Industries in the STEM Sector

An overview of the various industries in the STEM sector.

The world of STEM is diverse. It includes the brilliant scientists studying the world and sharing their discoveries, innovative technologists putting their digital skills to use through their latest inventions, analytical engineers making the world move with practical applications and mathematicians using numbers to form life-changing equations. In this guide, we focus on graduate areas of work in STEM to help you find your ideal career and employer.

Science

Employers:

Graduates in the field of science have their pick of employers across a wide range of industries, such as academia, chemical research and even meteorology.

An upward trend in environmental science has also resulted in demand for graduates in that area, and the healthy science sector in Singapore has generated a need for science writers among universities and clinical laboratories.

Challenges:

Graduates will need to keep up with current trends, new discoveries and updated methodologies in this highly dynamic sector. As new findings and innovations are made every year, those in this field must learn to adapt to new modes of working, and constantly acquire new skills to stay on top of their game.

Perks:

Breaking new ground is common in the science industry, and many enter for the rigorous mental stimulation involved. Some roles, such as food safety and meteorology, even allow professionals to play a crucial role in public safety, while chemical research encourages scientists to flex their ingenuity and creativity.

Expect competitive benefits as skills in the sciences will always be in demand due to the need for constant innovation. Many graduates are also expected to pick up highly transferable skills, such as critical thinking and research and analysis, in university.

IT and Technology

Employers:

In IT and technology, employment can be found in a variety of firms ranging from IT giants and tech start-ups, to software and hardware makers as well as data-driven companies. Products and services are both consumer-facing and tailored for business solutions, such as telecommunications and cloud platform services.

Furthermore, multinational corporations (MNCs) and public agencies alike require IT and technology talent to keep up with cyber security threats and the ever-changing landscape.

Challenges:

Technology evolves constantly, with new products and services regularly rolled out at a fast pace. Moreover, the race for innovation has also brought on cutting-edge competition.

Additionally, cyber security issues, exposure to potentially unknown threats and frequent updates to regulations are some challenges technology professionals will need to face.

Perks:

Being surrounded by like-minded, inspired and creative professionals with problem-solving strengths, as well as embedded in a culture of growth and innovation, will ensure that work is never boring.

In addition, with every industry today requiring specific technology specialists, there is the chance to marry a zeal for technology with other interests, be it healthcare or entertainment. Lastly, technology professionals are in high demand and generally enjoy comfortable compensations for their services, skills and expertise.

Engineering

Employers:

Employers include industrial manufacturers in key areas such as the energy, infrastructure and medical sectors. On top of that, technology firms, marine engineering firms, oil and gas companies and research institutes hire engineering talents too.

Engineers are also sought by construction companies, environmental NGOs and public agencies in charge of building infrastructure, much like airports and waterworks too.

Challenges:

Change is the only constant in this ever-changing field, so engineers need to embrace a love for continuous learning and an ability to listen to feedback to thrive. The engineering industry also bears heavy responsibility to real world applications as they are developed and implemented in this sector.

Job transitions are commonplace as well, as the best way an engineer can learn is to plan strategic moves, though this also means that they have to be highly adaptable to new work environments, and quickly pick up new skills and technologies. Moreover, engineering as a profession involves large-scale, complex problems that are an entirely different ball game compared to engineering in university, so young engineers need to pick up the skills quickly.

Perks:

A career in this field is often said to be satisfying, given the intellectual stimulation offered by interesting and unpredictable challenges. Beyond the prestige that comes along with the profession, engineers also get to make the world a better place even as they enjoy financial security for their hard work.

Mathematics

Employers:

Although many employers are in sectors that deal with risk, statistics and numerical data, others are in more specialised fields, such as medicine or law.

Other sectors not normally associated with a degree in mathematics are available as well, such as the gaming and cybersecurity industries. Alternatively, there is the popular academic option, where graduates can explore and indulge in theoretical mathematical knowledge.

Challenges:

Entry-level professionals may only be assigned to more mundane tasks such as working with modelling software and spreadsheets as they continue to learn the ropes of the industry.

On the other end of the spectrum, the more senior positions tend to come with highly stressful environments in business environments offering large remunerations as they rely on mathematicians to analyse data and maintain profit margins.

Perks:

A mathematics-inclined person may enjoy a career deeply involved in analyses and assessments as it makes full use of their skills to solve real-world problems. And although the market may be small and competitive, actuary and risk professionals are often privy to attractive remuneration packages.

As numbers are a universal language, certifications and advanced numeracy skills possessed can lead not only to posts abroad, but also easy transitions to accountancy firms, trading, or other non-actuarial roles in banks.