What do STEM graduates do when they leave uni?

It’s that time of year where everyone is getting ready to, or has just graduated. It’s a big world out there for a new graduate armed with a well earned degree qualification, but what to do next?

If you are someone who has studied a STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) course, then it is useful to see how others have faired in the workplace.

Chermac Rolle studied a BEng (Hons) course in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Brighton. He recounts his stand out moments at university, his first years working and adjusting from life as a student on placement to a professional within his field:

“My first job after graduation wasn’t an average role…The role was very computational and analyses oriented which saw me employ aspects I learned in Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics and Design…One big adjustment that I did have to make was the ‘precision and accuracy dynamic’ and gaining the appreciation for when 1 decimal place is appropriate compare to 3 decimal places.”

Further study was also on the agenda for Chermac, he went on to complete a MSc in Building Services Engineering. This degree not only allowed him to fully meet the academic requirements for professional registration but also piqued his interest in working within the Built Environment sector.

Chermac is now running his own engineering consultancy business working within both Tunnel Ventilation and the Built Environment.

To read his story in more detail and to find out about other STEM graduates, have a look at the Graduate Case Study area on the STEM Sussex website.