How to prepare to get a STEM job at large companies

What is STEM?

STEM is the acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. When we talk about STEM backgrounds, we’re referring to those that use technology and/or the scientific method to obtain results. 

Nowadays, the new digital era and the acceleration of technological advances mean that these professionals are the most in-demand at companies, and it is expected that this will remain the case in the future. At the same time, STEM professionals are scarce, which is why this field has a lot of professional opportunities.

Profile of a STEM professional

A STEM professional’s training is not only focused on providing specific knowledge for a particular job but also on being able to adapt to a work environment that’s constantly evolving. This implies being flexible, innovative, and having skills such as critical and analytical thinking, focusing on solutions, teamwork, and commitment to continual training. Therefore, this type of professional is prepared to face the challenges of the competitive labor market and contribute to the development of their area of specialization.

STEM skills

STEM profiles have a wide variety of skills; notable among these are:

• Problem-solving: This lets you analyze a problem, design possible solutions, and test them to determine which is the best method.
• Critical thinking: This is the ability to assess whether data or information is reliable. It also lets you consider various perspectives.
• Creativity: This helps to develop solutions to existing problems or create better products.
• Curiosity: This means asking questions to get more information. Therefore, you have to learn to ask the right questions in order to get to the right solution. This is the essence of research.
• Computer and technological skills: These allow people to use complex technological functions and understand difficult applications and software. 

STEM profiles most sought by companies

If you are thinking about getting into this sector, according to the 2020 “Future of Jobs Report” by the World Economic Forum (WEF), which offers information on employment trends, some STEM jobs in increasing demand are:

1. Data analysts.
2. Specialists in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
3. Software developers.
4. Cybersecurity experts.
5. Cloud engineers.
6. Robotic engineers.

These trends can change, so it is important to be aware of emerging trends and develop relevant skills to adapt to a constantly evolving job market.

STEM education

To access these STEM professions, you must complete training that doesn’t necessarily have to be a university degree. Through education, people attain the necessary skill set to meet job demands, and the four components of STEM offer valuable lessons:

• Science helps you improve in research and critical thinking.
• Engineering improves problem-solving skills and the ability to apply knowledge to real-life problems.
• Technology prepares you to work in an environment with continuous technological innovations.
• Mathematics allows you to minimize errors, analyze information, and take calculated risks.

STEM careers with more job opportunities

If you are interested in choosing a college major and have doubts about which one to choose, according to the “STEM Employability” report published in 2020 by FECYT (the Spanish foundation for science and technology) and the Everis Foundation’s Employability Observatory, some of the STEM careers with the most job opportunities in Spain are:

1. Computer engineering: This field shows significant growth in demand for professionals specializing in software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data analysis.
2. Telecommunications engineering: Demand continues to grow, especially in 5G networks, the Internet of Things (IoT), and information technologies.
3. Industrial engineering: This field has a wide range of job opportunities in sectors such as automotive, energy, logistics, and production.
4. Biotechnology: It offers job opportunities in research and development, production, and quality control in sectors such as health, food, and the environment.
5. Data science and engineering: Digitalization and the need to analyze large volumes of data have driven the demand for data science professionals with skills in statistics, programming, and data analysis.

Five reasons to pursue a STEM education

Regardless of the high demand for STEM profiles, all students should learn STEM skills. This is because education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) positively impacts students’ chances of success. The benefits include:

1. Learning critical thinking and how to innovate

It challenges students to think critically and find solutions for themselves. It also prepares them to be innovators with novel ideas and contribute to growth and progress.

2. Learning to develop project management skills

These fields often involve practical projects that allow students to apply the theoretical concepts learned. This way, they develop skills like time management and the ability to divide complex projects into more manageable tasks. They learn to take calculated risks, which generates resilience, confidence, and flexibility.

3. Better teamwork

They offer students frequent opportunities to improve their teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills. Students must work together to find solutions to problems, record data, and write reports; this allows them to develop leadership skills and learn to collaborate, demonstrating patience and empathy.

4. Acquiring the necessary technological skills

The recent pandemic has underscored the importance of technology in our daily lives. The need to connect with family and co-workers through tools like Zoom and Teams has made it even more crucial for students to understand and use technology. Many will continue to use these technological tools in their daily jobs and lives.

5. STEM jobs are the future of the economy

Since the world is becoming more and more technological, developing STEM skills is essential to doing any job successfully in the future. A study by the U.S. Department of Commerce revealed that STEM jobs are growing by 24%, compared to other professions that are growing by 4%. Another study shows that employment in STEM positions will probably grow by 10.5% by 2030, while non-STEM fields may see 7.5%. 

The world is becoming more and more technological; therefore, the demand for STEM professionals is increasing. STEM skills are and will be valuable in any field, and they will be essential to achieving success in the modern labor market. So if you are thinking about getting training in a new sector or specializing in something new, consider the great potential of this field, which is growing worldwide.