6 Reasons Why a Career in STEM Might Be for You

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and these four distinctions encompass hundreds of different career paths. Consider this: STEM professionals range from microbiologists who study the smallest parts of a cell to astrophysicists who study the largest expanses of the universe to welding technicians and everything in between. There truly is something for everyone in STEM!

Jobs in STEM are the perfect spot for bright minds like yours. Whether you’ve never thought about pursuing a STEM career, are on the fence about it, or are definitely on board, these are all pretty sweet reasons you could kill it in the STEM field:

1. You’re creative.

Creativity manifests itself in many ways and isn’t limited to the arts. Being creative means you’re capable of finding unique solutions to complex problems and can think outside the box. Sound like you?

Although many people think of STEM as just hard sciences, that assumption couldn’t be further from the truth. Scientists, engineers, coders, and more constantly face challenging problems that require creative solutions. If you’re down to stretch your creativity, STEM is waiting for you!

🎨 Consider these STEM careers: Robotics engineering, science documentary producer, civil engineer, biomedical animator, software developer, graphic designer, or 3D modeler.

2. You love hands-on learning.

Raise your hand if you learn by doing: ✋✋🏽✋🏾 Me too. This is called kinesthetic learning, which means that your process of absorbing information involves a lot of trial and error. I have some great news: many careers in STEM are literally ALL about getting your hands dirty and doing experiments.

Whether you are testing the properties of different compounds in a lab or going out to remote locations to study unique rock formations, the opportunities for hands-on learning are endless in STEM.

🧪 Consider these STEM careers: Geologist, underwater archaeologist, aerospace engineer, 3D printing engineer, or acoustical engineer.

3. You want to explore the world.

You don’t have to be a traveling influencer to see the world as a part of your job! I mean, imagine being paid to explore the world and doing something you love at the same time. STEM might be the answer to all your travel dreams. Many careers in the field require fieldwork, meaning you get to go to different places to conduct research and do projects. Plus, some STEM jobs can be done completely remotely, allowing you to travel or live abroad.

Ready to hop on a plane in the name of STEM?

🔎 Consider these STEM careers: Geoscientist, environmental field technician, hydrologist, zoologist, technical writer (remote), web developer (remote), or archaeologist.

4. You want to make the world a better place.

Whether they’re developing life-changing prosthetics, testing new medicines in a lab, or designing apps suitable for vision-impaired people, many STEM professionals are driven by a common mission to make the world a better place. Added bonus: diversifying STEM also means ensuring technology works for all and helps limit harmful algorithmic biases.

New technologies are emerging worldwide, developed by scientists, engineers, techies, mathematicians (and more!) who hope to find robust solutions to some of the world's most pressing issues. If you’ve landed here at DoSomething, chances are you are also motivated to make a difference, and STEM could be the ideal path for you.

🔬 Consider these STEM careers: Certified ethical hacker, STEM teacher, prosthetics engineer, marine biologist, or pharmacologist.

5. You’re passionate about the environment.

STEM education is what we have to thank for the knowledge we have about climate change. Considering that climate justice is one of the most important issues to young people, you might have thought about a STEM career as a way to make a difference already.

STEM professionals are leading the pack in fighting climate change with creative solutions. From inventing biodegradable packaging to clean energy systems, they’re making huge strides to protect the planet. If your desire to preserve our natural world is a driving force in your future plans, STEM is the ideal career path for transforming your passion into climate action.

♻️ Consider these STEM careers: Environmental scientist, ecologist, wildlife conservationist, renewable energy engineer, or environmental emergency planner.

6. There aren’t enough people like you in STEM.

Women, BIPOC, and people with disabilities are severely underrepresented in STEM, and the time to change that is now. Though there is a lack of equitable educational resources for these groups, that doesn’t mean a career in STEM is out of reach. Many young people are already trailblazing in the field, proving that barriers are meant to be smashed.

Your perspective is shaped by your life experiences, making you a valuable resource to the field. STEM is constantly evolving, with new careers available as the scope of science, technology, and math continues to grow. As this happens, people like you bring a lot to the table and can help shape the field to meet the moment and implement solutions that your community needs.

👨‍🔬👩‍🔬 Consider these STEM careers: EVERY. SINGLE. ONE.

There is a place for you in STEM. Whether you’re committed to bringing your vision of a greener future to life with a career in environmental science or want to spend your days building sweet robots, the wide range of options in STEM is ever-growing. This is your chance to let your brilliant mind shine, and DoSomething can’t wait to hear about your epic inventions, discoveries, and more!