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STEM 101

STEM is an acronym for the family of subjects, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and the countless other areas of study that fall under these broader categories.

While we traditionally refer to the four subjects separately, in reality many areas of study span more than one of these. For example, many areas of science include some mathematical components. 

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What is STEM?

Science

In the context of STEM, Science usually refers to what are known as the Natural Sciences. That is, the study of the natural world and its hidden structures and building blocks. It is often divided into two categories: 

  • Life Science, which is the study of any living system, and includes fields such as Biology, Genetics, Medicine, and Ecology. 
  • Physical Science, which deals with the study of non-living systems, including Physics, Chemistry, Geology, and Astronomy. 

Technology

As you would expect, Technology involves the study of new and emerging technologies, in addition to those that are already well established. A large portion of this field involves computational technologies, and therefore Computer Science, Software Development, and Data Analytics fall within it. 

Engineering

Often referred to as an Applied Science, Engineering is the process of using science, technology, and mathematics to develop new solutions to defined problems facing society. As with Science, Engineering spans many different disciplines including: 

  • Mechanical Engineering – Dealing with physical systems and moving parts 
  • Chemical Engineering – Dealing with chemicals and chemical processes
  • Electrical Engineering – Dealing with electricity and electronic devices

Mathematics

Nearly all areas of study within STEM will require Mathematics in some capacity. Be that through statistical analysis, modelling, or as a more fundamental part of the field. Physics and Mechanical Engineering for example are fields that rely heavily on mathematics. However, mathematics is an area of study in itself, and can include topics such as Geometry, Statistics, Algebra, and Calculus.

What are STEM Research Careers?

Research is a key component of many areas of STEM, and it is particularly important to the Science branch. Effectively, research is the process of acquiring new knowledge or understanding of a given area of study. As with many concepts within STEM, it can be broken down into more specific categories: 

Experimental Research

Carried out through experimentation and observation, it often involves the manipulation of a certain property or ‘variable’ to test an idea or ‘hypothesis’. This type of research can be conducted in controlled, laboratory settings, or out where the subject of study occurs naturally, known as fieldwork. 

Theoretical Research

This form of research does not involve any physical testing or computational analysis. Rather, it is the investigation of certain ideas or theories to learn more about them, and in some cases, to make connections between existing concepts. This type of research is commonly found in Mathematics, and Theoretical Physics. 

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    Research careers are careers dedicated to directly carrying out scientific research in a range of different contexts, or the careers that indirectly support this process.

    There is a huge range of roles across scientific discipline and career stage that cater to an equally large range of experience, background, and personality types. So if this is an area you are interested in, you are sure to find something suited to you. 

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    There is also a lot of variation in the amount of research a role will include.

    Research Scientists and Research Fellows spend the majority of their time doing research, whereas Lecturers and Professors will spend a portion of their time teaching and sharing their expertise with students. Technicians on the other hand, don’t design or direct the research themselves, instead they manage the research environments and equipment that make research possible. 

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    Many of these roles exist within ‘Higher Education’ institutions, such as universities and colleges.

    Yet many also exist outside of higher education in dedicated research institutions. These tend to focus on a more specific research area in contrast to the much wider portfolio of higher education institutions. 

    It is worth noting that STEM careers span far beyond research careers into many other sectors such as industry, and other more applied fields. This resource focuses on research within higher education and research institutions, known as academia. 

Is STEM right for me?

  • STEM has a reputation for being exclusive, and suited to a specific type of person from a certain background.

    It is true that STEM has had, and in many areas still does, have a problem with diversity and inclusivity. However, this is detrimental to STEM as a whole, and a diversity of thought is essential for quality research. Many institutions and organisations are committed to addressing this issue, and making up for the considerable amount of talent that has been lost as a result of the lack of inclusivity and accessibility. 

  • Regardless of the reputation that STEM has, if you are curious about the world around you, and committed to pursuing a career that would allow you to explore that further, STEM is for you, and would benefit from you contribution.

    It is such a broad sector with countless roles, that you are sure to find something that matches your skills and experience. It can also be a very rewarding career, with much to be gained and discovered. 

  • We have designed this resource to be as inclusive and accessible as possible.

    Many words and terms are quite specific to STEM, and so we have included lots of definitions! If there is a term or word that you’re unsure of, and it's highlighted in blue, simply click or tap to see the definition.

    View the glossary

What are the benefits of STEM Careers?

