You can use your interest and passion for STEM to influence more industries than you may realize. With advancements in technology and the rise of automation, there’s never been a better time to invest in STEM education and join the industry.
The BLS predicts a 10.4% growth in STEM careers over the next decade, giving STEM graduates plenty of opportunities to engage in building a brighter future through their passions.
But which roles will have the greatest impact in the years ahead?
Below, we explore five in-demand STEM careers worth considering as you take the next step toward your future.
Learn more about where STEM is going and how you can join the industry in our guide, A Guide to STEM Graduate Programs and Careers.
Biomedical engineers work in many different fields, ranging from academia to hospitals. Their work entails designing, testing, and implementing medical devices and systems to improve human health. They take science to the limit, helping to produce life-saving developments like artificial organs, pacemakers, and prosthetic devices. Biomedical engineers are pivotal to the future of healthcare, literally developing and implementing the devices that will help people live longer than ever.
Have you ever wished a route had been designed better? Have you ever marveled at a bridge or the water systems below it? If so, civil engineering could be an excellent fit for you. These professionals design and plan infrastructure projects, working in both the public and private sectors. Civil engineers also help plan and supervise construction and project maintenance, helping things move smoothly from the blueprint to reality.
Robotics technicians install, service, and maintain robots and automated production systems. They’re behind your favorite episodes of “How It’s Made,” programming the systems that help maintain the supply chain of countless goods. Robotics technicians are problem-solving experts, using creative thinking and new design ideas to fix bugs in machinery.
While the future is uncertain, AI’s presence in it is secure. Some tech gurus have gotten in on the ground floor of artificial intelligence, and new roles are often emerging within the industry. Artificial intelligence specialists work to develop new AI models and refine existing tools to make them safer and more valuable. Their work requires knowing what’s possible so far with AI but also letting their imaginations run wild to think of new uses for the technology. Artificial intelligence specialists evaluate the current market of AI products, their efficiency and safety, and where AI can meet service gaps.
There are only so many natural resources on our planet, and as technology advances to bring longer lifespans, more resources are needed to keep everyone healthy and thriving. Climate change poses a real threat to supporting more people on a planet already facing more natural disasters than ever (last year was the hottest on record), so looking for ways to produce energy and goods without taxing the environment is crucial.
Renewable energy specialists research and test new ways to produce energy and help professionals across industries understand the importance of switching to renewable energy sources for fuel production.
Start your future with a STEM education from West Virginia University. Our programs prepare you to make an impact on the sectors you’re passionate about, confident in your ability to apply your knowledge and adapt to the changing landscape of science and technology.
Check out some of our top STEM-designated programs that will position you for a lucrative career in the field:
Beyond those mentioned, West Virginia University offers a wide variety of STEM programs for those looking to make a difference in the industry.
To learn more about our STEM programs, download our resource, A Guide to STEM Graduate Programs and Careers. You can also request more information about WVU.