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  1. Home
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  3. Career advice for STEM students and graduates

Career advice for STEM students and graduates

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Two smiling students on a blue background and the words 'STEM careers start here.'

There's no doubt about it – a STEM career is hard work. But it’s worth it. STEM careers are rewarding and have a real impact on society and people's lives. Sound like something you’d like to be a part of? We've put together all the STEM career advice you need to get the job you want.

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Become a Bright Network member

Join our network of over one million students and graduates. You'll get expert advice and access to exclusive networking events. Plus, you'll find opportunities from top STEM employers.

What is STEM?

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and maths. When we talk about STEM degrees or careers, we're referring to degrees or careers that use technology or scientific methods to get results.

In education, it's often felt that there aren't enough students studying STEM-related degrees. That’s good news for you. Fewer students equals fewer graduates going into STEM fields. All while the world becomes more technologically focused! Because of this, STEM students are in high demand by employers.

Your STEM career starts here

Explore what skills you need, learn how to format your CV and read insights from employers in the free yourSTEM career journey guide.

STEM career paths

There are many industries looking to hire graduates with STEM degrees. We’ve put together career path guides that take you through everything you need to know about different sectors.

Engineering & construction

Engineering is the umbrella term for the science of materials, construction and technology. There are roles across the entire process, from drawing up designs to producing and maintaining finished products.

Learn more about the engineering & construction career path.

Science & pharmaceuticals

The pharmaceuticals sector supports the medical world, supplying hospitals, pharmacies and patients with medicine.

But pharmaceuticals goes deeper than the dispensaries. Behind every medication is a huge team of scientists, engineers and researchers improving the quality and accessibility of healthcare. It’s a life-changing (and life-saving) industry.

Learn more about the science & pharmaceuticals career path.

Technology & IT infrastructure

Technology and problem-solving go hand-in-hand, so tech consultancy is a natural fit for many graduates. While a science or tech degree is useful, it’s not essential. The sector has opportunities for everyone.

Learn more about the technology & IT infrastructure career path.

STEM career profiles

Not sure what STEM role you want? The possibilities are endless. Here’s a selection of STEM job opportunities available:

Find out what you can do with your STEM degree

What if I don't have a STEM degree?

If you want a career in a STEM field but don't have a STEM degree, don’t panic. For some roles, you don’t need one, but others do require formal training. If engineering is your dream sector, you’ll need to consider going back to uni to get the right degree. Other areas of STEM are more flexible though.

The key to getting a career in STEM without a specific degree is preparation. Work out the path you want to go down and research the qualifications or skills you need to get you there. Prepare to change from what you're currently doing and be open to learning!

For some STEM paths, you’ll need to take a course or learn a skill but you won’t always need to do a new degree. Learning to code, for example, will help you get into tech.

Support for women and non-binary people in STEM

Looking into STEM but feel uneasy about your gender being under-represented? Our herSTEM hub offers dedicated support.

Day in the life of STEM careers

Want to know more about what your day-to-day will look like in STEM? Learn from recent graduates about what their STEM roles look like:

STEM success stories

We love hearing from Bright Network members who’ve secured the role they wanted.

Juanita gained technology experience at Waterstons

"My motivation for entering the technology sector emerged from my exploration of career options during my final year at university. With the help of Bright Network, I navigated through different sectors and narrowed my interests to finance and technology."

Bright Network member, Juanita

Here’s how more members got the roles they wanted and their top tips for their success:

Ready to pursue a STEM career?

Search through hundreds of internships and grad jobs to start your STEM career.