School of life: 5 STEM careers that don’t require a third-level degree

While a college degree will always come in handy, not every career trajectory demands you have one.

University can be an incredibly exciting time for people. For many students, not only is it a time of self-discovery where you get to experience your first real stab at independence, it is also where you begin to explore your career development. 

It is a common misconception that third-level education is the only route towards a career in the STEM sector and while it will open doors for you and potentially make the journey towards your profession of choice a little easier, there are a number of jobs in the STEM space that don’t require you to have a traditional university degree.

Engineering technician

The role of an engineering technician is an interesting one, as the job involves building, calibrating and repairing instruments, machines and testing equipment. To excel in this space professionals should have a knowledge of advanced technologies and engineering concepts. 

If this sounds like an area of work you would like to find yourself in, but you aren’t in a position to commit to a traditional four-year degree, then the good news is that there are routes towards a career in this space without applying to a university. To obtain the necessary credentials professionals can become certified via online learning, micro-credentials and part-time courses. 

Web developer

The core aspects of web development include design, coding, database management, testing, quality assurance, deployment and maintenance. It is a great career for someone creative looking to establish themselves in the STEM space. While a bachelor’s degree from a third-level college may be requested, it is not mandatory in many cases. 

Research shows that many organisations are recruiting based on skill and therefore don’t prioritise a degree ahead of ability. Certifications in web development, and skills in areas such as coding, UX and UI and content management systems could help you get jobs in this sector. 

Pharmacy technician

Pharmacy technicians locate, dispense, pack and label prescribed medications, while working closely with pharmacists. For people in this line of work there are interesting opportunities in specialised fields such as academia, community, government, critical care, oncology and paediatrics, among others. 

A secondary school education is required and a third-level education is also appreciated, however it is not mandatory. Early studies in STEM subjects such as chemistry, biology, physics and maths should be pursued and specialised training, on the job learning opportunities and certification via online courses are also great ways to prepare for this career. 

There are also courses roughly two years in length that, while requiring more of a time commitment, are significantly shorter than most university degrees.

IT support technician

IT support technicians can work in a number of private and commercial fields. Typically the role involves providing technical assistance and support for computer hardware, software and IT networks. Like the other jobs on this list, though it is certainly of benefit, a third-level degree is not necessary.

One of the best ways to begin a career in this sector is to engage with apprenticeships, online learning and part-time education. Skills worth learning include IT programming, cybersecurity and coding.

Cybersecurity 

If you don’t intend to get a degree from a third-level institution there are still opportunities for you in the cybersecurity space. For example, there are no formal qualifications required to become a cybersecurity analyst or engineer. However, it is likely that an employer will want relevant qualifications or experience so you should be able to demonstrate your cyberskills. 

Anyone looking to begin a career in this area should prioritise building skills in IT, computer software, computer science, network security and the fundamentals. This can be achieved via micro-credentials, part-time courses and online learning. Once certified you can begin by applying for entry-level cybersecurity positions. 

Don’t miss out on the knowledge you need to succeed. Sign up for the Daily Brief, Silicon Republic’s digest of need-to-know sci-tech news.