What is STEM and why is it important?
We’re going to assume that if you’re reading CareerswithSTEM.com.au, you might have a clue about STEM. But just in case, let’s start with the basics: What is STEM and why is it important?
What is STEM?
STEM is an acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Sometimes, you might see an extra ‘A’ or ‘M’ thrown in there like ‘STEAM’ or ‘STEMM’. They stand for ‘Arts’ and ‘Medicine’.
The concept of STEM actually started in the US as a way to combat low student participation rates that we’re still seeing today. It all started with a report that found a correlation between people employed in science and tech jobs and that country’s economic prosperity and the innovation of world issues.
Did you know? You could have been reading this article on CareerswithSMET.com.au? When the acronym was first invented by educators at the American National Science Foundation in 2001, they almost went with ‘SMET’. Fortunately it was changed to ‘STEM’ as it had a better ring to it.
Why is it important to study STEM?
It’s a widely reported fact that 75% of all future jobs will require STEM skills and knowledge. So, if you’re planning on being employed in the future, having STEM skills will widen your job opportunities exponentially.
That doesn’t mean you’ll have to be a mathematician, or a scientist to survive. STEM skills are applicable to just about every industry. You could work in environmental conservation using maths skills, or become a fashion designer using maths. Check out our role models page for more career possibilities!
“Science can drive our leadership in clean technologies. Science strengthens our sovereign manufacturing capabilities, enabling us to make more things here in Australia. It can boost our delivery of high value, knowledge-intensive goods and services. And it provides the tools to protect our economy and the biodiversity that underpins our economy.”
– Australia’s Chief Scientist, Professor Tony Haymet
On a wider scale, STEM skills contribute to economic growth. Take Science for example. A report from the Australian Academy of Science estimates that 14% of Australia’s direct economic activity comes from careers in Science. The impact of STEM fields more broadly amounts to more than 26% of Australia’s economic activity, which works out at about $330 billion per year!
3 Responses
The craze for STEM Learning has now significantly increased in young students. The universities are coming up with various STEM Learning Programs in collaboration with other institutions & researchers.
The STEM Learning Ecosystems have a vast potential to teach the young students in masses. Every year students are applying for these programs in a big number because of the real-time practice and to represent their talents.
Occupations in STEM-related professions are probably the quickest developing and best paid of the 21st century, and they frequently have the best potential for work development. The most ideal approach to guarantee future achievement and life span is to ensure that the students are well versed in these subjects.
Building a strong STEM Foundation through a balanced educational plan is the most ideal approach to guarantee that understudies are presented to math, science, and innovation all through their instructive profession.
I’m currently participating in a STEM program at Academic city University and it’s really beneficial