Developing Successful Careers via STEAM

What is STEAM?

STEAM is not just a subject in school. It is a way of thinking and doing. It is a combination of important skill sets which brings our generation together to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges.

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. It is not about being an expert in all of these fields but about harnessing and understanding the skills behind them. Teamwork is an essential STEAM skill.

• Scientists use this skill set to hypothesise experiments and to analyse and evaluate what they discover.
• Technology is continuously improving the quality of our lives. Designers across different fields work together to make our everyday tasks more effective.
• Engineers are the problem solvers that work on some of the world’s biggest challenges ranging from medicine to outer space.
• Mathematics proves vital in our efforts to quantify data and understand the physics behind every phenomenon in the world. It is crucial to implement change and minimise errors in our operations.
• Arts integration creates an engaging learning environment. It engages a student with the learning process on multiple levels, helping them develop better problem-solving skills. It is an approach to teaching Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics that is backed by real-world evidence.

Also Read: Decoding STEM And The Misconceptions Around It

Facts and Figures:

STEAM skills are useful for almost every career. 75% of today’s fastest-growing careers require STEAM skills and 85% of today’s employers say that they value STEAM skills even if they are not required for the job. Research shows that the demand for STEAM careers has grown 79% since 1990 but enrolment in STEAM degrees is at an all-time low.

STEAM skills may boost your potential salary and give you more negotiating power. It is not necessary to have a university degree in STEAM to be qualified for these lucrative careers. There are numerous courses where you can learn about STEAM.

List of Top Careers originating from STEAM

STEAM careers are one of the highest paying and fastest growing options out there. STEAM trained professionals can feel confident and safe in their career choices over the coming years because of the rising demands and opportunities that need to be filled by STEAM trained professionals.

Here is a list of a few common careers but one should keep in mind that it is not a comprehensive list of each and every option available. The opportunities in this field are ever-growing and mutating to give rise to newer and diversified options.

1. Mathematician/ Statistician:  Jobs can range from being corporate data analysts to teachers. The top 10th percentile of these professionals makes approximately $162,000 with a job growth rate of 33%.
2. Computer Systems Analyst: They manage and maintain IT systems in collaboration with various departments. They have the highest mean salaries in developed nations of approximately $88,000 with a job growth rate of 9%.
3. Computer and Information Research Scientist: They work at the front of innovation developing new tech and approaches. Their roles range from creating new programming languages, developing innovative tools or solving existing problems. They can expect an average yearly salary of $114,520 with a 19% growth rate.
4. Biochemists: they work in laboratory settings and commonly possess doctoral degrees. Their main role is to conduct experiments and publish reports. They conduct research presentations at conferences. The top 10th percentile can expect an average salary of $177,700 each year with a growth rate of 11%.
5. Environmental Scientists: Their main agenda is to protect the health of the environment. They conduct research, develop studies to mitigate harmful effects on the environment. They can earn up to $69,400 yearly with the top 10th percentile exceeding this limit on the basis of expertise. This job has a growth rate of 11%.
6. Geoscientists:  They focus on studying the Earth and all its components ranging from its history to its composition. Salaries range from $48,850 to $184,130 depending on expertise with a growth rate of 14%.
7. Civil Engineers: Focusing on infrastructure, they can work for either private companies or for governments and also as consultants. A Master’s degree is the minimum requirement to be a licensed civil engineer. Their salaries are an average of $84,770 annually with a growth rate of 11%.
8. Environmental Engineers: They develop solutions based on the research carried out by Environmental Scientists. They are constantly working towards improving systems with the help of innovation and improving the quality of our lives. Individuals in the top 10th percentile earn an annual salary of up to $134,060 with an 8% growth rate.
9. Chemists: They belong to the scientific community and work in laboratory settings. They are involved in the innovation of new products by studying how components react with each other and their unique properties. They can earn an average salary of $76,280 yearly with a growth rate of 7%.
10. Industrial Designers: They usually use their engineering, artistic and digital skills to create concepts and products based on their client’s demands. They can earn up to $71,640 annually with a growth rate of 6%.
11. Automotive Designers: They use their technical, artistic and engineering knowledge to design motor vehicles of all kinds that have great functionality, aerodynamics and aesthetics. They can expect an average salary of $80,700 a year with a growth rate of 6%.
12. Design/ Graphics Engineers: They help organisations combine graphics and computer vision research. They work with designers to build and improve experiential prototypes, develop new visualisations and effects and improve 3D asset standards. They can expect an annual salary of $91,313 with a growth rate of 3%.
13. Aerospace Engineers: They design, build and test spacecraft, aircraft and other types of equipment used in aerospace exploration and research. They usually work in collaboration with government-owned or private aerospace companies. They can expect an average yearly salary of $104,933 with a growth rate of 8%.
14. Astronauts: They conduct experiments and gather information while in space. They also develop new concepts in design, engineering and navigation of a vehicle outside of the Earth’s atmosphere. A seasoned astronaut can earn a salary of up to $112,544 a year with a growth rate of 9-13%.
15. Meteorologists: They are individuals with specialised knowledge of using scientific principles to explain, understand, observe and forecast the Earth’s atmospheric phenomena and how it affects the planet. They have a median annual wage of $99,740 with a growth rate of 8%.

STEAM careers can start small but have the potential to develop into game-changing careers. Engaging in your high school STEAM classes or learning to code could be the first steps you take toward STEAM careers. Starting a research project at home or participating in science fests may one day result in big discoveries. We don’t know yet what kind of jobs will exist in the coming decades but being familiar with STEAM will prepare you for these uncharted territories.

Aviotron Aerospace is working closely with Ezyschooling to make present generations aware of STEAM careers and working towards integrating them into the schooling system. At Aviotron, they aim to inculcate STEAM education in all by working closely with stem.org and through their flagship program ‘Aerobay’.

Also Read: The Role of Trending Technologies in K12 Education

Source: Explore the Top Careers in STEM