  • Personal

    STEM Research Careers can be rewarding and fascinating careers that regularly place you at the cutting edge of science and research. There is always more to learn, and more questions that need to be answered. STEM covers such a range of fields and subject areas that there is sure to be something that captures your interest. 

    There is also a great deal of flexibility within careers. Some people dedicate their entire lives to one specific area of research, others move around between fields, whereas others move away from their own research altogether to focus on teaching or support roles. This flexibility often translates to a wealth of opportunities for progression throughout your career. 

    STEM Research Careers also provide lots of transferable skills. From problem-solving, to statistical analysis, and written and verbal communication, and leadership, a career in STEM can develop your experience and make you a valuable asset to many other career sectors. STEM careers are also very sociable in many cases, and involve working in teams and groups to share skills and solve problems. This in turn can lead to the development of teamworking and leadership skills.

  • Society

    Some of the biggest problems facing our world today need solutions that will be delivered in part through STEM Research Careers. Whether it’s climate change, treating emerging diseases and pandemics, or finding new sources of energy, many fields of STEM will deliver real and tangible benefits to society as a whole. 

    However, there is more to STEM research than direct solutions to problems. Expanding our current understanding and knowledge of a subject is valuable in itself, and STEM professionals should feel encouraged to pursue this knowledge for its own sake, which will in turn provide more of a generalised benefit to society. 

  • Demand for Jobs

    As mentioned, there is such a variety of different jobs within STEM research that there is always a large number of opportunities available. Demand for STEM professionals remains high, with the number of occupied positions within STEM expected to increase in the coming years. In addition, many employers outside of STEM seek to employee individuals with STEM training

How to get into STEM Careers

While there are more ‘traditional’ routes into STEM Research Careers, there isn’t one singular route that you must follow.

The path from undergraduate, to PhD, to a role within research, is the most common route into STEM research careers, however there are many other options to consider. Many research positions, especially those outside of higher education, may consider ‘equivalent experience’ in place of a PhD, and roles within the technician pathway value more ‘vocational’ or practical training, and so apprenticeships and other forms of technical education are viable routes into those careers.

Many roles within the sector require a PhD, which is a qualification undertaken after graduating university. In contrast to university or ‘undergraduate’ study, a PhD focuses on a specific research area, and requires conducting new research to further existing knowledge within your chosen area of study, under the supervision of an established STEM scientist. PhDs usually take 3-4 years of full time study to complete, and are often funded positions. This means that PhD students are given a salary to support them during their research.

In order to secure a PhD position, you must have an undergraduate (often known as a Bachelor’s) degree. This is the degree you obtain when you study at university, and is most often undertaken after compulsory education at the age of 18. Some people choose to gain more experience prior to starting a PhD by doing a Master’s degree. A Master’s degree may have taught components, but may also be more research focused and involve undertaking independent research, similar to PhD study. While a Master’s degree may strengthen an application for a PhD, it is not an essential requirement.

The path from undergraduate, to PhD, to a role within research, is the most common route into STEM research careers, however there are many other options to consider. Many research positions, especially those outside of higher education, may consider ‘equivalent experience’ in place of a PhD, and roles within the technician pathway value more ‘vocational’ or practical training, and so apprenticeships and other forms of technical education are viable routes into those careers.

Many roles within the sector require a PhD, which is a qualification undertaken after graduating university. In contrast to university or ‘undergraduate’ study, a PhD focuses on a specific research area, and requires conducting new research to further existing knowledge within your chosen area of study, under the supervision of an established STEM scientist. PhDs usually take 3-4 years of full time study to complete, and are often funded positions. This means that PhD students are given a salary to support them during their research.

What pathway is right for you?

  • This resource focuses on six distinct career pathways, that cover a breadth of STEM research careers. Some people pursue one of these routes throughout their entire career, where others transition across career pathways at many different points.

  • This resource illustrates some of the more common routes between these pathways. It is important to remember that there is not one correct route, and that everyone’s career will progress in a way that is unique to them. 

  • Despite the flexibility within these careers, in can be both intimidating and challenging to know where to begin, and to know which pathway is most suited to you. We hope that the following can give you a better idea of which pathway is right for you. 

The world of STEM can be complex, but it's also exciting and rewarding. With countless opportunities to discover, you are sure to find one suited to you. We hope to show you that STEM isn’t as intimidating as it seems. Sometimes all you need is some guidance, and the right map…

Start your journey