STEM as most of you is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Medicine also falls under the umbrella of STEM, but is seen as a discipline that comes under the realm of science.
If you think about it — these four broad categories of study are what fuel the world we live in, which is why a career in STEM makes sense for a lot of youngsters. Technology and science power much of the tools we use to get our day to day work done. Engineers build the infrastructure we need to live a comfortable life. Medicine saves lives; while complex maths formulas are used in business, finance, and even the insurance industry.
The great thing about the modern world is that the four main STEM fields aren’t working in silos. STEM concepts can be used in a number of ways (think of what motion graphics has done for the entertainment industry) and careers in STEM are vast and varied. Here are 10 reasons to consider a career in STEM.
- High number of jobs: People tend to think that there are more STEM grads than there are jobs, which is not the case. Insights from a report from the Australian Industry and Skills Committee shows that between February 2015 and February 2020, employment in STEM occupations grew by close to 18% – a growth rate 1.5x more than non-STEM jobs. The same report also states that after a close study of internet job postings, STEM skills were often the most-requested skill sets. So there’s no dearth of STEM jobs.
- Wide range of roles: The other great thing about a career in STEM is that there are so many options to choose from! Your job doesn’t have to be limited to scientist, technology provider, engineer or mathematician. From graphic designers and data scientists to cyber security analysts and agricultural scientists, there are many different careers in STEM fields.
- Low competition: Considering the above two points – and the fact that a career in STEM requires specialised study and unique skill sets – the competition to grab those jobs is lower, compared to, say, a sales job.
- Better-paying jobs: We’re not going to position the starving artist or poet in comparison to a career in STEM, but overall, STEM jobs offer better pay and job security. Remember, you bring specialised skills to the table that are in demand, so employers will value you!
- Remote working opportunities: The pandemic threw all of us into WFH mode. And while some STEM jobs require you to be present on-site, in a lab or office, there are many roles which give you the freedom and flexibility to work remotely (like a graphic designer or data scientist).
- Gain transferable skills: Tech may be moving ahead at lightning speed, but the basics of STEM remain the same: a rigorous approach to problem solving, dedicated research, and skills like maths, science, programming and data analysis which will help you across companies and industries. These transferable skills are valuable to building a career in STEM.
- Build collaborative skills: If you’ve seen any science fiction movie, you’ll know that the mad scientist is rarely alone. STEM requires teamwork and collaborating with people from different teams. Being a team player and learning how to work with professionals from different backgrounds helps greatly when you are in a project environment.
- Build creative and critical thinking skills: STEM requires testing, research and sometimes, working with limited resources. It builds your critical and creative thinking skills to come up with workable solutions.
- Be at the heart of innovation: Like we said at the very beginning: STEM is what fuels and powers the world we live in, and a career in STEM puts you at the forefront of innovation. You get to use your skills to add value and solve problems for people on an everyday basis.
Do you have the chops to be an innovator? Take the quiz!
- Build a rewarding career: The STEM sector gives you a chance to build a rewarding career, one that’s both profitable and gives you job satisfaction.
And in an ever-evolving STEM world, it makes sense to supplement your basic STEM knowledge with an extra edge that can help you get more out of your job profile – and give you the skills to take on more diverse roles.
At NewLedge®, we run an online, 15 week course called NewLedge® for STEM, to help folks like you build a career in STEM that is rewarding, profitable and future-proof by enhancing your STEM degree with intensive modules in entrepreneurship, management and innovation. Learn more about the course here.
FAQs
1. Do STEM fields pay well?
Yes, a career in STEM can be very profitable indeed if you find the right role in a high-growth, high-performing STEM company. STEM is ever-evolving and as science and tech advance, there are newer opportunities for STEM grads to combine their STEM skills with innovation and management skills (like the NewLedge for STEM course) to build rewarding careers where they can work across departments and functions.
2. Are STEM jobs in demand?
STEM jobs and careers in STEM fields are very much in demand! The key is to combine your STEM degree with skills in innovation so that you can move beyond more than just the core discipline you specialised in. STEM graduates
3. What is the best course in STEM?
You can build a career in STEM by studying pretty much any of the core disciplines of STEM, science, tech, engineering or medicine. There is no singular best course in STEM – what you study is dependent on your interests and abilities. Medicine, engineering and tech are vastly different and require different kinds of skill sets, but within the STEM industry, people from the background may work together to create innovative products and services.