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What is the best course of action when I figure out that I don't want to do R&D as a 4th year STEM major?
I have been doing undergraduate research all summer and this job is too unorganized and too isolated for me to feel satisfied. I am a material science & engineering major with a passion for doing something good in the world but I don't know how I want to do that good.
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6 answers
Updated
Jon’s Answer
Reflect on Your Interests and Strengths:
Take some time to reflect on what aspects of STEM still interest you and what strengths you possess. Consider your passions, skills, and what type of work environment you might thrive in.
Explore Other Career Paths:
Research alternative career paths within your field of study. STEM offers a wide range of opportunities, from data analysis and science communication to project management and consulting. Look into industries that value your skills and could provide fulfilling work.
Speak to Career Counselors and Advisors:
Reach out to career counselors or advisors at your educational institution. They can provide guidance and resources to help you explore different career options, update your resume, and develop a job search strategy.
Networking and Informational Interviews:
Connect with professionals in the fields you're interested in. Conduct informational interviews to learn more about their roles, the skills required, and the day-to-day responsibilities. Networking can open doors to opportunities you might not have considered.
Skill Enhancement:
Depending on the new path you're considering, you might need to acquire new skills or enhance existing ones. Take relevant online courses, workshops, or certifications to make yourself a more attractive candidate.
Internships or Co-op Opportunities:
Consider internships or co-op placements to gain firsthand experience in your desired field. This can help you understand whether the new career path aligns with your interests and goals.
Update Your Resume and Online Profiles:
Tailor your resume and online profiles (like LinkedIn) to highlight the skills and experiences relevant to your new direction. Emphasize transferable skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication.
Apply for Jobs and Positions:
Start applying for entry-level positions or roles that align with your new career direction. Don't be discouraged by rejection; job searching can be a process of trial and error.
Prepare for Interviews:
Practice your interviewing skills and be ready to discuss your reasons for transitioning from R&D to your new desired field. Highlight the skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate.
Stay Open to Further Exploration:
Remember that career paths can evolve over time. Be open to the possibility of adjusting your trajectory as you gain more experience and insight.
Seek Mentorship:
Finding a mentor who has experience in your desired field can provide valuable guidance and support as you navigate your new career path.
Remember that making a change is a brave step toward finding a career that aligns with your interests and goals. Take your time to make informed decisions and don't hesitate to seek advice and support along the way.
Take some time to reflect on what aspects of STEM still interest you and what strengths you possess. Consider your passions, skills, and what type of work environment you might thrive in.
Explore Other Career Paths:
Research alternative career paths within your field of study. STEM offers a wide range of opportunities, from data analysis and science communication to project management and consulting. Look into industries that value your skills and could provide fulfilling work.
Speak to Career Counselors and Advisors:
Reach out to career counselors or advisors at your educational institution. They can provide guidance and resources to help you explore different career options, update your resume, and develop a job search strategy.
Networking and Informational Interviews:
Connect with professionals in the fields you're interested in. Conduct informational interviews to learn more about their roles, the skills required, and the day-to-day responsibilities. Networking can open doors to opportunities you might not have considered.
Skill Enhancement:
Depending on the new path you're considering, you might need to acquire new skills or enhance existing ones. Take relevant online courses, workshops, or certifications to make yourself a more attractive candidate.
Internships or Co-op Opportunities:
Consider internships or co-op placements to gain firsthand experience in your desired field. This can help you understand whether the new career path aligns with your interests and goals.
Update Your Resume and Online Profiles:
Tailor your resume and online profiles (like LinkedIn) to highlight the skills and experiences relevant to your new direction. Emphasize transferable skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication.
Apply for Jobs and Positions:
Start applying for entry-level positions or roles that align with your new career direction. Don't be discouraged by rejection; job searching can be a process of trial and error.
Prepare for Interviews:
Practice your interviewing skills and be ready to discuss your reasons for transitioning from R&D to your new desired field. Highlight the skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate.
Stay Open to Further Exploration:
Remember that career paths can evolve over time. Be open to the possibility of adjusting your trajectory as you gain more experience and insight.
Seek Mentorship:
Finding a mentor who has experience in your desired field can provide valuable guidance and support as you navigate your new career path.
Remember that making a change is a brave step toward finding a career that aligns with your interests and goals. Take your time to make informed decisions and don't hesitate to seek advice and support along the way.
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
adrienne
Updated
Brianne’s Answer
There are a lot of ways to apply a Material Science & Engineering degree outside of research. You could consider working for a company in a field that interests you. It is just as helpful to know what you don't want to do as what you do. With this knowledge in mind, try looking for an internship to gain practical experience. Your school should have a career center and maybe have career fairs you could attend to help you find an internship.
