Navigating job and opportunity boards: A STEM guide

Job boards and other career opportunity platforms are valuable tools for anyone who is looking for STEM internships, fellowships, or employment. These websites serve as a centralized repository for postings around the country, allowing you to filter by opportunity type, academic status, discipline/area of interest, location, federal agency, national laboratory, or employer and relevant keywords. This feature streamlines the application process and increases your visibility to organizations actively seeking candidates with your expertise. You can often create an applicant profile on a board, allowing selecting mentors or employers to view your resume/CV and qualifications, and enabling you to receive alerts for postings that align with your interests.

Popular job board platforms include Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn, which cater to a broad audience. For STEM and STEM-supporting opportunities, the ORISE Opportunity Catalog is an excellent resource, offering internships, fellowships, and postdoctoral research, policy, and technical positions tailored to STEM students.

Through Zintellect, applicants can access a searchable database of internships and fellowships at national laboratories and U.S. government agencies. Listed opportunities aim to strengthen the scientific and technical workforce in areas of science, transfer knowledge and technology to the academic community, and support the national commitment to science education. Whether you're just starting your STEM journey or advancing your career, these online catalogs can connect you with opportunities that align with your goals. Other valuable STEM and federal career sites you may want to explore include ScienceCareers, National Postdoctoral Association Career Center, Society of Women Engineers Career Center, Public Health Careers, HigherEdJobs, American Geophysical Union Career Center, and USAJobs. Additionally, consider checking professional associations in your field of interest as many offer job boards or other career resources. And don’t overlook federal agency websites for career information such as the U.S. Department of Energy Career Pathways page or the opportunity platform used by your university or alumni office.

Creating a standout profile: Tips for success

The first thing you should do when utilizing a job and opportunity board is to make sure your profile is updated and robust. Upload the most recent version of your resume/CV and include key details, such as your location, education, experience, and skills. Not only will this help potential mentors or employers learn more about you, but it can also help streamline the application process. A well-rounded profile not only helps employers understand your qualifications, but also simplifies the application process. While uploading general materials saves time, always tailor your resume/CV for each opportunity by incorporating keywords from the description and highlighting relevant experience and accomplishments.

Proactive job searching: Maximizing your results

Once your profile is complete, start searching. Many platforms will use the information in your profile to suggest potential matches for you, but you shouldn’t rely on the algorithm to find your perfect opportunity. Being proactive will help you find postings that you may not have seen otherwise.

Start by using industry-specific keywords and leverage search tools, such as filters for location or opportunity type. Platforms like the ORISE Opportunity Catalog offer specialized filters, such as citizenship requirements, to help you refine your results. For instance, in Zintellect, non-U.S. citizens should select the ‘none’ option in the citizenship filter while U.S. citizens can leave it blank to view opportunities based on that eligibility criteria. By using filters strategically, you can focus your efforts on postings that align with your qualifications and avoid wasting time on roles that don’t meet your eligibility.

Maximizing your chances: Apply strategically and stay consistent

Something to think about when you decide whether or not you’re going to apply for an opportunity is how you fit the qualifications. An often-repeated statistic is that women hesitate  to apply for opportunities unless they feel 100% qualified for them, while men apply if they feel just 60% qualified. Don’t let this mindset hold you back—apply even if you don’t meet every criterion. You might discover that your unique strengths and perspective make you a great fit.

For ORISE opportunities, keep in mind that these roles are learning-based and are designed to supplement your education, with mentors seeking individuals who are eager to develop their skills. Demonstrating an interest in a field, along with some relevant experience such as a class project, coursework, or other related accomplishments can often be enough to show you are a strong fit for the role. Remember, growth and learning are key components of these opportunities, so don’t hesitate to put yourself forward.

Approach your job board search with focus and consistency

Treat this process like a job itself. Set time aside each day to look at different boards, and check if any new opportunities have been posted. When applying, ensure your resume/CV, cover letter, and application are tailored to each specific posting, highlighting relevant skills and experiences that match the requirements. And don’t forget to sign up for email alerts on relevant new postings if available. Some opportunities may only be open for a short time, so getting these alerts as soon as possible is a smart move.

Stay positive and keep moving forward

The search for opportunities can be challenging. Make sure to take care of yourself along the way. It can be hard not to take it personally if you aren’t selected for an internship you thought you were perfect for, or if feels like you are getting ‘ghosted’ after spending a lot of time on an application. But remember that those reviewing your application don’t know you, and are choosing from a pool of dozens, if not hundreds, of candidates. The decisions are not a reflection of your worth and every application, even one that is not selected, is just a step closer to finding the right fit. And sometimes decisions can take months before a selection and notification is made. Stay positive and persistent, and trust that the effort you are putting in will pay off. When you do find your perfect role, the hunt will have been worth it.

Start your journey today by exploring the ORISE Zintellect Opportunity Catalog for paid STEM research, policy, and technology opportunities. Have questions on an opportunity? Reach out to the contacts listed in the posting or email ExperienceORISE@orau.org. 

Reference:

• Indeed: What is a job board?