INDUSTRIES IN THE STEM SECTOR INDUSTRIES IN THE STEM SECTOR

The world of STEM is diverse. It includes 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 health science sector in Singapore has generated a need for science writers among universities and clinical laboratories.

Challenges

Keeping up with current trends, new discoveries and updated methodologies will be vital in this highly dynamic sector. As new findings and innovations are made every year, graduates 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 this 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.

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, 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, both multinational corporations (MNCs) and public agencies alike require IT and technology talent to keep up with cybersecurity threats and the everchanging 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 as people strive for the newest and most innovative discoveries.

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

Perks

Being surrounded by likeminded, inspired and creative professionals with problem-solving strengths, and 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’s the chance to marry a zeal for technology with other interests, such as 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.

Challenges

Change is the only constant in this ever-changing field, so engineers need to embrace a love for continuous learning and the ability to listen to feedback to thrive. The engineering industry also bears heavy responsibility to real world applications as they’re 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. However, this also means that they have to be highly adaptable to new work environments, and quickly pick up on 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, there are others in more specialised fields, such as medicine or law.

Other sectors not normally associated with a degree in mathematics are available too, such as the gaming and cybersecurity industries. Alternatively, there’s 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 business environments as they rely on mathematicians to analyse data and maintain profit margins, although they do receive generous remunerations in return.

Perks

A mathematically-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, having good certifications and advanced numeracy skills can lead to posts abroad, as well as easier transitions to accountancy firms, trading, or other nonactuarial roles in banks.

IS A CAREER IN STEM FOR ME ?

IS A CAREER IN STEM FOR ME ?

Fast-growing and financially rewarding, the STEM sector welcomes fresh graduates and young professionals. But how do you know if it’s the right career path for you?

A career in Science

Careers in science include physicists, pharmacists, materials scientists, pharmacologists, along with roles in medical research. Fields such as marine biology and environmental science and conservation also come under the umbrella of scientific careers too.

However, on top of being well-versed in your area of specialisation, you’ll have to be ambitious, logical and passionate about your chosen field in order to succeed.

A career in IT and Technology

Through efficient energy usage, building designs and transportations, technology has helped improve lives by providing conveniences to many. Career paths here include computer programming, systems and database administration, as well as information security.

Information technology, on the other hand, delivers value to users from data. Talents will need to be technically skilled with programmes and software, keen to solve problems and able to communicate and work effectively in a team.

A career in Engineering

While scientists create theories and focus on concepts, engineers implement science to solve practical problems, look out for new breakthroughs and invent novel ways to do and make things.

Fields of engineering include aerospace, biomedical, civil, electrical and even environmental and petroleum, among many others. Other than being educated in their chosen field, successful engineers are strong in mathematics and science, highly analytical and enjoy working in teams.

A career in Mathematics

Careers in this area include roles in statistics, quantitative finance, operations research and actuarial science. Cryptographers, economists and investment analysts all pursue careers in mathematics too.

Valued traits for those looking to enter mathematics include a knack for analysing and interpreting data, skills in critical and logical thinking, as well as abilities in organisation and teamwork to pave the way for collaborative problem-solving.