New Year - New Career? The Ultimate Guide to Launching a New Career in 2024!

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New Year - New Career? The Ultimate Guide to Launching a New Career in 2024!

As we stand on the cusp of the new year, the prospect of launching a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) brings with it opportunities and challenges. In this evolving landscape, we understand the importance of equipping you with the knowledge and insights necessary to successfully navigate the intricacies of lining up a new role.

The Demand for STEM Professionals in Ireland

Ireland stands at the forefront of the European Union, boasting an impressive 35% of graduates with STEM qualifications, a notable contrast to the EU average of 19%. The Irish STEM sectors are expecting a significant surge in the demand for STEM professionals, projections indicate a remarkable 22% increase in job opportunities between 2022 and 2030. This growth is largely attributed to the expanding technology sector and the pressing need for innovative solutions to address societal challenges.

For STEM professionals like yourself, the new year brings even greater promise. January is a pivotal month with a notable uptick in job openings across various STEM fields. Fueled by fresh budgets and ambitious goals for the year, companies actively seek skilled individuals to contribute to their teams.

Taking a closer look at the impact on STEM careers, the Manufacturing Sector in Ireland witnessed over 250,000 employees in 2021. Notably, Manufacturing & Supply Chain holds a substantial 32% share of Ireland's GDP, surpassing the European average of 15%. The country has become a hub for major players, with all the top 10 Pharmaceutical companies and 8 of the top 10 Industrial Automation companies establishing operations in Ireland. Moreover, 14 out of the top 15 Medical Engineering Companies have set up shop, employing over 40,000 individuals. The convergence of these factors positions Ireland as a vibrant and dynamic landscape for STEM professionals seeking promising career opportunities in the coming years.

New Year (New Openings) New ME!

As reported by siliconrepublic.com, the most sought-after STEM roles for 2024 showcase a strong presence in the IT/Tech sector. These include positions such as:

Software Developer
Web Developer
DevOps and Cloud Engineer
Infrastructure Engineer
QA Engineer
Cloud Infrastructure Engineer

Beyond the Tech landscape, Ireland's job market also has a pronounced demand for skilled professionals in Science and Engineering. These roles span across diverse fields some of which include:

Project Engineering
Project Management
Process Engineering

The evolving job landscape in Ireland holds a wealth of opportunities for those in STEM, reflecting a dynamic and expansive field with a multitude of pathways for career growth and success.

Quick question! Are you a STEM professional in any of the roles mentioned above? Explore our careers opportunities, we specialise in connecting talented individuals with opportunities in these fields ;)

Additionally, it's worth noting that the STEM industry not only experiences a surge in job openings during January but also boasts one of the highest job satisfaction rates. In 2018, a survey of 900 Irish professionals found that 81% of STEM employees were satisfied or highly satisfied with their jobs. This underscores the desirability and fulfillment associated with careers in STEM, further enhancing the attractiveness of opportunities within the sector during the early months of the year.

So now that you know there are job opportunities in STEM, here are some strategies for landing your dream STEM career in 2024!

Embarking on a successful job search begins with a thorough self-assessment. Reflect on your skills, interests, and values to gain clarity on your professional aspirations. Identify your passions and strengths – those aspects that make you uniquely suited for certain roles. Understanding what drives and fulfills you will guide your search towards roles that align with your personal and professional goals. Here are a few ways to start lining up some great career opportunities:

Harnessing the Power of Online Resources for a Strategic Job Search

In today's dynamic recruitment landscape, navigating your career journey requires a proactive approach that extends beyond traditional job boards and online applications. This is where the power of online resources such as LinkedIn, Whatsapp Communities, and Glassdoor to name a few comes into play. By actively engaging on these platforms, you gain invaluable insights into companies and roles that align with your professional aspirations.

Let’s have a look at some tips for success LinkedIn:

LinkedIn is a powerful platform for showcasing your skills, learning about company culture, and connecting with hiring managers. But how do you turn casual connections into meaningful conversations that can benefit your career? Here are some tips and tricks recommended by LinkedIn:

Break through the noise in LinkedIn inboxes!
Hiring managers and companies get bombarded with messages, but yours can stand out. Take the time to personalise your outreach. Mention something specific about the person's profile or recent activity that resonates with you. This demonstrates genuine interest and helps you build a connection that goes beyond a mass message.

