Amazing career paths in STEM

In science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields; there are a wide range of career options for anyone passionate enough to pursue them. Today, we’ll explore some of the more interesting career paths in STEM to help you discover your passion. Just understand this is a small list and we’ll always support you to find the perfect match for your skills, no matter how specialised they might be.

Data Science and Analytics

We start with the exciting field of Data Science and Analytics where you could become an in-demand Corporate Data Scientist, Data Analyst or Business Intelligence Analyst. They look at vast data sets and crunch the numbers to forecast business trends and overall performance. You could specialise in marketing or business ops within an enterprise organisation or go freelance and explore a career as a consultant. To excel, you’ll want to have a firm grasp on programming, statistics and data visualisation.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Certainly one of the hottest fields right now, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning pathways are always open to new Machine Learning Engineers, AI Research Scientists and Robotics Engineers. They help businesses harness these advancements and build new groundbreaking tech like the Optimus robot. To work in this space, you’ll need to understand mathematics, programming and machine learning algorithms. Oh, and you’ll want to have a passion for computer science generally.

Software Development and Engineering

In this path, you could become an Independent Software Developer, Software Engineer or Full-stack Developer; building their latest app or SaaS tool. Or you might go down a popular branch like video gaming or Augmented Reality. To maximise your career success, you’ll want to understand the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), have good problem-solving skills and know programming like the back of your hand. You could design the next Uber, Salesforce or Baldur’s Gate 3.

Biotechnology and Bioinformatics

This emerging pathway could see you launch a career as a Biotechnologist, Bioinformatics Analyst or Genetic Counselor. As this field develops, graduates with a good understanding of biology, laboratory techniques and research methodologies will be in demand. If you're passionate about biomedical engineering, we have a wide range of courses that will outfit you for an exciting career immediately upon graduation. Help people prevent genetic disease in fetal tissue or understand our bodies in new and exciting ways the sky’s the limit.

Medical Research

Always in demand, you could train to join the ranks of Medical Research Scientists, Clinical Research Associates and Epidemiologists making waves with new treatments and medical breakthroughs. All you’d need to gain an attractive placement is a good understanding of research methodology, experimental design and analysis. With these foundations, you could be at the cutting edge of treatments for fringe COVID cases that are still plaguing patients around the world, discover new pathogens or create new vaccines.

Environmental Science

Help protect and safeguard our planet for generations to come as an Environmental Scientist, Environmental Engineer or Climate Change Analyst. As we know, climate change is a real and present threat. We will need amazing STEM grads like you to tackle this challenge and prevent further damage to our environment. To forge a successful career, you’ll need analytical, technical, scientific and policy knowledge. With this, you could work for a non-profit, government organisation or think-tank.

Aerospace and Aeronautics

To join the ranks of innovative Aerospace Engineers, Aeronautical Engineers or Aviation Technologists; you’ll need a strong grasp of engineering skills as well as good collaboration practices and a keen eye for solutions. An understanding of AI wouldn’t hurt either as this tech is set to disrupt the field and enable autonomous flights soon. Work for NASA, Space X or Virgin; advancing our understanding of flight in all its forms.

Civil Engineering

As a Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer or Transportation Engineer; you’ll create safe and sustainable spaces and transport methods of the future. To build a long-term career, you’ll need soft skills like collaboration and project management combined with an evolved understanding of structural analysis and design. With this knowledge, you could make a lasting impact on the world, creating impressive structures like the HS2, Palm Islands in Dubai, or Shanghai Tower.

Cybersecurity

An unfortunate side effect of our connected world is the prevalence of cyber criminals who want to disrupt our way of life and steal from others. As a Cybersecurity Analyst, Ethical Hacker or Security Consultant; you could reduce their impact, educate others or secure our most vital data from interception. In the field of cybersecurity, you’ll use your knowledge of programming, cyberattack methods and problem-solving approaches for good working for companies or government organisations.

Renewable Energy

Want to be a Renewable Energy Engineer, Solar Energy Technician or Wind Energy Analyst? These are some of the emerging careers in renewables and with the UK using more renewable energy than ever before. You’ll need to have a passion for technical concepts, renewable energy systems and project management to carve your own slice of this, more eco-friendly, energy pie. There are a huge number of roles open and big companies like E.ON or BP or you could work on the policy side with governments and non-profits.

Neuroscience

As a Neuroscientist, Neuroengineer or Cognitive Scientist; you’ll study the brain and how humans use it to function. Contribute to amazing projects like 3D brain function mapping with a thorough understanding of research methodology, data analysis skills and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration. In neuroscience, vast teams from multiple scientific disciplines may collaborate on one single project; so you should love working with others and appreciate the capabilities of all other scientists and academics.

Mathematics and Statistics

Want to be a Statistician, crunching the numbers on industries like gaming or beauty? Or maybe you prefer the dynamism of a role as an Operations Research Analyst? Whatever specialism you choose within Mathematics and Statistics, you’ll need to have a firm grasp of those concepts plus a keen love of data visualisation. Even as a humble Actuary, you could change the world and solve big problems like the pandemic or climate change. Mathematics and Statistics are vital in every sector of industry.

Information Technology (IT)

Since the dot com boom, IT Consultants, IT Project Managers and Systems Administrators have been in demand in every mid to large-scale company on the planet. You’ll need to have a good grasp of programming and IT infrastructure. And you’ll want to possess evolved problem-solving skills… but you’ll also need vision to see the path to the future and chart the company's needs as a 5 and 10-year plan. That’s why CTOs are part of any company’s driving senior management force.

Chemical Engineering

Does process engineering, chemical process optimisation or material science get your juices flowing? You might have a star career as a Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer or Materials Scientist in the field of chemical engineering. These compositional experts are responsible for a lot of good innovations across human history from potable water to antibiotics and you could join their ranks with a little training.

Physics and Astronomy

An amazing career in physics and astronomy is possible with a comprehensive understanding of science, mathematical modelling and experimental design. You could be a Physicist, Astrophysicist or Quantum Physicist and solve our most persistent scientific conundrums. You might seek to understand our cosmos better by analysing the pictures from Webb or participate in incredible leaps of human knowledge like these recent physics breakthroughs.

Geology and Geophysics

Becoming a Geologist, Geophysicist or Hydrologist is still possible (and desirable) in this modern world. New techniques and discoveries are being made in these fields all the time and you only need an understanding of fieldwork and mapping skills, geological and geophysical data analysis and Earth processes to get an impactful career in this space. Most openings are with research groups and government bodies but there are a few pathways in the corporate world within energy and construction.

STEM Education and Outreach

Maybe you realise how important STEM is and want to contribute to the prevalence of new graduates as a Educator, Education Programme Manager or Science Communicator. There are plenty of opportunities for this as institutions like ours, educational nonprofits and government agencies. You’ll need pedagogical expertise, curriculum development skills and to be a confident communicator.