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Motivations in Pursuing STEM Careers

By Asal Mohammadi


Growing up is never easy; whether you have just entered high school or have long departed its chaotic halls, the anxiety about the future’s uncertainty can be felt by people of all ages. You may recall being asked as a child: what do you want to be when you grow up? Your answer to this question could have been influenced by many factors like upbringing, pressure, or passion. For some, that answer remains constant as they mature; however for most, this answer changes many times until they find the proper career direction. In an evolving society, the pursuit of STEM fields is becoming more prominent for a wide variety of reasons. As such, we wish to explore these reasons in depth to shine a light on some of the world’s growing career paths. If you feel uncertain in your pursuit of a STEM-related field, we hope some of your questions get answered.



The Universality of STEM Fields

Numbers are everywhere, and fortunately, most regions of the world recognize or utilize the same numerical system. As such, an attractive quality of STEM fields is the ability to collaborate and use data from all over the world. Depending on your chosen field, you may even have the ability to travel to these various regions and work on-site with people who share the same passions and interests. While space may sound like a stretch, it is one of the best examples of global collaboration from scientists in the form of the International Space Station orbiting Earth.


The crew of the International Space Station featuring members from Russia, Japan, and the United States, photo/NASA

Job Security/Higher Wages

In your pursuit of a STEM career, you will learn many skills like critical thinking, research methodology, and even paperwork. While you cannot completely switch career paths instantly, many fields of work require these skills as qualifications for getting hired. These qualifications will allow you to find a job in a reasonable amount of time if need be. We don’t guarantee that you will get a job with a degree in STEM, however, the job availability within STEM fields is greater than in many other career fields. Additionally, Diversity in STEAM Magazine states that people working in STEM-related fields earn more than 63% of other fields.


Skills Outside of Work

In earning a STEM degree, your skills will not be limited to the workplace. Having experience within any STEM field may aid you in your everyday life. For example, a person with an interest in mathematics will have an easier time calculating their taxes. Additionally, the skills you gain in STEM careers will remain useful in a world in which technology keeps advancing.


Passion

Pursuing a career in STEM allows you the opportunity and flexibility to pursue your dream career. While you may feel pressure from your parents or environment to pursue a certain path, nothing will be better than going to work in a place that you love. While the rewarding aspect is present, a love for your career will help you be productive even beyond work. The literal ability to quench your curiosity is another benefit in pursuing a STEM career as you will need to research and be creative in answering your questions. If your dream is to make a big impact on the world, even the sky won’t limit you in STEM (get it?).



Works Cited

Garcia, Mark. “The 11-Member Crew Aboard the International Space Station.” NASA, 29 Apr.

2021, www.nasa.gov/image-feature/the-11-member-crew-aboard-the-

international-space-station-0.

“Six Inspiring Reasons You Should Pursue a STEM Major.” Student Caffé Blog, 14 Oct. 2017,

blog.studentcaffe.com/six-reasons-pursue-stem-major/.

Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math Magazine | Diversity in STEAM, 3 Feb. 2017,

diversityinsteam.com/2017/02/10-reasons-to-consider-a-career-in-the-stem-

fields/.

“5 Fantastic Reasons to Consider a STEM Career.” Precipart, 2 Nov. 2015,

www.precipart.com/blog/5-reasons-stem-career/.

“10 Reasons to Consider a Career in the STEM Fields - Diversity in Science, Technology,

Engineering, Arts and Math Magazine | Diversity in STEAM.” Diversity in Science,



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