Don’t believe these 5 STEM career myths

With science, research, engineering and technology (STEM) jobs expected to grow twice as quickly as all others, there’ll be 142,000 new STEM jobs by 2023, according to a study by the Social Market Foundation and EDF.

But unless we can bust the myths and misconceptions driving young people away from STEM, there may not be enough skilled candidates to fill those roles. These are the five most common myths–and how to combat them.

 

1. You can only work in the STEM area you studied in

With the world of work changing faster than ever, it’s absolutely not true that you have to stick to the area of STEM you studied at university. New research by Reed reveals 96% of employers value mindset over skillset, and 98% would be confident about helping someone with the right mindset develop the right skillset for the job.

This is particularly true in STEM, where the core skills such as logical reasoning and problem-solving are consistent across all disciplines. Reassure students that their skills will equip them for a wide range of STEM careers.

 

2. You can’t get a STEM job without a PhD

STEM careers aren’t just for geniuses with PhDs. Make sure students know they can enter STEM through a variety of academic pathways, including apprenticeships as a:

  • Laboratory Chemical Scientist
  • Medical Laboratory Technician
  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Forensic Scientist
  • Environmental Science Researcher

 

3. Girls aren’t interested in STEM careers 

While women are massively underrepresented in STEM, this is rapidly changing as organisations like WISE campaign for better access and promotion of STEM to young girls. Careers advisors need to back these campaigns and make sure girls not only have access to STEM careers education, but also feel invited, included and welcome.

 

4. STEM jobs are all boring research and lab work

STEM offers an incredible variety of thrills and spills, as you’ll realise if you flip through the list of entry careers and apprenticeships in STEM with the Ministry of Defence. Careers advisers need to highlight the breadth of opportunities on offer and give students the chance to get inspired by taking part in employer-engagement activities.

 

5. Most STEM jobs will soon be automated

If the robots were really about to take our jobs, we wouldn’t be so worried about the skills shortage. While automation is redefining many careers, it’s also creating new areas of work, particularly in STEM, including:

  • Computer Coders and Programmers
  • Geotechnical Design Engineers
  • Intelligence Consultants
  • Robotics Engineers
  • Data Scientists

The key is to encourage young people to stay positive, think creatively and explore the wealth of STEM opportunities on offer.

Recent Posts

Press A to Apply: Crafting Irresistible Job Offers in Gaming March 7, 2024

In the competitive gaming industry, attracting top talent can be as challenging as conquering a final-level boss. The demand for skilled professionals in game development, design, marketing, and other specialised fields has never been higher. To stand out in this crowded landscape, employers need to go beyond the ordinary and create irresistible job offers that not only entice candidates but also make them eager to press the metaphorical 'A' button and join your team.

Breaking Barriers: Diversity and Inclusion in Tech Recruitment February 28, 2024

In the fast-paced world of technology, diversity and inclusion have become imperative for fostering innovation, creativity, and sustainable growth. Breaking barriers in tech recruitment is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for companies looking to thrive in the digital age. In this article, we explore the importance of diversity in the tech industry, ways companies can enhance the recruitment process to achieve greater inclusivity, and the role of recruitment agencies in building diverse tech teams.

Crafting the Future: Trends in Tech Engineering February 21, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, staying ahead of the curve is not just a choice; it's a necessity. One of the trends that has been gaining significant traction is DevOps, a set of practices that combines software development and IT operations. The importance and business value of DevOps in today's tech-driven world cannot be overstated, and its role is only set to grow in the future.