The website STEM Jobs takes this guidance a step further, with their 2016 list of Approved Employers.
Companies are rated based on publicly available data combined with the results from surveys designed to identify STEM hiring practices, career path opportunities, workforce diversity in STEM positions and education outreach programs.
While the full report gives details on 140 companies overall, below is a breakdown of the top 10 companies for 2016 including suggested career paths within the company for STEM trained individuals:
- BP America, Inc.
BP America has invested more than $135 billion in the U.S. economy over the past decade, employing 17,000 people and is creating 190,000 jobs across all its business activities. It came in with top marks in the STEMJobs categories of diversity, and STEM career opportunities. Suggested career paths noted in the report include drilling engineering, geology, supply chain management and procurement.
- Exelon Corporation
Through its two major business units, Exelon Nuclear and Exelon Power, the company is responsible for delivering electricity and natural gas to 7.8 million individuals in the U.S. With a focus on power generation, energy sales, energy transmission and delivery. suggested careers paths at Exelon fall primarily within electrical engineering.
- Amazon
Always eschewing the traditional model, the customer-centric online retail giant Amazon shows promise for careers in software development. The company received high rankings across the partnerships, career focus and diversity categories of the survey.
- Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy serves 5.4 million customers across the U.S. through its various operating companies. This means it can offer a wide range of careers in technical and skilled labor for its comprehensive portfolio of energy related products.
- Energy Northwest
Operating a mix of hydro, solar and wind electricity generation projects – as well as the Northwest’s only nuclear energy facility – Energy Northwest is responsible for powering more than a million homes each year, while providing carbon-free electricity at the cost of generation. For engineers and technicians interested in sustainable energy generation projects, the company boasts a Nuclear Technology Program and Craft Apprenticeship Program.
- Amtrak
A strong commitment to employee culture, diversity and inclusivity has made Amtrak “the country’s first intercity travel choice,” as well as earning a STEM Jobs first place ranking in the transportation industry.
- SBA Communications Corporation Technology & Telecom
SBA Communications describes its goal as “building better wireless” by independently owning and operating wireless communications infrastructure across North, South and Central America. STEM Jobs suggests careers in construction and for those with tower climber certification (if you’re looking for a little adventure).
- Intelligrated
As a provider of intelligent automated material handling solutions, Intelligrated works with manufacturers, logistics providers and retailers to improve productivity. There are a number of paths engineers could pursue for career opportunities and growth including computer science, electrical or mechanical engineering, or automation engineering, mechatronic and robotics.
- Oshkosh Corporation
The website says, “At Oshkosh, we build trucks.” This seems like a bit of an understatement. (Image courtesy Oshkosh Defense, LLC.)
STEM Jobs ranked Oshkosh #1 in their Defense Industry list, as the company is known for its development and manufacturing of tactical vehicles, using what they describe as “next-generation defense technologies and advanced systems.”
For engineers and other STEM workers looking to move into the defense industry, Oshkosh covers a wide range of careers including research and development, design, manufacturing and the integration and support of technology systems for the military.
- Discover Financial Services
Offering direct banking and payment services, and operating the Discover Network of merchant and cash access locations, Discover was ranked #1 in the Finance Industry by STEMJobs. Software-based careers and financial mathematics are the more likely career paths to take within this industry.
Career Trends for 2016
Looking at these results, it seems clear that the energy industry is offering the broadest range of opportunities for engineers and STEM workers to begin or further their career. The defense industry and the backbone of the retail industry offer significant opportunities, as well.
Although the STEM Jobs Approved rankings can give individuals already employed in the industry some direction in terms of career direction, the report’s focus remains on students.
By providing tools and resources to help secondary and post-secondary educational institutions, and their roster of teachers, counselors and administrators to develop and implement modern STEM programs, the next generation of engineers and others STEM workers in the field will have a better chance at success – and an early foot in the industry’s door.
Visit the STEM Jobs website for more information on these top 10, and details on the rest of the 140 other companies surveyed.
ther their career. The defense industry and the backbone of the retail industry offer significant opportunities, as well.Although the STEM Jobs Approved rankings can give individuals already employed in the industry some direction in terms of career direction, the report’s focus remains on students.
By providing tools and resources to help secondary and post-secondary educational institutions, and their roster of teachers, counselors and administrators to develop and implement modern STEM programs, the next generation of engineers and others STEM workers in the field will have a better chance at success – and an early foot in the industry’s door.
Visit the STEM Jobs website for more information on these top 10, and details on the rest of the 140 other companies surveyed.