Skip to content
Skip to main content

About this free course

Become an OU student

Download this course

Share this free course

Returning to STEM
Returning to STEM

Start this free course now. Just create an account and sign in. Enrol and complete the course for a free statement of participation or digital badge if available.

Week 3: What’s going on in your sector?

Introduction

Returning to work in STEM sectors can be daunting. The rapid pace of scientific and technological change means you may feel that many of the skills and experiences you have are out of date, and there are new jobs and new areas of work that didn’t even exist when you first entered work. Be prepared for the possibility that when you look at the changes in different employment sectors you might want to rethink previous assumptions about which sector you may return to work in. It may be different from the one you worked in previously.

This week you will look at what opportunities there are in STEM employment.

Watch the following video in which Sue introduces the subject.

Download this video clip.Video player: 38060_stem_week3_512x256.mp4
Copy this transcript to the clipboard
Print this transcript
Show transcript|Hide transcript
 
Interactive feature not available in single page view (see it in standard view).

This week you will be reading and researching – gathering background data and information about what the trends are in STEM employment that will help inform your decision-making about your next steps. You will also be working on preparing and developing your CV, which will be an essential tool in your return-to-work journey.

By the end of this week you should:

  • be aware of the latest overall trends and issues in your chosen field
  • be aware of government publications on trends in STEM and investment strategies
  • be able to consider career options relevant to your background and experience
  • have made a draft CV.