Robert Anderson’s Post

Return-to-work specialists STEM Returners has launched its FIFTH annual survey to understand STEM professionals’ experiences of trying to re-enter the workplace after a career break. The 2024 STEM Returners Index is open to all STEM professionals who have had a gap in their career of any length, or who are attempting to return to work, or who have recently returned to work. The survey is anonymous and asks a range of questions including reasons for a career break and what challenges were faced when attempting to return to work. The results will enable STEM Returners to further understand the barriers people face, track the progress UK STEM industries are making, and shine a light on the change needed to create fair opportunities for all. The 2024 survey will be open until 30 June 2024. Complete the survey: https://ow.ly/K58Z50RFqxA

Our partner, STEM Returners, has launched its FIFTH annual survey to understand the experiences of STEM professionals re-entering the workforce after a career break. The 2024 STEM Returners Index is open to all STEM professionals with career gaps, whether they are returning or have recently returned to work. The anonymous survey covers reasons for career breaks and challenges faced in returning to work. Results will help identify barriers, track progress, and highlight needed changes in UK STEM industries. Last year's survey revealed significant recruitment biases, particularly against women and minority ethnic groups. Natalie Desty, Founder of STEM Returners said: “Sadly, there is a misconception that a career break leads to a deterioration of skills but in our experience that’s simply not true. Most people keep up to date with the latest developments in their field, undertake training while on a break and develop new, transferable skills that would benefit an employer. But recruitment bias in the system means, when they are ready to return to work, they face an uphill battle. We want to get more detailed insight into these challenges and use this valuable information to help employers improve their recruitment processes. I would like to personally encourage any STEM professional who has had a career break, of any length, to take part in the survey and tell us about their experiences.” The 2024 survey will be open until 30 June 2024. Follow the link to complete the survey, STEM Returners Index 2024 (snapsurveys.com), or scan the QR code below. The 2024 STEM Returners Index will be published in September 2024.

It always raises an eyebrow with me when American STEM professionals are laid off, but the recent recalibration of salaries hasn’t been uniform across tech. Links in the comments. “CNBC spoke to a dozen people who have been laid off from tech jobs in the past year or so about their experiences navigating the labor market. Some spoke on the condition that CNBC not use their names or write about the details of their situation. Taken together, they paint a picture of an increasingly competitive market with job listings that include exacting requirements for qualification and come with lower pay than their prior gigs.” #stem #workforce #techcareers

Here’s interesting data about the salaries and demand for STEM jobs in the U.S.

The latest STEM Returners Index reveals a troubling paradox although organizations desperately seek to fill growing skills gaps in engineering, technology, and green sectors, they simultaneously shut the door on experienced professionals attempting to return after career breaks. With 40% of returners reporting personal bias in 2024 (up from 33% in 2023), and 65% finding the return difficult or very difficult (up from 51%), we're witnessing a systemic failure in how we evaluate and welcome talent back to the workforce. The STEM sector and every other sector needs to: 📍Redesign recruitment processes to evaluate actual skills rather than recent timestamps. 📍Implement returner programs as standard practice, not exceptional initiatives. 📍Address intersectional bias head-on through reformed hiring practices. We can't afford to waste good talent in an era of critical skills shortages. Can we? #hiringbias #recruitment #STEM

🙋Participants needed for the '2024 STEM Returners Index'.📢 All STEM professionals who have had a career break or are looking to re-enter their industry are invited to share their experiences - the survey should take about 10 minutes to complete. Read more about the great work STEM Returners do in the DIGIT article below. You can also find a direct link to the survey in the comment section. 👇

