STEM Careers and How to Prepare for Them

STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, is a hot topic lately, especially since the Obama administration just launched the Educate to Innovate campaign to improve American students' performance in STEM. American students rank 21st out of 30 in science literacy and 25th out of 30 in math literacy among students in developed nations. As a result, America's competitiveness in science and technology is rapidly eroding, putting our nation at risk of losing its position as the global economic and technological leader.

The Obama administration's Educate to Innovate campaign aims to improve K-12 science and mathematics education and encourage more young people to pursue STEM careers in the following fields:

Agriculture
Biological and biomedical sciences
Computer and informational sciences
Engineering
Mathematics and statistics
Physical sciences and technologies

Some STEM careers that are in high demand at the moment include actuaries, chemical engineers, chemists, computer software engineers, and electrical engineers.

Even if you don't want to become a scientist or an engineer, an educational background in STEM can be beneficial. The key skills that employers look for, such as analytical thinking, problem solving, and the ability to work independently, are all related to STEM. People who possess a STEM education are in demand in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and precision manufacturing.

How to Prepare for STEM Careers

The majority of STEM careers require extensive education. You can prepare for a STEM career by taking classes in the following subjects during high school and college:

Algebra, Biology,Statistics, Calculus, Electronics, Economics, Geography, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental science, Technical writing, search methods, Computer technology, Computer-assisted art

There are also a number of things you can do outside of the classroom to prepare for a STEM career. You can join a math or science club at your school, teach science at a summer camp for youth, volunteer to assist in fundraising events that require you to apply your math and budgeting skills, prepare a project for a science fair, or learn computer applications. STEM skills can also be gained through work experience.

Some STEM careers only require you to have work experience in the field or an associate's degree, but most require you to have at least a bachelor's or master's degree. Taking advanced courses in STEM is challenging and requires dedication and persistence, but it's worthwhile because STEM careers tend to pay well and boast a rewarding future. From helping solve energy problems to propelling space exploration, STEM graduates are equipped to work in an array of exciting fields.