[note from Shana: I can’t post this until a few things change – 1) need citations embedded in the text; 2) a lot of the verbiage is too close to the source material, which could constitute plagiarism, so needs to be reworded; 3) many of the cited statistics are too vague (i.e. no timeline for growth) or don’t make sense (ex: “They are expected to grow 31.3% of that in 2018″…2018 was 3 years ago, so did the growth happen or not?)], so need statistics that are timely and relevant]
Choosing a STEM field for your career comes with several major perks, including higher-than-average salaries and opportunities for growth. The biggest down side is that upfront educational costs can be prohibitive; getting a degree in, say, engineering ain’t exactly cheap. Luckily, there are many STEM careers with bright futures that will enable you to pay back the cost of tuition while also doing what you love!
Here are 10 STEM careers with great outlooks (in no particular order) for you to consider when making big decisions about how you’ll invest in your future.
1. Software Developer
Software developers are responsible for many technologies that we use daily, especially on our phones. Living in an era dominated by tech that requires programming to function, software developers are the masterminds behind our daily lives. With the current pandemic, we are dependent on technology now more than ever. Anticipated growth in this field is at 28% and 316,000 number of jobs.
2. IT Manager
Information technology managers oversee an organization’s computer and technology use. They coordinate tech related matters with top executives and plan upgrades of software or hardware. Almost all companies need IT managers. The medical field is expected to increase the need for IT as well. Between 2019 and 2029, it is estimated to grow to 48,100 new jobs. There is also a low unemployment rate of 1.3%.
3. Statistician
Statisticians use data to make decisions in a scientific way. Statistics can be applied to many areas such as the environment, sports, public safety, etc. The projected growth of statistics is 33%, making it one of the fastest growing careers in STEM.
4. Physician Assistant
When you go to the doctors, physician assistants are those who diagnose and treat patients. They are very similar to doctors, although they are required to collaborate with a licensed physician. Physician assistants are expected to remain a vital part of health care services. This is because they are being trained faster than physicians and provide similar services. They are expected to grow 31.3% of that in 2018, with 39,300 jobs.
5. Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners are similar to registered nurses, but they require more education. They take patients history, perform exams, order labs and analyse results, as well as prescribe medicine. The healthcare industry grew exponentially in 2020 and we can see that to remain in 2021. The number of jobs expected by 2026 are somewhere around 110,700.
6. Epidemiologist
Epidemiology is the study of diseases, finding causes and health outcomes. Therefore, epidemiologists track patterns and work to find cures to diseases. With the COVID-19 pandemic this career is expected to grow 24% through the next decade. As well as an aging population, there will continue to be a need for epidemiology.
7. Data Scientist
Data scientists create algorithms, analyze large amounts of information, predict trends and create insights. These scientists work with numbers and textual information, rather than chemicals to answer problems.There has been a 20% increase in data scientist careers in sectors such as education, manufacturing, marketing, etc. By 2029 there is expected to be 10,300 new jobs.
8. Mechanical Engineer
With a mechanical engineering degree you research, design, develop, build and test devices in order to solve problems. These engineers are responsible for many innovations like 3D printing. There are an expected 12,400 new jobs in this field by 2029.
9. Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts are like security guards for information systems. They prevent, monitor and respond to data breaches and cyberattacks. With this growing concern of attacks, there is a projected growth of 40,900 new information security analyst jobs by 2029.
10. Medical and Health Services Manager
These managers plan, direct and coordinate behind the scenes to keep health care facilities efficient. They are very organized, and extremely detail-oriented, working with doctors, insurance, and other administrators. It is projected to grow 31.5% with 133,200 jobs.
Written by Olivia Kirven
