STEM fields offer students more than just a close look at how the world works. Even though changes in STEM education are altering the way students engage with and react to those fields of study, the process is slow. However, the more students learn practical, hands-on uses for the information they’re learning, the more they will warm to the subject matter. Something else to interest and even excite students? Careers in STEM fields are challenging, fun, and exciting. Some students may lack interest in STEM studies, and this may mean they will overlook careers in STEM fields. But what are the advantages of STEM careers for current students?
Getting an Early Start
Today’s students often go through their entire secondary education without being able to pinpoint exactly what they want to do with their lives. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but think about how having a firm plan earlier on can help students better prepare for their future. By keeping students informed about possible careers in STEM, teachers can help them better understand what they might do after they earn their high school diploma.
Advantages of STEM Careers
Most students may not even realize the advantages that come with working in the STEM fields. Aside from a plethora of job opportunities and choices, those working in STEM have a lot to be happy about. There is a ton of room for advancement, which means an ever changing environment. STEM careers usually allow you to set clear goals and accomplishments, yielding a reward more fulfilling than just high paychecks. Speaking of high paychecks, STEM jobs, on average, pay out about 70% more than the national average.
Let’s Look at Statistics
When we break it down, statistically, careers in the STEM fields are really promising right now. We’re constantly creating new technologies and learning how to use what we already have in new ways. So, let’s look at some statistics:
The unemployment rate of STEM workers—5.3%— is close to half of non-STEM workers—10%1.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, STEM jobs are expected to grow almost twice as much as other jobs: 21.4%! In addition, 80% of jobs will require technical skills within the next decade.2
This infographicdoes a good job at explaining the STEM Dilemma. We can see how so many students are opting out of STEM careers, but do they realize the benefits of them?
If you are interested in learning more about STEM careers or would like to read about STEM education, check out our free download titled Intro to STEM for Educators.
References
1. https://changetheequation.org/stemtistic-engine-opportunity
2. https://lessoncast.org/2011/12/17/why-stem-education-matters-resources-and-statistics/
