STEM education stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Besides learning mathematics and science, students acquire skills they can use in various fields and not only their careers. Because our world is becoming more tech-centered, learning technology allows you to adapt and develop more advanced technological items. On the other hand, engineering plays a role in our day-to-day life from our homes to our roads.
Here are five benefits students gain by pursuing STEM education:
1. You Have High Chances of Employment
The skillset acquired in STEM education is highly employable. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, while other occupations grow at a rate of 9.8%, STEM occupations are growing at 24.4%. Not to mention the fact that STEM degree holders generally earn higher compared to other professions. Sometimes females fear that they will experience the same income gap seen in other careers. Fortunately, STEM careers have a smaller income gap.
STEM workers are fundamental in the growth and stability of any economy. Furthermore, their skills will not go out of style any time soon. We will still need scientists, engineers, and astronauts, 50 years from now.
2. You Gain Transferable Skills
There are many skills you get when you pursue a STEM degree. Many of these skills are applicable both in and out of your career. Here are four useful competencies you gain:
a. You will learn communication and self-expression
In the duration of your course, you will become a report and essay writer. Besides writing, you will also be required to make presentations of data in front of your classmates. In this way, you will learn how to be articulate. Self-expression is vital if you want to express yourself both in your career and in your personal life.
b. You will learn resilience, determination, and adaptation
One beautiful thing about STEM careers is that they are always advancing. Engineering in the 1950s is very different from engineering now, and it is bound to continue evolving. When you have a new idea, you will need to be determined to prove its utility. You will need to stand firm even as others question your thoughts, and you will need to adapt to changes made by others.
c. You will learn critical thinking and creativity
STEM courses are known for fostering critical and creative thinking. You will encounter roadblocks in the process of experimentation. For example, you may be taught about the applications of a particular system in a specific situation. You will need to critically test the system then creatively alter it to fit it into a different situation.
d. You will learn to apply knowledge
Your teachers will teach you how to perform simple and complex mathematical calculations. You can apply the same skills into everyday activities like scaling a recipe or doing your taxes. Knowledge in technology will allow you to solve many of your tech problems yourself. An engineer can use his knowledge base to build their home.
3. STEM Careers Make an Impact on Society
People in STEM occupations are making significant strides in solving world problems and hence are positively impacting the world. Here are four examples:
a. Technology innovators are using technology to make life easier and safer. From building robots for hospitals to environmentally safe cars.
b. Chemical engineers are coming up with environmentally friendly ways to manufacture everyday-use items.
c. Civil engineers are building lighter homes that minimally impact the earth while optimizing the use of land.
d. Scientists are creating and experimenting with new medicines that help with current medical problems.
4. STEM Careers Have High Job Satisfaction
You are more likely to enjoy your job and beat those Monday blues if you are satisfied with your job. One key contributor to this feeling is doing things that impact the world positively. Those in technology work daily to make life easier for people. Scientists help shed light on life's mysteries and solve problems. Some engineers build infrastructure for people. Coupled with job growth and high salaries, there is a reason people in STEM occupations report high job satisfaction.
5. Knowledge in STEM Fields Needs to be Passed Forward
Most development in any field is based on building on past information. As society advances, they change and improve on previous ideas to come up with new ideas. These STEM careers are here to stay. Teachers are vital in consolidating what was necessary in the earlier syllabi and incorporating new advancements to come up with a wholesome curriculum. In this manner, the engineering teacher is just as crucial as the engineer.
While STEM may seem only to have four branches, these branches stem out even more. There is so much you can be. You have the opportunity to work in diverse environments from inside labs to outside. You will meet many different people and have a chance to change the world.
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