If you’ve gone through the job market, you may have come across your fair share of STEM listings but aren’t exactly sure what it means. STEM is an acronym used to describe jobs that deal with science, technology, engineering, or math. These four branches are some of the most lucrative fields you could ever participate in. They’re home to a lot well-paying and rewarding jobs, but it will take effort on your part to get it. If you’re looking to have a career in one, there are a couple of things you should know first.
What are STEM Majors?
A common misconception about STEM careers is that it’s just one thing. STEM careers greatly vary, and many involve multiple disciplines of STEM. As an example, fields of medicine use science, technology, and math for many things. They use math to measure out the appropriate dosage of medicine to give patients, technology to get quick access to health records, and science to diagnose an ailment or condition. STEM majors are broad and diverse; here’s just a few:
- Computer science
- Mechanical engineering
- Software engineering
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Health sciences
These degrees can be very expensive, especially when it comes to medicine. There are a few ways to finance a college education, such as scholarships and student loans. There are many options, including public and private. In addition you can fill out your free application for federal student aid (FAFSA). How much you’ll be approved for depends on the cost of attendance (COA) and expected family contribution (EFC). Regardless of what you’re eligible for, you can use a scholarship or student loan for your books, equipment, and even living costs if you decide to study on campus.
Jobs for a STEM Major
A STEM major can net you a vast array of jobs these days, especially when it comes to technology. Because technology has become so popular and evolved to the point of needing it for daily life, it’s considered one of the best fields to work in. From an accountant or web developer to biologist or civil engineer, working in STEM helps you gain the skills of the future as well. Other rewarding jobs you can get include the following:
- Data scientist
- Dentist
- Statistician
- Physician assistant
- Economist
- Environmental engineer
- Psychologist
- Computer programmer
Be sure to thoroughly research your options before applying for your student loan. You don’t want to choose a career path you’re not satisfied with.
Soft Skills Too
Your degree program is going to introduce you to the appropriate skills needed for the career you’ve chosen. The work in a STEM career can be very rigorous at times, so having strong soft skills as well, such as critical thinking, paying attention to detail, being an avid problem-solver, leadership skills, and analytical skills are what will make you successful in any field.