Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields of study are the hot thing in higher education these days—and for a good reason. STEM fields have changed the way we interact, do business, and go about our lives. Given our society’s eagerness for the ‘next best thing’ coming out of Silicon Valley, it is easy to understand the push for STEM graduates.
But if you think the only path to a STEM career is a degree in science or math, think again. The ability to develop the sciences and products that STEM graduates have done so well must be supplemented by a myriad of other professionals, including accountants, designers, marketers, and many other professions. Job surveys appear to back this up. Despite growing interest in and demand for STEM jobs, they only account for about 5% of all U.S. positions, according to Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce. That 5% is a growing number, yes, but it is noticeably small considering the hype suggesting otherwise.
Tech Company, Non-Tech Job
Even more encouraging for the non-STEM types is the multitude of jobs available within tech companies that do not require a STEM background. Even without a degree in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, you could land a job at a tech company within many departments, including finance and human resources. Many tech companies owe a major part of their success to the business side of their operation. And typically those employees do not have a STEM background. Even some tech CEOs have made it big lacking a formal STEM education. Usually, a bachelor’s degree and some industry experience will be enough to succeed in such a job, says PayScale’s chief economist and director of analytics.
Tech, for many reasons, is a desirable sector to enter out of college. Advancements that blow our minds and reward their creators’ with high dollar figures provide an enticing pitch for the industry. So if you didn’t dig pre-calc in high school but have always dreamed of working for Google, fear not. Tech companies need creative minds, number crunchers, advertisers, etc.
In fact, as a non-tech professional, your skills may stand-out. STEM leaders are often just as interested in passion and skill as they are traditional degrees. If you can demonstrate how you’d apply your background – whatever it is – to advance the overall company mission – you’ll have a great chance of landing a job.
It’s not too late to hop into the tech business, even with a non-STEM degree. Startups and major corporations alike provide high paying jobs to help bolster their products, and the growing demand for STEM degrees means a growing demand for non-STEM employees. The tech field is still booming, and its companies could be in the market for you.