Uncover common ground to spark engaging conversations. Look for shared connections, companies you both follow, or even groups and interests you have in common. These insights provide valuable context to initiate meaningful interactions. Additionally, consider sharing relevant insights, articles, or resources that might benefit the recipient. This positions you as a thought leader and adds value to the conversation, making you more memorable.
Now that you have your “hook” how do you keep the conversation going?

Ask open-ended questions: Encourage conversation by posing questions that spark thoughtful responses. This allows you to learn more about their work, company, and career journey.
Actively read and respond: Pay attention to their responses and ask follow-up questions to demonstrate your interest and engagement.
Share your own experiences: Don't just ask questions; also share your own insights and perspectives to contribute meaningfully to the conversation.

Networking on LinkedIn:

Join relevant groups and discussions: Participate in online communities related to your industry or career goals. This is a great way to connect with like-minded professionals and engage in meaningful conversations
Follow companies and influencers: Stay updated on company news and engage with their posts to demonstrate your interest and expertise.
Connect with hiring managers: As we mentioned earlier, don't be afraid to reach out to hiring managers at companies you're interested in. Introduce yourself, express your interest in their work, and ask questions about the company culture and potential opportunities.

Some LinkedIn Features to add to your arsenal:

Utilise Recommendations and Endorsements on your profile: Ask colleagues, friends and connections to endorse your skills and write recommendations. This adds credibility to your profile and showcases your strengths to potential employers.
Publish articles and posts: Share your expertise and insights by writing articles or creating engaging posts on LinkedIn. This helps you position yourself as a thought leader and attract the attention of potential employers.
Add any additional learning skills or courses you’ve achieved: Take advantage of showcasing your profiles skills section to enhance your profile. Demonstrating your commitment to continuous learning can be attractive to employers.

Additional Tips:

Be professional and courteous in all your interactions.
Proofread your messages carefully before sending them.
Be patient – building meaningful relationships takes time and effort.
Follow up with your connections regularly to maintain the relationship.

By following these tips and tricks, you can effectively leverage LinkedIn to engage in meaningful conversations with professionals, build valuable connections, and take your career to the next level. Remember, the key is to be proactive, authentic, and provide value to the people you connect with.

Using Glassdoor to Level Up

Similarly, to LinkedIn, Glassdoor is also a powerful tool that offers a wealth of information to help you navigate your career path. Here are some ways you can leverage Glassdoor to land your dream job, along with tips and tricks recommended by the platform itself:

Researching Companies and Roles:

Company Reviews: Get insider information on company culture, work-life balance, interview processes, and salaries through employee reviews. This helps you assess company fit and make informed decisions about potential employers.
Salary Estimator: Research average salaries for specific positions and locations to understand your market value and negotiate effectively.
Interview Reviews: Read through past interview experiences shared by other candidates to gain insights into the interview process and prepare effectively.

Engaging with the Glassdoor Community:

Ask Questions: Utilise the Q&A section to ask questions about specific companies, roles, or interview processes. This allows you to get direct insights from current and former employees.
Participate in Discussions: Join discussions and share your expertise on relevant topics. This demonstrates your knowledge and helps you build a network within your field.

By strategically utilising these features and tips, you can transform Glassdoor into your secret weapon in your job search. Remember, the key is to be proactive, engaged, and leverage the platform's resources to your advantage.

While LinkedIn and Glassdoor are powerful tools, we understand they may not be the only resources you find valuable. This blog would have stretched considerably longer if we included every available option! The best tool for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the following factors when choosing a tool:

Your industry and target job: Some tools are more focused on specific industries than others.
Your career goals: Some tools are better for finding jobs than others are for networking or learning new skills.
Your budget: Some tools are free to use, while others require a paid subscription.

Your personal preferences: Some tools are more user-friendly than others.