What is The STEM Returners Index❓ The STEM Returners Index is an annual survey with UK STEM professionals who are on a career break, attempting to return to work or recently returned. We know that STEM professionals on career breaks face hidden barriers when attempting to return to work. The STEM Returners Index aims to further understand these barriers, track the progress UK STEM industries are making with solving them, and shine a light on the change needed to create fair opportunities for all. What were the findings from the 2023 STEM Returners Index❓ 📍STEM professionals attempting to return to work in 2023 are as diverse, experienced and qualified as ever - 45% are female, 39% are from a minority ethnic background, 65% have a degree, masters or doctorate and 44% have more than 5 years of experience in their field before taking a career break. 📍They are a highly motivated group - 30% miss the challenge, 33% want to return to their passion, and 31% want to get back to making progress with their long-term career goals. 📍Caring responsibilities (both children and other family members) is the most common reason for a career break, with only 12% taking one out of personal choice. 📍Gaining feedback on applications remains the single biggest barrier to returning to work. 44% of candidates in 2023 say they receive feedback never or hardly at all. 📍Over 45s are most likely to experience bias in a recruitment process and almost twice as likely than under 45s to apply for 70+ jobs. 📍STEM professionals from minority ethnic backgrounds are 50% more likely than White British candidates to say they are finding the process of returning ‘very difficult’ and twice as likely as all other ethnic groups to feel they have experienced bias in a recruitment process related to race or ethnicity. 📍51% of those attempting to return in 2023 found the process difficult or very difficult. 📍33% of returners felt they had experienced bias in a recruitment process. 📍40% of successful returners saying they would have preferred to enrol in a supporter returners programme, but only 16% had the chance to take this route. Have you ever had a career break from STEM❓ We invite all STEM professionals who have had a career break or are looking to re-enter their industry, to share their experiences with us. We NEED your valuable input to drive change and create a more inclusive industry. Click here to complete the STEM Returners Index 2024 Survey: https://ow.ly/QWGI50RtHIo #ReturntoSTEM #STEMReturnersIndex2024 #returntowork #STEMReturners #STEM #careerbreak #returntoSTEM #diversity #inclusion #inclusiverecruitment #returners

How to Earn 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 the Average Salary for Your Age Many young professionals wonder, “How can I break out of the average salary range?” With a strategic approach, it’s possible to consistently earn above the average salary for your age group. Here are three key ways to make that happen: 💡 𝐔𝐩-𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐢𝐯𝐨𝐭 The job market is constantly evolving, and so should we. Invest in skills that are in high demand within your field, or pivot into emerging roles where your expertise can be rewarded. Whether it’s mastering a new software, getting certified, or switching to a growing industry, continuous learning is crucial. 💡 𝐍𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐬 Negotiating can feel uncomfortable, but it’s essential. When offered a salary, research the industry range, know your value, and be prepared to advocate for yourself. Employers appreciate a well-prepared candidate who knows their worth and can communicate it professionally. 💡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 Contracting can offer a unique opportunity for higher pay, as you can set your own rates and work across various projects. While contracting has its challenges, such as a lack of traditional benefits, it can significantly boost your earning potential if managed wisely. The journey to earning above average isn’t always straightforward, but by up-skilling, negotiating, and exploring contracting opportunities, you can accelerate your financial growth while doing work that truly matters. What’s your strategy to earn above the average salary for your age? 🚨Are you a Black woman in STEM? Apply to join the Black Sisters in STEM waitlist to access tailored resources, scholarships, and a supportive community to help you reach new heights. 🔗 Join Sister Nation today and unlock your potential! https://buff.ly/4867Bog #STEM #blacksistersinstem #heyblacksis #blackwomen

Many young male Gen Z grads are becoming NEETs, choosing unemployment over jobs that don’t meet their high expectations. - 🎓 One in five male Gen Z graduates is unemployed and not actively seeking work. - 🚀 Men are holding out for "unicorn" roles that align with their ideal career path and compensation expectations. - 🏢 Traditional male-dominated sectors like tech and finance are experiencing slowdowns, impacting job availability. - 🌐 Female grads are more flexible, taking roles to build skills and networks, while men wait for perfect opportunities. - 📉 Societal pressure on men to secure high-status jobs contributes to longer unemployment periods. #GenZ #JobMarket #CareerTrends - 💼 Companies may need to adjust recruiting strategies to engage male Gen Z candidates. - 🤝 Networking and skill development are critical, even in less-than-ideal roles. - 🔄 The job market's shift requires a more adaptable approach to career growth. - 📊 Understanding these trends can help in creating better opportunities for all young professionals. https://lnkd.in/gKyZYDMV

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, #STEM—that is, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics— jobs are expected to see demand grow by almost 11% in the United States by 2032. Another interesting stat for would-be STEM professionals? STEM salaries currently top $100,000 annual on average—more than double the average salary for non-STEM. While this is obviously a boon for job seekers, it’s also a worthy #investment for employers, who may be able to actually recoup a large share of the #payroll costs for STEM talent if they staff these roles strategically. We unpack the opportunity that this high demand opens for job seekers, why employers benefit from a robust and effective R&D organization, and how companies can build an R&D team that not only delivers on #innovation, but unlocks new avenues for #funding. https://lnkd.in/eKniQsEe