by Karin Ash
Graduate School Options for STEM Candidates
Would you like to strengthen or update your technology skills? Perhaps move into management? Maybe even start your own business? Or shift your career out of the technology space?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, this might be the perfect time for you to apply to graduate school. According to research from the , jobs in the computer and information technology fields are expected to grow much faster than the average rate for all occupations between 2023 and 2033, with as many as 356,700 openings expected annually. Companies are seeking software engineers, product designers, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) experts, data scientists, product managers, and sales managers. There is ever-increasing demand for AI skills as organizations integrate AI into their business practices.
You might be committed to a career in technology but would like to lead project teams and therefore need to develop your skills in leadership, negotiation, and communication. Or maybe you’re thinking about starting your own venture and would benefit from courses in entrepreneurship, finance, and marketing. There are many good options in graduate education – from an MS or MEng in engineering, computer science, or AI, to a master’s in engineering management, a combination program of a STEM field/MBA, or a PhD.
If you are seeking a research degree – an MS or PhD – you’ll need to demonstrate that you have research experience, either as an undergraduate student or at your workplace. Gaining acceptance to a research program requires that you have an excellent academic record and have published research, or at least have experience with the research process. You’ll want to secure letters of recommendation from your former professors or someone from your work who has a PhD and has supervised your research. Your recommenders need to be able to vouch for your research skills and the probability of your success in a graduate research program. You will also want to clearly state what your research focus will be and your career goal upon graduation.
To select a school and program, start by identifying your end goal. How do you want to make a difference? What work will bring you the greatest satisfaction? You should choose a program (theoretical or applied) based on which one offers a curriculum that will provide you with the skills you need to achieve your end goal. You must also decide whether you want to commit one or two years to pursuing your degree as a full-time student, or whether you prefer to keep working – in which case, you should enroll in an online, part-time program instead. Other factors to consider are the program’s required qualifications, location, and cost, as well as where its graduates are employed and the extent of the career services available to support you in your job search.
For the past nine years, I have worked with STEM clients who have been accepted to highly ranked programs in many engineering fields, data science, computer science, AI, environmental science, and statistics. Applying to graduate school is a complex process. Consider hiring a consultant to help you evaluate your options, develop a plan, think strategically about your statement of purpose, edit your essays, and rework your resume for an academic setting. Ultimately, earning a graduate degree will offer you new and challenging career opportunities.
With 30 years of career and admissions experience at four universities, including Cornell’s College of Engineering and Johnson Business School, Dr. Karin Ash facilitated students’ entry into the world’s best companies. As an adcom member, she also evaluated applications and therefore knows what schools and employers seek. Want Karin to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!
Related Resources
