The 10 best careers in STEM
Challenging subjects still in demand
The sciences and maths subjects are considered some of the most challenging subjects for pupils in school. Despite this academic challenge, the STEM group of subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) are still amongst the most popular choices for college starters.
With these subjects demanding skills such as mathematical logic, analytical, problem solving and perseverance, young people are still ambitious to follow STEM careers from Medicine to Engineering and Nuclear Science to Geology.
The 10 best careers in STEM
1. Systems Architect
As a Systems Architect, you will design, coordinate and implement the architecture of entire IT systems to the specifications of your employer. As a result, the job requires advanced knowledge of networks, structures and software. You can earn up to £50,000 to £70,000.
What does a Systems Architect do?
2. Software Engineering
As a Software Engineer, you will become a skilled programmer who designs, builds and maintains software applications. You will base your work around the needs and requirements of your clients. You will need to have a passion for computing and programming and have strong mathematical skills. You can earn up to £45,000 to £70,000 per year.
3. Nuclear Engineer
As a Nuclear Engineer, you’ll be designing, building, running or decommissioning nuclear power stations. There are many areas of nuclear you can pursue such as quality engineer, reactor operator, instrumentation and control engineer and more.
You will need strong mathematical and analytical skills and be solution-focused. Senior engineers can earn more than £65,000.
4. Environmental Scientist
As an Environmental Scientist, you will be studying the impact of human activity on the environment and identify ways to manage, minimise or eliminate any negative impacts, for example pollution.
You will need to possess an investigative mind, observation and critical thinking skills. Through experience, you can earn up to £60,000.
Environmental Engineer job profile
5. Civil Engineers
As a Civil Engineer, you will design and manage construction projects, from bridges and buildings to transport links and sports stadiums. There are many branches of engineering you can pursue such as buildings, motorways and transportation, structural work, coastal and marine and more. Through experience, you can earn over £50,000.
6. Biochemical Engineers
As a Biochemical Engineer you will use cutting-edge technology on biological materials such as organisms, cells and certain molecules in order to create new products. Industries that depend on biochemical engineering include biotechnology, biofuels, pharmaceuticals, water purification and food. Highly experienced Biochemical Engineers can earn up to £60,000.
7. Medical Scientist
As a Medical Scientist, you will conduct experiments to increase the scientific knowledge on topics related to medicine. You’ll also develop new, or improve existing drugs and treatments. You can get into this field through degrees such as biochemistry, biomedical sciences and pharmacology. As a Senior Researcher, you can earn up to £50,000 to £75,000 a year.
Top 10 most popular degrees in the UK
8. Mechanical Engineer
As a Mechanical Engineer, you will design, develop, build, and test. You will be working on components to machines to the human body. As a specialist, you will analyse your work using the principles of energy, motion and force whilst working out efficient solutions to the development of your new products. As a chief engineer, you can earn up to £60,000.
Mechanical Engineer job profile
9. Electrical Engineer
As an Electrical Engineer, you will design, develop and maintain electrical control systems and components to required specifications.
Electrical engineers work in transport networks, lighting, heating, ventilation, lift systems, power generation and distribution, renewable energy, manufacturing and construction. As a senior engineer, you can earn up to £60,000.
Electrical Engineer job profile
10. Medical Doctor
As a qualified hospital doctor, you’ll apply your medical knowledge to the diagnosis, prevention and management of disease. You will need to complete a 5-year medicine degree to embark on this career and later specialise in areas such as anesthetics, cardiology, emergency medicine, surgery and more. As a senior consultant, you can earn over £70,000.
Related courses
Level 3 Human Biology (Applied)
T Level Construction, Surveying and Planning
Level 3 Construction and the Built Environment
Level 3 Engineering Professionals Programme
Level 3 Electronic Engineering
Level 3 Health & Social Care Professionals
Level 3 Health and Social Care
Level 3 IT Networking and Systems Support
Level 3 Mechanical Engineering