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Most of us will have studied some or all of these up to GCSE or standards. Whether that’s all three sciences (physics, chemistry and biology), core science, ICT, DT or perhaps additional maths. But when you’re pouring over the table of chemical elements, or working out the cosine of an equilateral triangle, it’s not always clear how such skills could turn into an exciting job. And that, unfortunately, is why so many of us drop these subjects when we take our options - BUT STOP AND THINK BEFORE YOUR DO! Yes, they may seem ‘harder’ subjects to study, but the rewards are big…
Harnessing the power of the sun
to power the world
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Firstly, studying STEM subjects is a fantastic way to keep your options open. Sounds weird, but it’s true; employers will always be impressed with the skills you have gained and good grades in STEM subjects are really valued by universities, no matter what degree you are applying for. Even jobs which demand strong artistic skills, such as architecture, require maths to be studied to A/Higher level. In fact, choosing STEM subjects will offer a wide choice of career path, and as a recent study reports, STEM graduates are also amongst the highest earners.
STEM careers are scientists in white coats and engineers in dirty blue overalls - right? Wrong! Choosing a STEM career offers plenty of opportunities; working on new cancer drugs as a pharmaceutical researcher, or designing new cakes as a food technologist, or as a fashion technologist working out how to maximise production numbers of the latest Jimmy Choos.
Opportunities for creativity and innovation are found in all types of STEM employment. You could play major role in large scale projects such as the London 2012 Olympic Games or building solar energy plants to help combat climate change. You could often work in a team and frequently find themself going abroad as your skills are required internationally; such as improving water supplies, developing immunization programs or addressing environmental problems.
Could your STEM study take you into space?
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The world has changed dramatically in recent years from technological advancements like the internet, to the negative effects of global warming. With these changes comes the need for more talented STEM professionals that can develop new technologies and offer solutions to the growing demands of our planet.
Even with the recent problems in the economy, the range of STEM careers and employment prospects mean there will always be jobs available for talented scientists, engineers and technicians. A recent report by the Confederation of British Industry says “The demand for highly numerate and analytical STEM skilled individuals is expected to grow dramatically in the future…”
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Saw The Ride - Thorpe Park
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But despite all this, it seems not enough of us are choosing to study these subjects. While overall university applications have increased by 12.2% since 2002, STEM subject choice only accounts 0.08% of this.
So how do you get into this lucrative career area? For many choosing STEM subjects at A/Highers Level will be a key step. Biology, chemistry, computing, ICT, maths, further maths and physics are the subjects you need to choose from. Other study options are available in some schools, such as the new 14–19 Engineering Diploma or the Construction and the Built Environment Diploma. Wales and Scotland are introducing an equivalent Baccalaureate Qualification soon.
After school there are many opportunities to continue your study, with a huge range of degrees on offer across all subjects. Alternatively, you could choose to start work at one of the many under and graduate training programs on offer from leading employers.
So whether you are looking to create the next ‘SAW The Ride’ for Thorpe Park, “not just any old cakes” for M&S, find a cure for cancer, or solve the problems of climate change, there’s one thing you’ll need - a solid understanding of STEM. No matter which path you choose, this area really does offer fantastic long term prospects and with the future so bright, the future’s not orange, it’s STEM!
Developing computer games
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To find out further information on the wide range of careers STEM subjects can lead you into visit www.futuremorph.org
Also check out these websites for more details on the breadth of STEM careers www.etechb.co.uk, www.scenta.co.uk, www.enginuity.org.uk and www.vega.org.uk
www.wisecampaign.org.uk provides specific information for girls considering a career in science, engineering and construction.
Magazines like National Geographic have excellent articles on STEM related occupations www.nationalgeographic.com
Visit Thorpe Park or Alton Towers and see STEM in action!
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