Every year, the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) grows by leaps and bounds. With new advancements in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and nanotechnology being made every day, it’s no wonder that careers in STEM are some of the most sought-after in the world.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be nearly 1.9 million new STEM jobs created by 2023. And with so many amazing opportunities out there, it can be hard to know where to start.
If you’re considering a career in STEM, there are a number of factors to take into account. What salary can you expect? What is the job outlook like? What kind of education and experience do you need? Check out our list of the 17 best careers to explore in STEM for 2023.
1. Computer Science
According to Indeed.com, a computer scientist is a professional who researches and analyzes how computers store and use information. Their main scope of study is around technological concepts, mathematics and physics. Their roles are interesting in that computer scientists may work with computer engineers to design new computers or specialize in areas such as computer programming. Professionals with a computer science background can also work in a variety of roles within the information and technology industry. Common areas of focus include:
- Theoretical computer science
- Computer applications
- Computer systems
- Software engineering
2. Cybersecurity
If you’re looking for a dynamic career with a trajectory for growth, cybersecurity is a great option to explore. Cybersecurity is a booming industry and the available jobs outnumber qualified candidates. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in cybersecurity are expected to increase by 33 percent between 2020 and 2030. From entry-level roles to more advanced ones, some career paths to consider within this industry are:
- Computer Technician
- Network Administrator
- Software Developer
- Junior Information Security Analyst
- Security Engineer and Architect
- Incident Responder
- Digital Forensic Investigator
- Cybersecurity Manager
- Chief Information Security Officer
- Security Consultant
- Penetration Tester
- Ethical Hacker
3. Data Science & Analytics
Analytical skills are highly essential in today’s job force. Data scientists are often involved with crafting data modeling processes, and creating algorithms and predictive models. Their time is allocated towards spending more time on the design side, thereby designing tools, automation systems and data frameworks. A data analyst, on the contrary, gathers the crucial data necessary in order to identify trends that help business leaders make important strategic decisions. In a nutshell, they are tasked with performing statistical analyses and making sense of existing data to help answer questions and solve problems. Both are demanding jobs in today’s evolving workforce.
4. Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning
Simply put, an Artificial Intelligence Engineer is an IT expert who is responsible for developing intelligent algorithms for the purpose of learning, analyzing, and predicting future events. They are tasked with creating machines that are capable of reasoning like the human brain. Areas of specialization are either machine learning (based on algorithms) or deep learning (based on neural networks).
5. Software Engineering & Development
If you’re interested in all things around computer systems, a career in software engineering and development is the way to go! Software engineers and developers design computer systems and application softwares on a large scale, and develop and test entire computer systems and application software for a company or organization.
6. Web Development & Design
For the creative techies in the crowd that are looking for a way to balance their artistic brain with the more technical one, a career as a web developer and designer can fulfill that purpose! While web developers build a website’s core structure using coding languages, web designers are more visually creative and user-focused and possess a wide range of creative, graphic, and technical skills.
7. User Experience (UX) & User Interface (UI) Design
If you’re passionate about the design process for the next new technological development, a UX/UI designer’s job is to create user-friendly interfaces for complex technical products, and enable users to understand how to use them.
8. Product Management
Looking for a role that is less technical and more client facing? Product managers are tasked with crowdsourcing, developing, and curating ideas that will deliver value to customers and help their teams make good strategic decisions. Essentially, they scope out, gather, handle, and prioritize the needs and wants of their customers.
9. Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineers are responsible for the design, development, testing, and supervision of the manufacturing of electrical equipment, and typically do not offer on the job training as they deal with electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, or power generation systems, among others.
10. Mechanical Engineering
The job of a mechanical engineer is a fascinating one as they are responsible for designing, developing, building, and testing a variety of power-producing machines, mechanical devices, tools, and engines, along with others. They play an important role in the aerospace, automotive, biotechnology, computer and electronics, automation, and manufacturing industries.
11. Civil Engineering
These professionals help design and oversee the construction and infrastructures of public works such as roads, bridges, tunnels, building, water resources, and airports. They are training to solve the design, construction, and maintenance concerns of natural and physically built environments.
12. Chemical Engineering
Generally speaking, chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to develop and design chemical manufacturing processes.
13. Industrial Engineering
An industrial engineer is a system integrator that is responsible for analyzing and designing facilities, material handling systems, manufacturing and production systems, information systems, and developing management control systems to aid in financial planning and cost analysis. They find ways to eliminate wastefulness throughout production processes.
14. Materials Science & Engineering
These engineers work with metals, ceramics, and plastic to create new materials on a daily basis. They develop, process, and test materials to create a range of products like computer chips and aircraft wings, to golf clubs and biomedical devices and also conduct experiments and analyze their results.
15. Biomedical Engineering
Individuals entering the biomedical industry have their work cut out for them. Biomedical engineers are the movers and shakers behind advances in technology and medicine. They develop new devices and equipment for improving human health and analyze and design solutions to problems in biology and medicine.
16. Nanotechnology
For those interested in studying and experimenting with the minutest molecules, a career in nanotechnology is meant for you! Nanotechnology engineering technologists and technicians essentially change the face of health, science, technology and the environment on a molecular level. They focus on the study, development, and refinement of materials at a unique molecular or macromolecular scale. You can find this type of engineer implementing production processes and operating commercial-scale production equipment to produce, test or modify materials, systems or devices of small molecular compositions.
17. Astronomy & Astrophysics
If you’re interested in studying the way the world works on a solar level, a career as an astronomer or astrophysicist can be extremely rewarding. These space enthusiasts study the universe, cosmology and energy, to help us understand the physical matter and processes in our solar system in comparison to other galaxies.
While there are many wonderful career paths to consider in STEM, these are only some of our favorites for 2023. We hope this list has inspired you to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics—after all, the world needs more great STEM professionals!
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