Guide to Popular STEM Careers: Exploring High-Demand Fields for the Future

What Is STEM and Why Does It Matter?

When it comes to your questions about the future, and your place in it, the best place to start is what you’re most passionate about. For some of you that might be acting, or writing, or swimming, or painting. But for many others, their passions fall under the umbrella of STEM—even if they don’t know it. As you can imagine, there are literally thousands of careers related to STEM. In order to help you find your path towards a STEM-focused career, we at NSHSS have compiled a helpful guide to aid you in your quest towards the future. 

For those unfamiliar with the term, STEM is an acronym which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. There is also an extra addition in “Arts” turning STEM into STEAM. 

Getting Involved in STEM During Middle and High School

Most middle and high schools have a STEM program that students can join, much like an after-school extracurriculars. There are also summer camps and retreats which you can participate in to get a more enriching STEM experience. For example, NSHSS offers a special program for those interested in working directly with the CIA. At our very own CIA STEAM summer camp, students receive hands-on experience at the center of one of the world’s most fascinating places for an entire week. 

If you do participate in STEM at the middle and high school level, there are still plenty of opportunities to be found when you reach college. For those interested in the artistic side of the STEAM programs, then check out the NSHSS STEAM Scholarship, which offers graduating seniors the chance to learn how to blend emerging technology with the arts. 

Exploring STEM Majors and College Programs

The college life of a STEM student can be even more multifaceted, with much more time devoted specifically to your chosen field of study. There are several colleges spread out across the U.S. which are devoted to STEM academics. Some of these colleges are Michigan University, University of Arizona, Harvard, Yale, Duke, Virginia Tech, Dartmouth, and many more. When you do apply to these schools, or others, be sure to keep in mind the many scholarships that are available for STEM students. The NSHSS team even created their very own scholarship to help you narrow down your search. It is called the NSHSS Foundation STEM Scholarship 2025.

High-Demand STEM Careers and Future Outlook

So, what happens next? 

Well a lot of your post-graduate future depends on which area of STEM you devoted your education to. Whether it be working in the field of robotics, studying plant life, or discovering new ideas in the field of mathematics, there is a place for you in STEM. And the more you learn about it, the more you will find that the possibilities are endless. 

There is an important aspect to discuss when looking at college studies and future careers: money. When it comes to deciding where to work, it is important to consider the financial rewards of a chosen career. Luckily, a significant portion of STEM careers have better benefits than you might imagine:

• Many STEM-related careers boast above average-median salaries, even for entry-level jobs. And, what’s more, the demand for STEM graduates is increasing year-by-year. 

• The need for applicants trained in the fields of science and technology have never been higher. 

• If you have spent your high school and college career devoted to STEM studies, you have a high percentage of finding a good career with benefits that will support you in the long-term. 

Is a STEM Career Right for You?

So, is it worth it? Well, that depends on you! 

The work required for STEM is not easy; it takes a lot of training and hard work. But if you are devoted to the fields of studies necessary to be a STEM graduate, then you are likely going to find a career that’s right for you. Not to mention the old adage of ‘it’s all about who you know.’ Thanks to the growing culture around STEM, most students will meet both students and professors who can connect them with the right people and lead them toward careers they will cherish.

At NSHSS, we are devoted to those students who are devoted to bettering themselves and the world around them. With STEM, finding ways to improve the world is a top priority. So if you are somebody who has a passion for STEM and wants a career in it, then keep going. There has never been a better time than now to begin your future!