What is the Next Frontier Initiative?

The Next Frontier Initiative was launched by Base 11 with the audacious goal of accelerating 100,00 students and early-career adults on their pathways to successful careers in the Next Frontier Industries. Jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities in these specific industries are the fastest growing, highest paying, and have the greatest opportunity for wealth creation and societal impact. However, they are also the least represented by women and BIPOC. 
Become better

Next Frontier Industries

Aerospace
AR/VR
Autonomous Systems
Advanced Manufacturing
Cybersecurity
Data Analytics
EdTech
FinTech
Life Sciences
Private Equity/VC
Aerospace
Aerospace is the branch of technology and industry concerned with both aviation and space flight. Aerospace engineering is the primary field of engineering concerned with the design, development, testing, and production of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems and equipment.
Aerospace engineering is the primary field of engineering concerned with the design, development, testing, and production of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems and equipment. (source: Penn State)
Source: SpaceX

Average salary

$71,000-$135,000

Typical entry-level education

Bachelor's degree

Relevant majors

Physics, chemistry, higher mathematics (i.e. trigonometry, algebra, and calculus)
AR/VR
AR/VR (short for Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality) refers to computer-generated simulations that integrate the real world (AR) or are entirely self-contained (VR). Augmented reality (AR) augments your surroundings by adding digital elements to a live view, often by using the camera on a smartphone. Virtual reality (VR) is a completely immersive experience that replaces a real-life environment with a simulated one.  (credit: Splunk)

Average salary

$62,000-$138,000

Typical entry-level education

Bachelor's degree; VR/AR/coding bootcamps & certification courses

Relevant majors

Computer science, AR/VR, 
Autonomous Systems
An autonomous system is one that can achieve a given set of goals in a changing environment—gathering information about the environment and working for an extended period of time without human control or intervention. Driverless cars and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) used in warehouses are two common examples. (Source: Blackberry QNR)

Average salary

$94,000- $141,000

Typical entry-level education

Bachelor's degree

Relevant majors

Compter Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics & Automation
FinTech
FinTech (financial technology) is a catch-all term referring to software, mobile applications, and other technologies created to improve and automate traditional forms of finance for businesses and consumers alike. FinTech can include everything from straightforward mobile payment apps to complex blockchain networks housing encrypted transactions. (source: Columbia Engineering)
Source: SpaceX

Average salary

$72,000-$180,000

Typical entry-level education

Bachelor's degree, Bootcamp or certification course

Relevant majors

Computer programming, cybersecurity, AI/ML, data analysis, blockchain
Advanced Manufacturing
Advanced manufacturing is the use of innovative technologies and methodologies for improved competitiveness in the manufacturing sectors. In other words, advanced manufacturing integrates technological processes into manufacturing to assist companies in their efforts to produce products more efficiently. One of the fundamental goals of manufacturing is to produce products in the least amount of time while also minimizing the amount of waste. Advanced manufacturing helps companies achieve this goal. 

Average salary

$68,000- $98,000

Typical entry-level education

Bachelor's degree; VR/AR/coding bootcamps & certification courses

Relevant majors

Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering
Cybersecurity
Cyber security refers to the body of technologies, processes, and practices designed to protect networks, devices, programs, and data from attack, damage, or unauthorized access. Cyber security may also be referred to as information technology security. (Source: IBM)

Average salary

$85,000-$130,000

Typical entry-level education

Bachelor's degree

Relevant majors

Computer Science, Computer Programming, Database Management, Computer Hardware Engineering
Data Analytics
Data analytics is the process of analyzing raw data in order to draw out meaningful, actionable insights. These insights are then used to inform and drive smart business decisions. So, a data analyst will extract raw data, organize it, and then analyze it, transforming it from incomprehensible numbers into coherent, intelligible information. Having interpreted the data, the data analyst will then pass on their findings in the form of suggestions or recommendations about what the company’s next steps should be. (Source: Career Foundry)

Average salary

$62,000-$100,000

Typical entry-level education

Bachelor's degree

Relevant majors

Data Science, Computer Science, Applied mathematics, Statistics
EdTech
EdTech (a combination of "education" and "technology") refers to hardware and software designed to enhance teacher-led learning in classrooms and improve students' education outcomes. Educational technology in education is important because it helps today’s teachers to integrate new technologies and tools into their classroom. Teachers are able to upgrade and improve the learner-centeredness of their classroom. It enables teachers to engage their students in unique, innovative, and equitable ways. Teachers are also able to expand their network and connect with other teachers and educators nationally and globally. (Source: Loyola)

Average salary

$84,000-$170,000

Typical entry-level education

Bachelor's degree

Relevant majors

Learning Design & Technology, Education
Life Sciences
The life sciences comprise fields of science involving the study of living organisms such as plants, animals and humans. While biology remains the centerpiece of the life sciences, technological advances in molecular biology and biotechnology have led to a burgeoning of specializations and new interdisciplinary fields. (Source: Science Direct)
Source: SpaceX

Average salary

$70,000-$150,000

Typical entry-level education

Bachelor's degree

Relevant majors

Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, Neuroscience
Private Equity/Venture Capital
Private equity (PE) is a form of financing where money, or capital, is invested into a company. Typically, PE investments are made into mature businesses in traditional industries in exchange for equity, or ownership stake. PE is a major subset of a larger, more complex piece of the financial landscape known as the private markets. Venture capital is a form of private equity financing that is provided by venture capital firms or funds to startups, early-stage, and emerging companies that have been deemed to have high growth potential or which have demonstrated high growth. (Source: Pitchbook)
Source: SpaceX

Average salary

$70,000-$150,000

Typical entry-level education

Bachelor's degree

Relevant majors

Business, Finance

NFI Roadmap

Whether you're a high school student or a seasoned young professional, this roadmap can help you no matter what stage you're in.

 Build your portfolio

Use the Base 11 Digital Portfolio Optimization Guide to build and bolster your portfolio using the most widely used networking tool on the internet, LinkedIn. Access the guide here!

  Get educated, get inspired

Base 11 offers a variety of free resources meant to equip members with the knowledge and skills they need to jumpstart their STEM success. Enroll today!

  Get mentored

Become a Boulé-Base 11 Fellow and get mentored by leaders in STEM, medicine, and law while completing a personal development plan catered towards your career goals. 

  Put yourself out there

Explore and apply for open jobs and internships from our Next Frontier Initiative partners who are committed to developing the next generation of STEM innovators! 

Interested in starting your own STEM business? Visit our Base 11 Entrepreneur Center!

Resources to help you launch your business, from funding to production to marketing and everything in between!
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