The acronym STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These subjects are vital to the future of our world because they provide the skills necessary to solve some of the most pressing problems society faces today.
As a result, there has been increased interest in STEM around the globe. Many countries have begun launching initiatives to improve their education systems’ focus on these areas.
These four subjects are the umbrella under which numerous other subjects are grouped, including everything from mathematics to chemistry.
For example, computer science is a subject that falls under STEM. It combines the fields of technology and engineering to educate students about how computers function.
Other STEM subjects include but are not limited to
- mechanical engineering;
- physics;
- aerospace engineering;
- computer science;
- biochemistry;
- astronomy.
Why We Should Care About STEM Education
The last few years have witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of initiatives worldwide dedicated to improving STEM education. Some students even delegate their academic papers to the paper writing service with quality writers and shift their focus towards STEM. Many countries recognize that they need to provide students with the skills necessary for success.
This is because more and more researchers, educators, and policymakers have become aware of how important it is for every country’s workforce to possess knowledge about these subjects if they want their countries to be competitive on both national and international levels.
A Look at Global STEM Statistics
To better understand the importance of STEM education for today’s society, it is important to look at some statistics.
Graduates
Globally, China leads in STEM graduates, with nearly five million students completing these programs each year. This is more than twice as many as India, the country that comes second on this list.
These two countries are also far ahead in enrollment numbers for primary and secondary education regarding STEM subjects like biology or physics. The USA comes in third, with slightly over half a million graduates.
Employment Rates
A past report implied that the USA would need to find 3.5 million skilled workers in STEM fields by 2025. The same report indicated a lack of skilled workers in the STEM industry, and this has been an ongoing problem for many years now.
Remuneration
Some of the best-paying jobs are in STEM fields. Workers in these fields will generally earn better than their counterparts in non-STEM careers. The highest-paid professionals include chemical engineers, nuclear engineers, and radiologists.
Results for Women
According to a UNESCO report, the global population of females in STEM-related degrees stood at 35%. Only a smaller percentage of these women go on to work in STEM careers. This points to a gap between women choosing STEM degrees and those who work in these fields.
Benefits of STEM Education
So, what are the perks of pursuing a STEM education? If you’re thinking about it, here are some of the benefits you can expect.
Fostering Collaboration and Leadership
Whether technology or science, studying in STEM fields demands teamwork and collaboration as real-world problems are usually too complicated to be solved by an individual.
The students learn how to work together in groups and manage teams, developing their communication skills and strengthening their leadership qualities. Eventually, it gives them an edge in the job market.
Encouraging Creativity and Innovation
To succeed in the STEM fields, you need to be creative and innovative. You should be able to come up with new ideas and find different approaches to solving problems.
Thus, instead of seeing things from one perspective, students are encouraged to think creatively, adapt to quickly changing conditions, and offer unique solutions.
High Demand for STEM Graduates
STEM graduates usually have an edge when it comes to finding employment.
With ever-evolving technology and the rise of the age of data, STEM graduates are in high demand. And with several companies focusing on investing their resources to train employees, there’s no reason you should not go for it!
Plus, STEM careers usually offer attractive salaries when compared to most fields. For instance, a computer programmer in the US can earn over $65,000 per annum on average. And you can expect an even higher salary of over $100,000 if you are a software developer. So, the efforts and time you dedicate to STEM education will surely pay off.
Solution-Orientation
More employers are looking for employees who can find practical solutions to problems. STEM graduates fit this bill perfectly as they know how things work and what they need to do to eliminate hindrances.
STEM education prepares students for the ever-changing workplace by focusing on practical skills that can lead them towards success instead of theoretical knowledge, which is forgotten soon after graduation.
The Bottom Line
As students increasingly find themselves in a competitive global economy, STEM education has become more important than ever before. It is not just about getting good grades and joining the best college anymore. It is now a must-have that helps you stand out from your peers to secure rewarding jobs across industry verticals that offer lucrative pay packages.
