Choosing what to study at university can be a daunting decision. After all, this single choice has the potential to determine your future career path. For some, the decision is easy. However, for most of us, finding a field of study that interests us and will lead to a rewarding career is often easier said than done. If you find yourself in this position, it's important to realize you are not alone.
Depending on your interests and aptitude, you may want to consider a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) specialization. As technology develops and we become increasingly dependent on machines, people with expertise in these areas become very attractive prospects for an employer. Spend time exploring the university degree catalogs, as you might find a course tailored to your particular interests. If you are still on the fence about pursuing a STEM degree at university, here are some good reasons to consider when making the all-important choice about your future:
STEM Subjects Are More Creative Than You May Think
People are often mistaken into believing that those that go to school for engineering and computing are purely left-brained logical folk. However, STEM subjects require students to have a lot of creativity in order to formulate new ideas and solve problems. Whether you plan on working with fast cars, cyber gaming, or underwater exploration, there are numerous areas emerging in STEM that will give you the opportunity to research interesting subjects.
STEM Opens Up Rewarding Career Options
After studying STEM subjects at university, you'll find that there is a diverse range of fulfilling career options. For instance, a background in physics could lead to a career as an astronomer, and biology provides a good foundation to become a marine biologist. It's also important to remember that STEM careers are fluid, and the skills you get from your degree will be transferable as the needs of the world evolve.
Job Security
Students graduating with a STEM degree will find far more job opportunities once they leave college. For example, studying computing could land you a job at Google or enable you to become an app developer or robotics expert. You'll find that when you're armed with a STEM degree, there is a wide global demand for these hard skills. Furthermore, STEM employers tend to provide workers with great benefits and competitive salaries for their expertise.
Good Financial Remuneration
Pursuing a career in a STEM subject will likely lead to a higher salary. This is especially true for recent STEM graduates as starting salaries tend to be much better than for non-STEM students. Furthermore, the type of employers looking to hire students with a STEM qualifications offer better benefit packages.
If you want to study something that is creative, challenging and will likely land you a great job, you should consider pursuing a STEM degree. Be sure to do your research, as there are a wealth of degrees available. Attending industry events or completing a work-shadowing placement could also be useful in providing some practical behind-the-scenes insights into your chosen profession and could even help you connect with a mentor.
