Why do so many graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) end up chasing jobs outside of science instead of following their passion for research?
A by the UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills suggests an answer: “It appears to be more a case of ignorance rather than decisions to go in other directions due to well-founded negative views [of STEM careers],” it says. Many STEM graduates, and particularly those that have not done science-related work experience, have “a lack of knowledge or experience of what STEM core jobs and careers are really like”.
The upshot? High-visibility graduate schemes are all well and good, but don’t miss out on your perfect career through a lack of research. Get yourself back to your careers advisory service and learn all you can about your options in science.
