Congratulations! You’ve graduated and are ready to step into the ever-evolving world of STEM. Now comes the fun part; or the more challenging part, depending on how you see it.
How do you make sure your skills stay sharp, relevant, and adaptable, especially when you’re working remotely or finding yourself in between jobs?
Check out this number: $101,650. That’s the median annual salary of those working in the STEM sectors. Working in the IT or medical sectors? Great, because you’re set to earn some of the highest salaries among STEM graduates.
However, without the right skills, you can’t really find opportunities as good as these. Don’t sweat it though. For your sake, we’ll share a few engaging ways to enhance your STEM skills from the comfort of your home.
Dive into Online Postgraduate Degrees
Got a bachelor’s degree? Good; now why not get your master’s degree too? Even better, why not think about pursuing a postgraduate degree online?
We’re living in an age where prestigious universities are just a few clicks away. Whether it’s a master’s in data science or even a niche field like biotechnology, online courses offer flexibility and convenience. In fact, if you look in the right places, you’ll have no trouble even finding the right graduate nursing degree online.
Yes, some of the best nursing programs are now available online. Nursing education has come a long way. Enrolling in a nursing program no longer needs you to go to a nursing school in person.
However, you do need in-person training to provide proper patient care, especially in the public health sector, right? Don’t worry. According to Carson-Newman University, clinical placements are still done in person. In fact, your institution will help you locate a site and secure a preceptor for you.
Online degrees have come a long way and are now recognized by top employers around the world. Plus, they give you access to world-class professors, interactive sessions, and even networking opportunities that can set you up for a great career ahead.
Join Online STEM Communities and Forums
Isolation: a common feeling when you’re studying remotely. Worried about dealing with such isolation during your remote skill enhancement? No worries. The internet is brimming with communities of like-minded people who are just as excited about STEM as you are.
There are countless online forums where you can ask questions, share your projects, and get feedback from people around the world. These forums aren’t just filled with people throwing in technical jargon at each other. They also discuss job opportunities, important skills, collaborations, etc.
Participate in Virtual STEM Competitions
STEM fields are competitive, so no wonder that you’ll come across virtual STEM competitions. Coding contests, hackathons, olympiads: you name it. If you love challenges, you’ll love these virtual STEM competitions. These events are perfect for pushing your skills to the limit, all while having some fun.
Not only do these competitions allow you to test your knowledge, but they also look amazing on your resume. Think of it this way: when you’re participating in a hackathon, you’re not just coding. You’re working on a real-world problem, collaborating with a team, and coming up with solutions under time pressure.
How do STEM competitions help you? The skills you use at these events are directly related to your respective STEM fields. Hence, the better you do at these STEM contests or competitions, the more skilled you are – that’s how employers see it. Hence, these competitions are a great way to showcase to potential employers that you have what it takes to work with them.
Take Up Remote Internships or Freelance Projects
Nothing beats real-world experience, even in a world that’s very internet-centric. As a fresh graduate, internships and freelance projects can be your gateway to understanding the industry.
However, did you know you can do these internships remotely? That’s right, many companies are now offering virtual internships that allow you to gain hands-on experience without having to commute.
These opportunities give you a chance to work on real projects, learn about industry standards, and understand how teams collaborate remotely. Alsolus, you can pick projects that align with your specific interests.
Love data analysis? Find a project that lets you work on big data. Interested in robotics? There’s probably a startup out there looking for a remote intern just like you.
Enhancing your skills in STEM remotely is not just possible; it’s straight-up exciting. From enrolling in online postgraduate programs to joining virtual communities, the digital world offers endless possibilities.
Therefore, go ahead and embrace the freedom of remote learning, experiment with new skills, and stay curious. Your journey to upskilling yourself in your respective STEM field is a continuous one. Every step you take will bring you closer to becoming the expert you aspire to be.
