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Global Competition Creates Demand For STEM Careers In Science, Technology, Engineering And Math

Career Vision gets calls from parents, school staff and reporters about what we think will be top jobs for the future. While it is tough to provide specific job titles because the actual job may not exist yet, it is very clear that tomorrow’s “most in-demand careers” will require education in science, technology, engineering and math – referred to as STEM careers. The problem facing our country is that too few students are entering these rigorous programs of study. If the U.S. is going to remain competitive in the global economy, a significant and rapid increase in educated and skilled workers in STEM fields is needed. Thousands of employees in STEM careers are required to fuel the growth to keep our economy among the world leaders, and the innovation to benefit the planet. The National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation and the Department of Education have led the initial efforts to build the STEM educational and workforce pipeline. The need for increasing STEM competencies impacts everyone.

What are STEM careers?
There are eight STEM disciplines identified on the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*NET occupational database website that require a solid educational foundation in science, technology, engineering or mathematics:

  1. Chemistry
  2. Computer Science
  3. Engineering
  4. Environmental Science
  5. Geosciences [Earth Sciences]
  6. Life Sciences
  7. Mathematics
  8. Physics and Astronomy

The O*NET’s STEM disciplines web page classifies many STEM occupations as “green career,” “bright outlook,” or both. Careers that support environmental sustainability, social justice and economic viability are defined as green jobs. Jobs tagged as “bright outlook,” identify those occupations that fall into three categories: those expected to grow rapidly in the next several years, will have large numbers of job openings, or are new and emerging occupations.

The article “STEM Occupations: High tech jobs for a high-tech economy” in the Spring 2007 Occupational Outlook Quarterly has even better news: “As a group, STEM workers earned about 70% more than the national average in 2005, according to the BLS [Bureau of Labor Statistics].” Job growth, helping the planet and our economy, and the potential to earning a higher salary – nothing wrong with that picture! As a nation, it is important to create a higher level of awareness and knowledge of STEM careers for students and working adults so they realize the significant career potential of these paths.

The need to build the talent pipeline
The U.S. needs to begin building the talent pipeline in several age groups simultaneously, with students as well as the current workforce. “All students need to develop their capabilities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to levels much beyond what was considered acceptable in the past,” according to The National Science Foundation in their 2007 National Action Plan. All students – not just the students who somehow develop an interest in these subjects. Our world, and therefore workforce requirements, is rapidly becoming more sophisticated. Technology has become integral to daily life in the 21st Century and mastering STEM knowledge and skills are critical to every individual’s employability and career success. STEM competency also impacts each person’s ability to contribute to the economic success of both the national and global economy.

This is a huge task. Many agencies and organizations – in government, education, the non-profit and private sectors – are beginning to collaborate in order to meet the need for a stronger STEM capability in the U.S. As a country, we need to engage more students in math and science classes, help them gain an adequate or better competency in those subjects, attract them to STEM careers, and provide mentors to guide their development. In addition, women and minorities are historically underrepresented in STEM career fields. Programs to attract and retain these individuals to STEM careers, and supporting them through school and on the job, are key.

The U.S. Department of Labor 2007 report, “The STEM Workforce Challenge,” lays out requirements for preparing students for STEM success. However, it also addresses the trends in the supply and employment of workers in STEM fields. It says, “Competitiveness in STEM fields requires a focus on the skills and the supply of those involved in production, repair, marketing, sales and other jobs that require competencies built upon math, science, engineering, and technology knowledge.” The current workforce needs access to training, retraining, or advanced education for jobs that are changing, or new jobs that are being created in response to technology. There is no quick-fix, and the solution will involve funding and orchestrating the efforts of a number of players in government, industry, business, and education.

Illinois’ unique position in science and technology
Illinois is one of six states with a high concentration of STEM jobs. Along with California, Texas, New York, Florida and Virginia, over 40 % of STEM jobs resided in this group of states as of 2005. According to the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition, Illinois is uniquely positioned as a leader in science and technology research and development. Illinois is home to several prestigious national laboratories and spends billions of dollars for science and technology research and development. The state is also rich in education, with over 200 institutions of higher education serving almost 1 million students. The Coalition specially identifies Illinois’ strengths in biotechnology, clean energy (bio-fuels, wind, and coal), and nanotechnology.

What can an individual do to respond to the STEM career challenge?

  1. Continue to grow in your STEM knowledge and skills to stay ahead of the technology curve in your career field or industry. Be the first to learn new technology related to your job.
  2. Learn about the breadth of STEM careers to uncover options and opportunities for yourself.
  3. Share your knowledge of STEM skills and careers with the children in your life. Young people’s interests and motivations grow with experiences and exposure to a variety of jobs and work environments. Field trips, visits to hands-on science museums and other enrichment activities are enjoyable ways to accomplish this learning. Show them the possibilities!
  4. Find out how your children’s schools are increasing their focus on science, math and technology subjects, and reinforcing the connection between classroom and the world of work. Parent groups can support the schools’ efforts, providing assistance and resources for activities and events.

Great resources for learning about STEM careers

  1. The article “STEM Occupations: High Tech Jobs for a High Tech Economy” in the Occupational Outlook Quarterly provides a quick, helpful overview of STEM career fields, earnings, education and job prospects.
  2. The Sloan Career Cornerstone Center is a great resource for exploring science, technology, engineering, mathematics, computing, and healthcare careers. This website also offers informational interviews with hundreds of professionals about their career choices.
  3. STEM Career is a website targeted to those seeking and promoting STEM careers – students, counselors, educators and parents.
  4. Green Career Central is a green career coaching and resource center for experienced professionals.
  5. Local universities, like the Illinois Institute of Technology and Northern Illinois University may have STEM educational outreach programs, camps and activities.