If you’ve clicked on this article, you’re likely considering a STEM career, and we’re here to tell you why that’s a fantastic idea! The world is becoming increasingly digitised and technologically advanced, and the changemakers behind these shifts are the geniuses in STEM!
If you want to join the workforce of the future, we’re about to share just how to do it! Covering what STEM actually is, the differences between STEM and STEAM, and the exciting and diverse opportunities on offer, this article is bound to set you up for success. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and read on!
What Is STEM?
The term ‘STEM’ has become a little more well-known over the last couple of years, but most of us aren’t 100% sure what the acronym actually stands for. If you can relate, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. STEM (and STEM careers) cover:
S: Science
T: Technology
E: Engineering
M: Maths
It’s important to familiarise yourself with the term as STEM careers continue to grow (and STEM professionals continue to earn super impressive salaries)! In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics even calls STEM careers “tomorrow’s jobs” because of how necessary they’re becoming in our future-focused societies.
STEM’s Origins
If you want to dig even deeper, you can trace the origins of STEM all the way back to the 1990s when the term was first used by the National Science Foundation in America, an organisation that promotes science and engineering education that isn’t medical-related. Later in 2006, another iteration of the term was coined when Georgette Yakman introduced STEAM, which adds an extra A for ‘art,’ thus highlighting the possibilities of a creative approach to science.
STEM vs STEAM: What’s the Difference?
So we know what STEM and STEAM stand for, but what are the key differences between the two? Firstly, those working in STEAM careers have to show a little creativity alongside their STEM skills. STEAM professionals investigate scientific, mathematic, engineering and tech-related concepts, but they do so through “inquiry and problem-based learning methods used in the creative process.”
Real-world examples of this can include creating a visually appealing product that’s designed for a certain purpose or using a STEM concept to create something that helps people make art! Even Leonardo da Vinci’s anatomical drawings fall under the category of STEAM!
However, some argue that the addition of arts diminishes the importance of other traditional STEM subjects, while others simply frame ‘arts’ as an important addition that doesn’t take away from the existing categories.
To further explain what STEAM is, we’ve put together a list of STEAM careers where the ‘arts’ aspect is being put to use:
- Animator
- Video Game Developer
- Fashion Designer
- Forensic Psychologist
- Graphic Designer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Photographer
- Sound Engineer
- Website Developer
How Do I Know if STEM is Right for Me?
When considering a STEM career, there are a few key things you’ll want to consider. First of all, STEM careers usually require a bachelor’s degree at the least, and there are also many positions that require a master’s degree or PhD. However, if you love learning, this shouldn’t put you off!
With the education side of things out of the way, it’s time to see if your interests align with a STEM career. If you identify with any of the following, a career in STEM could be perfect for you:
- Hands-on is your preferred learning style
- You’ve always been curious about how things work
- You enjoy thinking outside of the box and coming up with new solutions
- You want to make the world a better place
- New scientific discoveries and advances inspire you
Getting Technical: STEM Skills
If you’ve looked at the list above and decided that a STEM career is definitely for you, congratulations on selecting one of the most future-focused fields out there! We’re sure that your future self will be super happy with this call. However, this decision also means it’s time to get to work; the sooner you start working on your technical STEM skills, the better, so why not start today?
To put you on the right path, we’ve put together a list of STEM skills that could help you out in your future careers. The abilities you need will depend on which STEM career you want to pursue, but starting with what you feel most excited about is never a bad idea! Discover these hard skills and see what jumps out:
- Data Analysis
- Programming and Coding
- Scientific Inquiry
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Engineering Design
Discover Different STEM Careers
Another great part about STEM careers is the sheer number of roles available! Regardless of your passion, you’re bound to find the perfect fit for you.
To start you off with a little inspiration, check out our top ten STEM careers, and if these don’t get you excited, there are tonnes more to discover; all you need to do is look!
- Geochemist
- Astronomer
- Ecologist
- Neuroscientist
- Aerospace Engineer
- Radiologist
- Volcanologist
- Ethical Hacker
- Environmental Scientist
- Wildlife Biologist
How to Get Started: STEM Pathways
Typically, you’ll need a Bachelor’s degree (at the very least) to earn a job in STEM. After all, the industry is full of the world’s best minds, so it’s natural for there to be a bit of competition.
In order to get started, you’ll want to do a bit of research into your chosen field or specialisation, pick a degree that will help you towards your goals, and treat studying like a full-time job!
That’s right, with all the fascinating info you’ll be devouring at uni, you’ll want to dedicate a bit of time everyday to letting the information sink in. Think of it as an investment in your future; you won’t regret working hard today for a better future!
Kickstart a Career in STEM
Now that you’re equipped to start working towards a STEM career, it’s time to go out there and do it! Head over to our employers page today and navigate to the STEM section. Who knows, you might just be introduced to your future employer!