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
It's quite common for individuals to end up working in a field different from what they majored in during college. The journey through college is often a voyage of discovery, where we find out what truly ignites our passion and what doesn't. Completing your degree and then exploring diverse opportunities while hunting for your first job is not just acceptable, it's perfectly normal. Realizing that R&D might not be your cup of tea is also part of the process. Remember, the knowledge you've gained will be valuable and transferable to other areas. Don't hesitate to seek guidance from career counselors, consider internships in different sectors related to your field, or even ponder over the idea of teaching your subject. All these suggestions are valuable, and your journey is a shared experience across numerous fields. So, keep your spirit high and continue to explore your path.
Updated
Mustafa’s Answer
Striving to make a positive impact in the world that will be remembered as your legacy is a noble goal. However, the chance to achieve this often comes from being truly passionate and engaged in what might seem like ordinary daily tasks. For instance, your involvement in Research and Development in material science and engineering.
If you were to ask any Nobel laureate, they would tell you that their prestigious award was the result of at least two decades of diligent work, often carried out in solitude. In the realm of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), what might seem like tedious, isolated work is actually a series of small but significant contributions to an ever-expanding body of knowledge.
Remember the saying, "fortune favors the prepared mind". You'll find yourself in the right place at the right time when a situation arises that calls for a shift in perspective. Being the catalyst for such a paradigm shift in a STEM field is a legacy that anyone would be proud to leave behind.
If you were to ask any Nobel laureate, they would tell you that their prestigious award was the result of at least two decades of diligent work, often carried out in solitude. In the realm of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), what might seem like tedious, isolated work is actually a series of small but significant contributions to an ever-expanding body of knowledge.
Remember the saying, "fortune favors the prepared mind". You'll find yourself in the right place at the right time when a situation arises that calls for a shift in perspective. Being the catalyst for such a paradigm shift in a STEM field is a legacy that anyone would be proud to leave behind.
Updated
Mack’s Answer
Hi Adrienne,
The realm of Material Science and Engineering is vast and profound, offering a sea of opportunities. It's a blessing in disguise that you get to explore an aspect of this field that may not be your career preference! So, while R&D jobs might not be your cup of tea, consider venturing into the manufacturing sector. Firms involved in the production of ceramics, plastics and polymers, semiconductors, building materials, packaging, or metals are always on the lookout for proficient engineers.
Jon's advice to consult with career counselors at your college is definitely worth considering. Most educational institutions house a placement office or similar facility. Make it a point to visit this office and find out which companies are scouting for Material Science and Engineering graduates. In your vicinity of Cleveland alone, there are numerous prominent companies that deal with materials. This includes technology-based performance materials at Ferro Corporation, steel and iron ore pellets at Cleveland-Cliffs, and paints and coating products at Sherwin-Williams. The idea here is not to confine you to Cleveland, but to highlight the significance and ubiquity of Material Science and Engineering.
Armed with your engineering degree, you'll be perfectly positioned to contribute to various areas such as product development, product manufacturing, process enhancement, technical support, sales, quality control, and more.
Here's wishing you all the best in your quest for a fulfilling career that allows you to make a positive impact on the world. The possibilities are endless!
The realm of Material Science and Engineering is vast and profound, offering a sea of opportunities. It's a blessing in disguise that you get to explore an aspect of this field that may not be your career preference! So, while R&D jobs might not be your cup of tea, consider venturing into the manufacturing sector. Firms involved in the production of ceramics, plastics and polymers, semiconductors, building materials, packaging, or metals are always on the lookout for proficient engineers.
Jon's advice to consult with career counselors at your college is definitely worth considering. Most educational institutions house a placement office or similar facility. Make it a point to visit this office and find out which companies are scouting for Material Science and Engineering graduates. In your vicinity of Cleveland alone, there are numerous prominent companies that deal with materials. This includes technology-based performance materials at Ferro Corporation, steel and iron ore pellets at Cleveland-Cliffs, and paints and coating products at Sherwin-Williams. The idea here is not to confine you to Cleveland, but to highlight the significance and ubiquity of Material Science and Engineering.
Armed with your engineering degree, you'll be perfectly positioned to contribute to various areas such as product development, product manufacturing, process enhancement, technical support, sales, quality control, and more.
Here's wishing you all the best in your quest for a fulfilling career that allows you to make a positive impact on the world. The possibilities are endless!
Updated
Davis’s Answer
Lots of opportunities in Material Science and Engineering in chemical and oil/gas industry. In fact most industries could use your skills and don't have to be R&D. Consider looking at various industry websites like \cpchem.com\careers to find what openings are available. Our engineers with this background are helping in areas of metallurgy, looking for appropriate coatings and sprays, corrosion prevention reliability, etc.