Recap: How To Break Into STEM Careers by Alexia Williams
- Rayaan Farah
- May 6
- 2 min read
Finding your place in STEM can feel like a total maze. In our latest session, Alexia Williams shared real-life advice on how to land your first STEM role with confidence. From soft skills to standing out in interviews, this session was packed full of insights.
What Is STEM?
STEM stands for:
Science
Technology
Engineering
Mathematics
It's a huge field from chemists in labs discovering new materials through to engineers designing the buildings we live in! There's something there for you no matter what you're interested in.
Want to explore more about STEM? Learn through organisations such as, SmartSTEMs who have educated countless young people on STEM.
Top Tips to Land a STEM Job
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but here are Alexia’s top tips from her own STEM journey:
1.) Get Work Experience: Even if it’s not directly related to your field as it gives you exposure to the workplace and shows initiative.
2.) Stand Out In Interviews: Bring something extra to the interview. For example, Alexia brought 3D-printed parts to her technical interview which made her memorable!
3.) Display Genuine Interest: Stay updated on the latest industry news, YouTube videos or podcasts. Employers can recognise when you are truly engaged or when you don't care at all.
Your STEM job hunt starts here! Kickstart your search to land your dream STEM job on Gradcracker, the No.1 platform for STEM students and graduates offering early career schemes, internships and summer placements (and more!)
STEM Ain't Just Numbers
Alexia made one thing clear: it’s not all about equations and solving problems. You need soft skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability just as much.
So, look beyond just STEM-based activities to build these soft skills. Volunteering, attending networking events, and gaining additional qualifications can all help strengthen your skillset.
Take a moment to think. You have completed an experiment and have obtained the results for the experiment. Would you keep the results to yourself or communicate the results to your colleague?
Discover more about soft skills? Read our blog now and accelerate your career progression!
Qualifications vs Passion
Yes, qualifications matter but passion carries you through in STEM. Alexia shared her experience of discovering her interest in aerospace through work placements which helped shape her path in STEM. The same can be said for you!
So, if you studied biology but have a passion for sustainability. You can go work in the construction industry at the forefront of sustainable construction technologies for example. Obviously, some jobs and disciplines are very specific but STEM allows you to experience different disciplines rather than being stuck in one!
If you're not sure where your interest in STEM lies, check out resources such as, Youth Employment UK's STEM Careers Guide which outlines all the various career routes within STEM from aerospace engineer to cosmetic scientist.
The STEM Landscape is Changing
There’s a major skills gap in the UK right now, which means more opportunities than ever for young people in STEM. You don’t also have to follow the traditional university route either as STEM apprenticeships, bootcamps and work placements are more widespread than ever before. Finally, find your area of interest, seek out work experience and never stop being curious!
If you have any further questions, feel free to connect with Alexia on LinkedIn below:
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