STEM Knowledge In Demand

As another school year begins, soon students will be learning new concepts and be transferring knowledge across each subject area. Understanding the importance of that transference of knowledge proves valuable in the discussion of the most difficult jobs to fill in 2016. Most of these careers are deeply entrenched in STEM and require scientific thinking.

One of the foremost jobs that is quickly becoming more important in technology is that of a data scientist. Data scientists essentially identify and collect data for the purposes of ensuring accuracy, completeness, and uniformity. More specifically, someone in this role carefully interprets data to find solutions and opportunities that are not readily visible. As a teacher or parent, if a student shows an aptitude for math, statistics, computer science, or some components of engineering, encouraging him or her to check into this role might be a wise decision. Not only is math ability required, a love for learning and natural curiosity are traits indicative of a data scientist (What Do Data Scientists Do?).

Electrical engineers are also in demand. These kinds of engineers “design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, or power generation equipment” (Electrical and Electronics Engineers). Electrical engineers are responsible for performing detailed calculations to develop manufacturing, construction, or installation processes. They also must work within the bounds of safety codes while ensuring that the products they are working on meet certain specifications. Strong math skills are a necessity in entering this field.

Speaking of engineering, software has to be compiled and built as well, thus creating the need for a software engineer. In 2016, filling the role of a software engineer has become increasingly difficult, as the work is in demand but not enough individuals have a skillset needed to succeed in this development role. Having a strong working knowledge of computer programming languages is a prerequisite to the performance role as a software engineer. Typically, the field is divided in terms of computer applications systems, but there is much overlap as both endeavors strive to work within a company in some way to configure, implement, and install various systems (TryEngineering).

While the above list is certainly not exhaustive, these jobs represent the bulk of the skills required to land a job in these respective fields: STEM knowledge. PCS understands this need and strives to equip students with the best products and services needed to achieve their goals. Although not all presently open and future careers demand an emboldened understanding of STEM, it can be said with certainty that fostering robust STEM knowledge has the potential to create new opportunities in other areas. What will tomorrow bring?

References:

What Do Data Scientists Do? (n.d.). Retrieved August 13, 2016 from http://datasciencedegree.wisconsin.edu/data-science/what-do-data-scientists-do/

Electrical and Electronics Engineers. (n.d.). Retrieved August 13, 2016 from http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mobile/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm

TryEngineering. (n.d.). Retrieved August 13, 2016 from http://tryengineering.org/ask-expert/what-does-computer-software-engineer-do-could-you-give-me-description-field