***6 Things To Know Before Starting A Career in STEM***

Over the past few decades, women have made considerable advances into institutions of higher learning and fields that had previously been more populated by men. However, there is an area that has remained male-dominated: science, technology, engineering and mathematical (STEM) degrees. Women who eventually decide to pursue a degree in STEM mostly consider basic sciences, this results in having only fewer women in mathematics, engineering and computer science programs.

There is a school of thought that there are more STEM jobs than qualified people to fill them. Therefore it is imperative that more people are trained to reduce unemployment and help the economy.
Various reports have suggested that a STEM degree would lead to higher earnings and better labour market conditions, especially for those with a background in engineering and computer science.

Are you thinking about starting a career in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics? There is no better time than now to join the field of STEM and reap the dividends of its rewarding professions. Fields of study such as computer science and engineering lead to better earnings and higher chances of employment.

Here are 6 reasons why you should consider a career in STEM.

1). Availability of Jobs

Are you worried about the possibility of getting a job upon graduation in a STEM field? Don’t fret, there will always be something for you. The demand for STEM jobs is at an all time high.

In STEM, there is a large skills gap that is expected to grow. According to Canadian Business magazine, an IDC survey found that 53 per cent of large Canadian organizations said that lack of skillful persons was the largest obstacle to the successful completion of big data projects. These demands make a foundation degree in STEM a really attractive route to future employment.

2). Higher Wages

Of the 10 highest-paid jobs in Canada, 7 of these are STEM-related. Going into STEM is a sure way to get high paying jobs, studies have shown that a large percentage of people with a degree in STEM-related work get paid more than others with a bachelor’s degree in other fields.

More than that, 47 percent of people with a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field make more than people with a Ph.D in other fields. You’ll be more likely to make plenty of money than someone who majors in another field of study.

3. STEM aids the Career Progression of Women

STEMHub is an advocate for women pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) careers, an area where women are largely under-represented. There is more opportunity now more than ever for women to lead in STEM, where they currently make up only about 22 per cent of the total workforce, according to Women in Computing, a campaign launched by Media planet Canada.

If Fortune magazine’s Most Powerful Women list is anything to go by, you would realize that starting out with STEM degrees can help women climb the corporate ladder to the top. The first female vice chair of General Electric majored in biology, GinniRometty, IBM CEO majored in computer science and electrical engineering while IndraNooyi, PepsiCo CEO had her degree in physics, chemistry and mathematics.

A large percentage of the women at the top of Fortune magazine’s Most Powerful Women list have STEM degree. STEM helps women climb the career ladder.

4. Cross-Marketability of Skills

When you study in a field of science or technology, you learn basic skills that cut across different professions. This doesn’t mean that a chemist can suddenly go into information technology but by learning core courses like mathematics, problem solving, research methods and analysis which several jobs across all fields need, you become better equipped to thrive even in professions that are not STEM related.

According to research, a third of biological, environmental and agricultural science graduates work in the healthcare sector; for example of as a clinical administrator. More than half of the graduates from Science and Engineering related programs pursue careers in healthcare, education and aerospace engineering. A significant percentage of STEM graduates of mathematics, computer science and statistics can be found in a variety of careers ranging from teaching and finance to business and management.

5. Join the League of Disruptive Innovators

Innovations in STEM are crucial to the development of the economy and the value of lives of the world’s citizenry. You do not only enjoy a nice pay check from working in STEM, you also help in implementing new ideas that add value. While working in STEM, you get the chance to work in cutting edge of fields like robotics, computer technology and medicine. The active participation of women in science, technology, math and engineering fields will bode well for our collective future.

6. Develop Critical Thinking Skills

Studying and working in STEM can help you apply sound reasoning as well as logic to draw conclusions. The act of problem solving in the classroom and at work can aid you ability to decipher information, gather perspective and make informed decisions in everyday life.

The aim of STEM is to help people figure out solutions to problems and apply their critical-thinking skills for innovation. Getting a training in STEM field can assist you in your everyday tasks. For example, as a mathematics whiz, you could find it easy to do your own taxes or apply your computer engineering skills and understanding to fix your computer.

***Do you love what you read? Will you like to get all the latest STEMHub stories and updates? Then sign up for our monthly newsletter.***
***Images are not owned by STEMHub and we do not profit from their use.***
***Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn’t look right, please contact us!***