There has never been a better time to explore new career opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
In today’s tech-driven world, advances in STEM fields are transforming the way we live and work. As a result, there is soaring global demand for talented individuals who can accelerate innovation and technology ever further across all sectors.
More young people than ever before are taking STEM subjects at university (UCAS) and there has been unprecedented growth in acceptance to higher education programmes in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), computer science, biotechnology and data science.
However, despite these increases, there remains a global skills shortage across all sectors, with demand for high-level STEM skills outstripping the growth in the numbers entering the sector (OECD).
So what does today’s STEM job market look like? Here we take a look at some of the exciting STEM jobs and careers to look out for in 2024 to help you take the next step.
Fastest-growing STEM sectors
Demand for skilled professionals in all STEM fields and sectors is at an all-time high. However, technology and information sciences are the fastest-growing areas, with biotechnology, AI, robotics, automation and software engineering now leading the field in the STEM jobs market.
It’s also worth noting that ground-breaking advances in data technologies now underpin all STEM sectors, and this is reflected in emerging jobs and careers.
Here’s a snapshot of some of the STEM jobs and careers that we can expect to dominate in 2024 and beyond:
- Biochemist – Biochemistry is a constantly evolving field and one of the most sought-after areas of biological sciences. Biochemists contribute to advances in healthcare, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology in multiple sectors.
- Bioinformatician – This relatively new field has already revolutionised how we study and treat disease and is now a core skill within science and technology research roles. Bioinformaticians develop computational tools that analyse and interpret complex biological datasets at speed.
- Epidemiologist – The COVID-19 pandemic propelled epidemiology into the spotlight and there is a continuing and urgent need for specialists in this field. Epidemiologists focus on the causes and behaviour of infectious and noncommunicable diseases within populations. Their work is essential in developing effective public health policy.
- Data analyst – Specialists with high-level mathematical skills and statistical knowledge are in demand, as the world increasingly relies on data. To reflect this demand, data analytics continues to be one of the highest-paid tech fields in all sectors.
- Machine-learning engineer – With the explosion in AI technologies, there is now an acute need for specialist machine-learning engineers. These STEM professionals focus on researching, building and developing cutting-edge AI systems and algorithms.
- Information security analyst – Along with the increased use of information networks and data comes the increased risk of cyber threats and attacks. This has led to a rapid expansion of the field of cybersecurity in recent years and is set to grow further as both networks and attacks become more sophisticated. Information security analysts play a vital role in protecting the digital data of multi-sector businesses and organisations.
- DevOps engineer – Multi-skilled development and operations (DevOps) professionals are now highly sought after by organisations looking to streamline their processes and improve efficiency. DevOps engineers bring together a unique combination of software development and IT operations knowledge to oversee infrastructure, automation and testing of operations.
- Renewable energy engineer – As we transition towards clean energy such as wind and solar, the job market for high-skilled engineers who can implement these technologies is set to expand even further in the coming years. Experts in this field design, build and develop renewable energy
Employers
Professionals who are STEM-qualified are needed in all public and private-sector organisations, ranging from hospitals to tech start-ups.
You may choose to pursue an academic career in higher education as a researcher and/or lecturer. Alternatively, you may be looking towards using your expertise in research and development jobs in the commercial or not-for-profit sectors, for example, helping to develop medical equipment for a biotechnology company or using your skills to combat the effects of environmental damage.
STEM Career Paths
The STEM job market is incredibly varied and complex – the qualifications, experience and skills you will need to progress your career will depend on your specialist area and whether you work in academia, non-university research or for a private-sector company.
The majority of STEM roles require a degree as a minimum and you will find that many now also demand specialist postgraduate qualifications. For higher education teaching and/or research, having a PhD in your field and postdoctoral research experience is essential. Industry experience and commercial knowledge will be essential to move up to more senior positions in the private sector.
Taking the next step in your STEM career
A career in STEM offers many benefits including attractive salaries, fast-track career progression and above-average job security. Job satisfaction also rates high in STEM jobs, as these careers offer the chance to make meaningful contributions to global advancements in medicine, science and technology while working alongside a diverse range of people. When thinking about progression, consider these tips to help boost your STEM career:
- Commit to lifelong learning – STEM moves at lightning speed and acquiring new skills and qualifications is imperative to keeping up with the pace and moving your career forward.
- Transfer your skills – STEM fields are interlinked so keep an open mind to how you can make an impact in a broad range of fields, gaining new knowledge along the way.
- Be job-market aware – As a STEM specialist, you can have your pick of jobs in multiple sectors. Even if you’re not considering a move from your present role, keep your ear to the ground for what new roles are available or upcoming.
You can browse thousands of exciting STEM opportunities across a wide range of sectors here at jobs.ac.uk. We are the leading international jobs board for careers in academic research, science and related professions and, along with a range of job opportunities, you’ll find a wide range of guidance and advice to help you develop your career.
You can also sign up for a jobs-by-email alert to be first in line for new STEM jobs in all sectors.
Looking for more information about these roles and other STEM jobs? Check out our detailed job profiles which delve into specific STEM jobs and careers.
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