YOUR STEM PATH
Learn more about the different directions that your STEM path can take.
EXPLORE BY SECTOR
There are a variety of sectors you can work in on your STEM career. Understanding what each sector offers and their pros and cons can help you make decisions throughout your career. Remember that you can have a fulfilling STEM career no matter what sector you choose.
Academia
- Potential benefits: Chance to contribute to scientific advancement, freedom to choose your own research projects, stimulating environment
- Potential challenges: Positions can be limited and highly competitive, tenure and promotion are largely based on research productivity, and need to apply for funding
- STEM jobs in academia can offer individuals the opportunity to engage in meaningful work, contribute to scientific and technological advancements, help to shape the future of their field, and teach and mentor the next generation of scientists and engineers
- Jobs in academia are heavily focused on research and publishing
- Advanced degrees — especially Ph.D.s — are generally required for all careers in academia.
Industry
- Potential benefits: Possibility of high compensation, fast career advancement
- Potential challenges: Companies are often profit-focused, which means potentially higher pressure and stress for those involved
- Careers in STEM industries typically have strong job security due to the high demand for workers with applicable skills, as well as the ongoing need for innovation and technological development
- Advanced degrees are useful for STEM industry careers, but there are other ways to get into the industry. Depending on the field, a certificate or an undergraduate degree may be all that is required. Either way, demonstrable expertise and experience make a big impact.
Startups
- Potential benefits: Get the experience needed to understand the sector and funding models, gain connections with funders
- Potential challenges: Compensation and overall stability are less dependable than in other industry jobs, potential for long hours
- Startups are typically smaller and more unique than other industry jobs. There are a lot of different startups, giving lots of options for various interests and abilities. Additionally, startups often give employees the opportunity to have multiple roles and learn different skills.
- When considering working for a startup, think about who the founders are, the product’s market opportunity and organizational structure, who the investors are, and where it is in the funding cycle. All of these things have an influence on compensation, stability and the culture of the position.
- Advanced degrees are useful for STEM careers in startups, but may not be required. Demonstrable expertise and experience make a big impact when hiring for a startup.
Non-profit
- Potential benefits: High demand, high variety, focused on positive change
- Potential challenges: Lower compensation, potentially fluid funding that impacts stability
- At first glance, non-profit jobs may look similar to many industry jobs, but there are several key differences. The most basic is how these organizations earn and spend money. Most industry companies are trying to make a profit, while non-profit organizations are trying to make an impact, rather than a profit.
- Non-profit organizations can be influenced by public policy and funding, similar to government organizations. However, they often aren’t subject to the same regulations as government organizations.
- Advanced degrees are useful for non-profit STEM jobs, but depending on the field, a certificate or undergraduate degree may be all that is required. Demonstrable expertise and experience, as well as other soft skills, such as collaboration and communication, are useful when hiring for non-profits.
Government - Military
- Potential benefits: High job security, steady funding, great opportunity for advancement
- Potential challenges: Rules and regulations of military life, potential for deployment
- When it comes to military scientists, it’s been said that they are military first, scientists second. All science-focused military members should be comfortable with the military lifestyle. This includes following strict rules and honor systems, as well as being ready to participate in combat missions if needed.
- The military has great education benefits, so any certificates or undergraduate or advanced degrees required may be paid for in full.
Government - Civilian
- Potential benefits: High job security, good benefits, worthwhile projects, public service
- Potential challenges: Bureaucratic red tape can make work slower
- Government STEM jobs can be found on local, state and federal levels, with a wide range of focus. This includes civilian positions under military branches or at military labs. This means there are plenty of opportunities.
- Government and public service STEM jobs are typically focused on something that has been deemed important for community and society progress. This can help the individuals involved with a project feel like their work is impactful and meaningful.
- Advanced degrees are useful for government STEM jobs, but depending on the field, a certificate or an undergraduate degree may be all that is required.
Contractor
- Potential benefits: Ability to work on a wide range of topics, more variety in colleagues
- Potential challenges: Security clearances may be required
- Contractors have the ability to work in multiple sectors by taking contracts from the military, government agencies, corporate entities, or non-profits.
- Consultants are generally experts in their field—advanced degrees will likely be required.
- Gives you the opportunity to either join a contracting agency or be self-employed as a contractor.
AEOP Internships and Fellowships
AEOP Internships and Fellowships help you gain the skills and experience you need today to prepare for the STEM careers of tomorrow. As an intern or fellow, you will conduct cutting-edge research in a state-of-the-art facility alongside a professional STEM mentor.