Understanding STEM Careers and Incomes
There is an increasing focus on careers in science, technology, engineering and math, including computer science, (STEM) fields to keep up with predicted demand for future workers.
Why It Matters
- STEM majors often earn higher salaries.
Currently, students who graduate with STEM majors often have a potential for the highest incomes over their lifetimes. This means your student will likely see a higher return on an investment in education or training after high school. ISL Education Lending’s Return on College Investment Tool uses Bureau of Labor Statistics data to provide realistic starting salary figures for certain majors. - Starting early in STEM builds future success.
Advanced math and science classes have a reputation for being difficult, and some students tend to avoid them. Choosing a path that suits your student’s abilities, however, can help build strengths in those areas. - STEM classes often have a set progression.
Completing the more advanced STEM classes before high school graduation requires planning early on. Because these classes often require preliminary courses first, careful planning is required.
What Your Student Can Do Now
- Understand the available STEM paths.
STEM encompasses a wide range of possible careers, and the paths that lead to them can be just as varied. The education required to become a licensed professional mechanical engineer is different than mechanical engineering technology training. Exploring strengths, careers and their salaries, and associated education and training will help your student plan a course through high school. - Consider careers in shortage areas and high-demand fields.
Increased technology needs, aging populations and cyclical economies mean that certain fields are predicted to have a shortage of workers by the time your student enters the workforce. Your student can start researching trends to target fields that are likely to have higher starting salaries due to increased demand. - Make a suitable four-year career and academic plan.
With potential training and career options in mind, your student can choose among classes offered by the high school, dual-enrollment courses from local community colleges and other academic options when creating and refining the four-year plan.
What Your Student Can Do Later
- Get help to stay on track.
As the difficulty level increases in STEM coursework, your student should be prepared to ask for help as needed. Early intervention will help build your student’s understanding and confidence for future classes. - Get involved.
The high school or local community likely offers several STEM-related clubs and activities. Becoming involved in these will help your student explore skills and careers. As involvement increases, becoming a leader within organizations can also strengthen skills and connections for the future. - Re-evaluate strengths.
Because STEM encompasses a wide variety of careers and skills, your student is likely to find some that match personal strengths and interests. As these change throughout high school, your student should consider whether the planned training or education path should change as well.
What You Can Do
- Encourage STEM exploration.
Point out connections to STEM as you see them in your student’s interests. Discuss current events regarding the development of technology and how it may affect the future workplace and potential careers. If the type of club or activity your student is most interested in is not available, help your student start it. - Support as needed.
Offer to help your student find tutors or assistance if needed for difficult classes. Help troubleshoot by exploring alternative paths and options if your student feels too discouraged to continue. Not all STEM classes are alike; your student may like physics over chemistry or vice versa.
Next Steps
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