Remember, a strategic job search goes beyond simply securing any role. It's about finding a workplace where you can thrive, continuously learn, and achieve genuine fulfillment. Embracing an approach that combines online resources with meaningful connections empowers you to stay ahead in your field and cultivate a work environment that aligns with your vision for a rewarding career. If this all seems like a lot of admin reach out to us, we have a great network of multinational companies ready to engage with top tier talent like yourself!

The “Networking Bandwagon”

Building a robust professional network is a cornerstone of career success. Networking provides valuable insights, mentorship opportunities, and potential job leads. According to a survey by LinkedIn, 85% of jobs are filled through networking, underscoring the importance of building meaningful connections in your field. Attending industry events, conferences, and webinars to expand your network and stay updated on industry trends. Here are a few events to look forward to in 2024!

Women in STEM Summit 2024: This event is for those who support diversity, equity, and inclusion in their teams, organizations, and industries. The summit will address the STEM shortage in Ireland.

Science Week Ireland 2024: This annual event celebrates STEM and aims to inspire curiosity and promote STEM education and research. It will take place from November 10–17, 2024.

STEPS Engineers Week: This week-long event runs from March 2–8. It's run by the Engineers Ireland STEPS program and gives children the chance to learn about engineering. Engineering professionals are encouraged to adopt a local school during this week.

Now that you have some insights as to where to find some prospective jobs, here are some insights on how to make sure you’re ready to apply when the opportunities arise!

When to Start Applying

Start planning a few months in advance. Consider the industry's hiring cycle and be flexible with your timeline based on circumstances.

Stand Out from the Crowd

In the competitive world of STEM careers, crafting a captivating CV and cover letter is crucial. Here are some tips to make your application stand out:

How to make sure your CV doesn’t get put on the bench:

Tailored Content: Don't send the same generic CV for every job. Analyse the job description and highlight relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Use keywords from the description throughout your CV.
Quantifiable Achievements: Don't simply list responsibilities. Use data and metrics to quantify your achievements. For example, instead of saying "Developed a new software program," say "Developed a new software program that increased efficiency by 20%."
Skills Showcase: Highlight your technical skills, software proficiency, and hard skills relevant to the position. Include any relevant certifications or awards.
Action Verbs: Use strong action verbs to describe your experiences. Words like "developed," "implemented," and "analyses" prove initiative and impact.
Clear Formatting: Ensure your CV is easy to read and navigate. Use a professional font, consistent formatting, and clear headings.
Keywords: Research common keywords used in your field and incorporate relevant terms throughout your CV. This helps your CV pass through applicant tracking systems.

Cover letters may seem old school, but they are still greatly requested in job applications:

Personalised Introduction: Address the hiring manager by name and reference something specific about the company or the job description. This shows you've taken the time to research the opportunity.
Problem-Solver Approach: Demonstrate how your skills and experience can solve the company's problems and address their needs.
Specific Examples: Use concrete examples to illustrate your achievements and skills. This helps the employer visualize your capabilities.
Passion and Enthusiasm: Convey your passion for the field and your enthusiasm for the specific opportunity.
Conciseness and Clarity: Keep your cover letter concise and to the point. Aim for one page and avoid unnecessary information.
Proofread Carefully: Proofread your CV and cover letter thoroughly before submitting them. Ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors.

Additional Tips:

Get Feedback: Ask a friend, colleague, or career counselor to review your CV and cover letter and provide feedback.
Target Your Applications: Don't send out mass applications. Tailor your CV and cover letter to each specific job you apply for.
After submitting your application, send a thank-you email to the hiring manager. This shows your continued interest in the position.
Be Professional: Maintain a professional tone and appearance throughout the application process.

By following these tips and crafting a compelling CV and cover letter, you'll increase your chances of landing your dream job in the competitive STEM field. Remember, your application materials are your first impression, so make them count!

Ready to embark on your STEM journey? HERO Recruitment can help you find your ideal job in STEM! Partnering with amazing multinational companies like Medtronic, Boston Scientific, and Creganna, we're here to guide you towards a fulfilling career. Scroll through our contracting or permanent career opportunities to kickstart your STEM adventure today!

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