Job Market Trends for STEM Graduates

100s of STEM PhDs are fighting for each R&D role while $140K+ technical sales roles go unfilled. You finish your STEM degree. You're dying to earn back those "lost" years. So you rush for a "research scientist" title. Feels safe. Feels like the natural 1st step. After all, that's what you trained for. There's just one catch: Everyone else wants it too. Good luck standing out. But there's a different path nobody talks about. Companies need scientists outside the lab, too. They need you to sell their complicated technical products to other STEM buyers like you. And they'll pay real $ for those willing to master the craft. Most STEM grads skip right past technical sales. They think sales is "not for scientists" They see it as risky. Or "not real science" What they miss: - Technical sales needs your science brain every day. - You solve real world problems for real customers - You earn solid, uncapped income from year 1. Want some real numbers? Median total comp from a sample of 14 open roles I found: $189,250. (not all entry-level, but this shows where the path leads) You can still use your technical skills. You can still work with scientists, engineers and cool tech. But your earning potential is now up to you. Have you thought about technical sales? Let me know what’s stopping you from exploring it ⬇️

Recently chatted with my ex-manager at Google about the entry-level job market. The numbers are shocking: Google used to allocate 25-50% of engineering openings to new grads and early-career roles. Today, it's less than 5%. This isn't just a Google thing. The entire tech job market is experiencing a shift toward senior talent. Here's why: → High interest rates mean companies are playing it safe. When you can get 6% returns on treasury bills, why take risks on unproven talent? → AI's perceived impact on entry-level work has companies hesitant to invest in junior roles → Macroeconomic uncertainty is pushing firms to prioritize experienced hires who can deliver immediate impact My advice to recent grads: This isn't permanent, but it's reality for now. The market will eventually correct, but you need to be strategic in the meantime. The traditional path of landing a new grad role at a top tech company isn't as straightforward as it was even 2-3 years ago. But remember: Market cycles come and go. The key is being prepared for when opportunities return. Focus on building real skills and meaningful projects while the market recalibrates. You don't need to be the smartest. Be the most adaptable.