STEM jobs have become extremely critical for a country’s economic growth, and STEM graduates play an increasingly significant role in enhancing its prosperity and wealth. Research based on the UK economy indicates that there will be almost 142,000 STEM jobs by 2023, which is double the growth in jobs compared to other fields. Due to the high demand for STEM professionals all over the world, a huge number of students are interested in studying STEM degrees at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Demand for STEM Graduates for High Paying Careers
Further research conducted in Ireland by the University of Limerick, in collaboration with healthcare major Johnson & Johnson, showed that as many as 29% of undergraduates studying STEM degrees were unaware of career options after graduation. A clear gender divide was also found to exist, as a higher percentage of female students indicated a lack of knowledge regarding future job options.
Graduate recruiters and university representatives at an event in London suggested that despite the ample availability of STEM graduates companies find it is challenging to recruit them for technical jobs. Almost 95% members of the Association of Graduate Recruiters expressed difficulty in recruiting STEM graduates. Some recruiters believe that many STEM graduates do not find technical jobs attractive enough and look for other options.
Scope for STEM Graduates from International Universities
Ireland is a hub for Technology, MedTech, BioPharma and Finance multinationals, which have a huge scope for STEM professional recruitment. As a result, many Irish universities offer unique programmes with high level industry collaboration to help bridge the gap between demand and supply of skilled STEM graduates and also to bring more females into the STEM workforce. Similarly other countries like the US, UK, China and India also have a huge demand for STEM graduates.
The 7 best jobs to get with a STEM degree
The World Economic Forum has reported a sharp increase in the number of STEM graduates in countries like China, India and the US. The main reason for this phenomenon is that STEM degrees offer long term career prospects with high salaries, low unemployment rates and better growth opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics the best jobs to get with a STEM degree include:
1. Petroleum Engineers
- Median Salaries: $128,230 - $132,280
- Unemployment Rate: 5.9%
2. Actuaries
- Median Salaries: $101,560 - $120,000
- Unemployment Rate: 1.4%
3. Information Security Analysts
- Median Salaries: $92,600 - $95,510
- Unemployment Rate: 3.2%
4. Software Developer
- Median Salaries: $100,080 - $103,560
- Unemployment Rate: 1.6%
5. Statistician
- Median Salaries: $80,500 - $103,000
- Unemployment Rate: 1.4%
6. Biochemist
- Median Salaries: $82,180 - $91,190
- Unemployment Rate: 2.8%
7. Medical Scientist / Epidemiologist
- Median Salaries: $70,820 - $82,090
- Unemployment Rate: 0.4%
Popular STEM Degrees for an international career
Science
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Subjects allied to Medicine
- Biological/ Biomedical Sciences
- Veterinary Science
- Physical Sciences
- Biochemistry
- Nuclear Science
Technology
- Computer Science
- Robotics
- Database Administration
- Computer Programming
- Software Engineer
- Business and Information Technology
- Computer Information Systems Manager
- Biotechnologist
- Computer Network Architect
Engineering
- Engineering and Technology
- Aerospace Engineering
- Architecture Building and Planning
- Chemical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Geological Engineering
- Marine Engineering
- Materials Science & Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Agricultural Engineering
Mathematics
- Mathematical Sciences
- Statistics
- Actuarial Sciences
- Applied Mathematician
- Economist
Study in Ireland
If you want to learn more about studying STEM degrees in Ireland, arrange a free consultation with SI-Ireland for expert guidance and advice.
