According to the data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) employment in occupations related to STEM-science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is projected to grow to more than 9 million between 2012 and 2022. That is an increase of about 1 million jobs over 2012 employment levels.

STEM fields are closely related and build on each other. STEM education integrates the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics into a cohesive learning paradigm based on real-world applications.

STEM 101: Intro to Tomorrow's Jobs, an article published in the Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Quarterly, Spring 2014, authored by Dennis Violorio, an economist in the Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projection, BLS, provides an overview of STEM work, analyzing nearly 100 occupations from a list created by a committee comprising several federal agencies.

Science

Science workers study the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. The work of scientists often involves research, writing proposals and academic papers, and presenting findings. Science technicians collect samples, conduct experiments, and do other tasks to assist scientists in those efforts.

Disciplines in science are categorized based on the part of the universe they study: space sciences, earth sciences, life sciences, chemistry and physics.

Technology

Technology workers use science and engineering to create and troubleshoot computer and information systems.

STEM technology refers to disciplines in computer and information sciences, including those related to operating systems, artificial intelligence, programming, cryptography, and mobile computing.

Engineering

Engineers and engineering technicians use math, science, and technology to solve real- world problems. The work often involves developing systems, structures, products, or materials.

Disciplines in engineering are often categorized by industry, such as aerospace, petroleum, or textiles. Major disciplines include civil, mechanical, industrial, electrical, and materials engineering.

Mathematics

Math workers use numerical, spatial, and logical relationships to study and solve problems. Mathematics is the technical foundation for science, engineering, and technology. The work often involves finding patterns in data or abstract logic.

Disciplines in math include algebra, statistics, calculus, game theory, and geometry.

Outlook and wages

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects applications software developers to have more than 200,000 job openings between 2012 and 2022. High employment, fast-growth occupations include computer systems analysts, applications software developers, and systems software developers.

Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that workers in the STEM occupations discussed in this article earned a median annual wage of nearly $76,000 - more than double the $35,080 median wage for all workers in May 2013. Many of the top-paying occupations are related to engineering.

Rewards and challenges

Depending on the occupations, STEM work may be creative and produce tangible results. Because many STEM fields involve rapid change, workers' professional development is also dynamic.

As rewarding as STEM work may be, it can sometimes be demanding and tedious. There's a lot of sitting in front of a computer.

Other challenges vary, depending on the field. For example, many jobs in scientific research receive short-term financial support, so these workers often worry about funding. And engineering workers must juggle different priorities, from clients and the government, while keeping a project on schedule.

Getting started

Skills

Ability to consider problems in different ways and then being able to explain a solution clearly is essential for success in STEM occupations.

Thinking skills

Critical and creative thinking help STEM workers in problem solving to detect mistakes, gather relevant information, and understand how different parts or systems interact with each other.

Communication skills

Communication skills are important for working well with others and conveying information clearly, both orally and in writing. Communication skills include technical writing, public speaking, interpersonal communication, and the ability to explain difficult concepts simply.

Education and training

Many STEM occupations require at least a bachelor's degree. More technical and advanced jobs, including those in research , usually require a master's or doctoral degree.

But STEM isn't only for people who have a bachelor's or graduate degree. Many occupations typically require an associate's degree, and a small number require either some college but no degree or a high school diploma or equivalent.

Experience

In some STEM occupations, work experience in a related occupation is required at the entry level. For example, computer and information systems managers usually need at least 5 years of experience, first honing their technical skills in lower-level roles before moving to management.

STEM workers advise you to look for internship, volunteer, and research opportunities as early as possible: while you are still in school, not waiting until afterward. Your career advisor or counselor may have information about businesses that offer these types of opportunities.

The following information is from the National Science Foundation which is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense...."

The National Science Foundation offers a Graduate Research Fellowship Program that provides three years of support for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant research achievements in STEM and STEM education. NSF especially encourages women, members of underrepresented minority groups, persons with disabilities, and veterans to apply. NSF also encourages undergraduate seniors to apply.

The National Science Foundation does not provide scholarships directly to students. It makes awards to Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs). You can get specific information from Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for NSF Scholarship in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. (S-STEM).