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STEM fields are interesting. You get to create things that can help advance human lives. This is all you need to know about getting a career in STEM and why you should choose one.
4 Steps To Get A Job In STEM
Step 1: What are STEM careers?
STEM is a term used to group Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, which are very technical fields that aim to develop science and technology and create new inventions that aim to make human lives easy.
Although STEM is a very general term, getting into any STEM field early in your education is the same. You have to study Math, Science, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Although you do not have to study all of those subjects, at least some of them will enable you to do a degree in STEM. For example, to become an engineer, you should study Math and Physics.
Step 2: How to choose your STEM field?
Choosing a STEM field might not be an easy task. However, starting with your passion is the best way to choose a STEM field. What are you passionate about, and what do you want to do in the future?
The following is a breakdown of each field:
Science
Science is the study and testing of theories of the universe’s origin. Science is the oldest field in STEM and is as old as the human species. Science aims to explain the universe and its different phenomena, such as Black Holes.
Technology
Technology is the applicable part of science that aim to use those concepts in useable technologies that can be used daily. Technology is a very broad part of STEM as new emerging technologies and markets are always happening.
Engineering
Engineering is another applicable field that uses physics, chemistry and math to develop solutions and designs that can benefit human civilisation.
Engineering is a very broad field of STEM, and it is the biggest by scale. There are many types of engineering, such as Mechanical Engineers and Electrical Engineers. If you are interested in becoming an engineer, read our guide on choosing an engineering major that suits your skills: What Engineering Degree Should I Do? Make A Choice Now.
Math
Mathematics is an area that deals with numbers, formulas, shapes, geometry and statistics. Math is the foundation of STEM, as almost any STEM field will require some level of math. To become a Mathematician, you must study Calculus, which is the area of math that deals with dynamics and continuous changes.
Step 3: Complete a degree in STEM fields
As mentioned earlier, STEM is a very broad term for many fields and careers. To go into STEM is to finish a university degree to become one of the following:
- Chemist
- Statistician
- Psychologist
- Biologist
- Dentist
- Physician Assistant
- Database administrator
- Systems analyst
- Computer programmer
- Web developer
- Civil Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Chemical Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Architect
- Database Engineer
- Mathematician
- Economist
- Actuary
- Data scientist
- Accountant
- Statistician
- Financial Analyst
Step 4: Apply for a job in STEM
When you have a degree in the above STEM fields, you should be able to look for jobs in that field; this is what you need to have to get a job in STEM:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- LinkedIn account
To learn how to get a job in any STEM field, read our guide: 6 Actionable Steps To Make A Resume And A Cover Letter.
STEM Careers Salary
If you want to work in STEM, this is the Salary expectation in the US:
| Field | Entry Level/Bachelors Degree | Mid-Career/Masters Degree | Professional Level/PhD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Science | $52,000 | $77,000 | $128,000 |
| Technology/IT | $70,000 | $92,000 | $135,000 |
| Engineering | $62,000 | $88,000 | $121,000 |
| Math | $58,000 | $78,000 | $134,000 |
The Future Of STEM Careers
The future of STEM careers is very bright. There are many career opportunities and demands in any field. However, there are a few challenges in working in those fields. If you want to learn more, read: 10 Things To Know Before Pursuing A Career In STEM.
