning. There is so much to learn for everyone at all stages of their career, which is why it’s vital to express curiosity and ask questions about professional development opportunities during your interview process to not only stand out, but to ensure your prospective employer offers opportunities to help you grow your skillset and career. For example, at MetLife, we empower employees to cultivate their careers with internal learning and development resources like MyPath, a tool that helps users refine skills, network and grow within the organization.?
4. Demonstrate Your Agility: If you’re a college senior who has made school your second home for several years, you may feel a little anxious to step outside of your comfort zone. That’s natural. As I look back on my own career, the biggest opportunities came with the biggest leaps of faith. Raise your hand for the stretch job or goal, speak up at the meeting, and, most importantly, get comfortable being uncomfortable. Remember that your career journey will likely not be a linear path. For example, when I worked at Bank of America, I was told I should move my family from the U.S. to London to take what was, at the time, a role at the same level as the one I had. But my boss told me that the experience would set me up for greater opportunities in the future—and it did. Your career will be filled with many twists and turns along the way. View change as an opportunity, not an impediment.

For you seniors, this is an exciting time in your lives. Embrace the journey, and for those of you dreaming of a career in STEM, your time to stand out is now!