Comment Can't Hire for Lack of Experrience (Score 1) 491
As an employer of "STEM" individuals, I would disagree on the surplus. Now, the area is fairly specialized as an environmental testing lab, and I wonder if that is part of the issue. For our entry level positions, I expect to need to do considerable training, but if I need an individual with prior experience, it is highly rare for me to receive resumes from more than 1 - 2 individuals that actually have the experience necessary. As a $4M company with a staff of about 15 chemists (as in small to very small business) we are often looking nationally to fill experienced positions. If I had need for a larger labor pool as most of the discussion is really about, does that drive the need for a international labor pool?
So, the question that strikes me, is it that the field has so many very narrow specialties, that the university fundamentally cannot put together the program? Does a company want to drive labor costs down? I do not believe that question needs to be answered. But my perspective, the larger impact is not having qualified staff than the salary.
Finally, and I suspect I am the minority here (at /.) when STEM is discussed, it needs to be remembered that it extends well beyond the computer, and programming disciplines.
So, the question that strikes me, is it that the field has so many very narrow specialties, that the university fundamentally cannot put together the program? Does a company want to drive labor costs down? I do not believe that question needs to be answered. But my perspective, the larger impact is not having qualified staff than the salary.
Finally, and I suspect I am the minority here (at