There's Never Been a Better Time to Break Into STEM

Skillsroad is celebrating this important day and encouraging all women and girls to consider a career path in STEM.

Why do we recommend it?

A career in STEM opens so many opportunities, and the possibilities are endless. However, according to UNESCO data, only 30 per cent of all female students select STEM-related subjects in higher education.

Globally, female student enrolment is particularly low in technology (3 per cent), natural science, mathematics and statistics (5 per cent) and engineering, manufacturing and construction (8 per cent).

Further, women are valuable in STEM as they offer a new perspective and angle.

Figures show that although there is no significant difference in ability between boys and girls in maths and science, less than 35 per cent of graduates in STEM subjects worldwide are women and even fewer in engineering and information technology.

So, which careers can you consider in STEM? Options are extensive and diverse. However, below are some to consider.

Engineering Occupations

• Biomedical engineer
• Materials science engineer
• Environmental engineer
• Petroleum engineer
• Computer software engineer
• Aerospace engineer
• Mechanical engineer
• Agricultural engineer
• Mining and Geological engineer
• Nuclear engineer
• Chemical engineer
• Civil engineer
• Computer hardware engineer
• Electrical engineer
• Industrial Engineer
• Sale engineer
• Marine engineer
• Autonomous vehicle engineer
• Data Engineer
• Computer graphics engineer
• Health and Safety Engineer
• Pyrotechnic engineer
• Architectural engineer
• Acoustical engineer
• 3D printing engineer
• Robotics engineer

 

Computer and Information Systems-Related Occupations

• Computer programmer
• Hardware Engineer
• Computer systems administrator
• Computer support specialist
• Computer network architect
• Information technology manager
• Security information analyst
• Software Developer
• Computer systems analyst
• Data communications analyst
• Database administrator
• Network administrator
• Professional hacker
• Data scientist
• User interface designer
• Web developer
• Mobile/App developer

 

Entertainment Industry Occupations

• Music data journalist
• Tumblr production manager
• ESPN Statistician
• Spotify learning engineer
• Legoland designer
• Animator
• Music royalty calculation analyst
• Digital content director
• Gameplay engineer
• Virtual world creator
• Augmented reality architect

 

Other STEM and STEM-Related Occupations

• Careers in wind and solar energy
• Forensic science technician
• Geoscientist
• Chemist, Biochemist
• Cartographer
• Photogrammetrists
• Cost estimator
• Actuary
• Mathematician
• Statistician
• Surveyor
• Drafter
• Agricultural/food scientist
• Conservation scientist
• Clinical technician
• Physicist/Astronomer
• Nuclear technician
• Petroleum technician
• Operations research analyst
• Climatologist
• Crypt analyst
• Hydrologist
• National security analyst/technician
• Science policy specialist
• Astronaut
• Technical writer
• Medical illustrator
• Financial analyst
• Metal smith
• Underwater archaeologist
• NASA Curiosity driver
• 3M staff scientist
• Environmental scanner
• Agricultural legislative assistant
• Grain specialist
• Weed scientist

 

Source: Examples of STEM & STEM-Related Careers

If you're still unsure what to do in STEM, what doors it can open for you, and how you can change the world, check out this article for more inspiration from students at Sydney University.

How to enter into STEM

Good news – there are multiple ways to enter STEM.

1. University

The first path is well-known and popular: enrolling in a university degree has many advantages and disadvantages, as any other path.

Of course, there is still a strong reputation and prestige surrounding a higher education qualification, such as a uni degree. Over a few years, you dive deep into the matter, usually taking some practical work, building relationships with colleagues and professors, and so much more.

The downsides are the duration and the time it takes to complete it, usually about three years. Another downside is the high fee that will often haunt you for the years to come.

2. Traineeship

There are traineeships available in the field; for example, TAFE offers numerous courses in engineering, information technology, laboratory sciences, etc.

The advantage of a traineeship is that it is usually slightly shorter than uni – up to two years usually, and you get a blend of practical and theoretical knowledge, which is always an advantage.

Further, the costs are significantly lower than universities.

The downside is that some employers might insist on a university degree and may not prefer candidates without it.

3. Short courses

While they may not be an entry ticket to a job, they can be a great starting point. There are many online learning platforms, and whatever career or skills interests you, you are likely to find it.

Check out this blog, Online Courses to Boost Your Career, to browse the most popular online learning platforms and see if anything interests you.

Another advantage is that a short course certificate can lead to a volunteering role and internship or work experience. So, invest a bit of yourself, which may pay off in the long run.

On a good note, courses are usually not too long or too expensive, so you can even stay in your current job or degree and take the course on the side.

On a less good note, often, a short course may not be enough to nail the interview and get the job, but hey, you've got to start somewhere!

 

Now you know why you should enter the industry, how to go about it and about prospective careers that follow. What are you waiting for?

If you're still uncertain about what careers best match your skill set, take the Skillsroad Career Quiz to discover your most significant strengths.

If you're unsure about your work readiness, take the Skillsroad Job Fit Test and find out what you should work on before applying to those jobs; good luck! 

Finally, keep on reading the blogs below to learn more about related topics.