What is STEM, and how can it boost your career?

Increasingly, companies like ours are seeking employees with education in the “STEM disciplines.” But what exactly does that mean, and what kind of opportunities can it afford you?

STEM isn’t just for scientists

Officially, STEM is an abbreviation for science, technology, engineering, and math. But make no mistake – these disciplines aren’t just for scientists.

There is a common misperception that STEM education only enables you to pursue traditional science-based careers. Most people believe their only options are working at a lab bench or in front of a computer – as lab technicians, chemists, physicists, or statisticians. But strong education and experience in STEM can take you almost anywhere.

Our partners at Let’s Talk Science also work tirelessly to show students how diverse a career in a STEM field can be. They believe STEM disciplines can take you almost anywhere – from the skate park, to the kitchen, to the couch.

STEM education provides employable skills

The skillsets derived from STEM education create a foundation of key employable skills. STEM disciplines help students to be:

detail oriented

problem solvers

strong communicators

organized

leaders

forward thinkers

When you look at it this way, it’s easy to see why industry leaders want STEM trained professionals at the table to help strategize for success.

Why we must invest in STEM education, now

At 3M, we are proud of our well-rounded workforce and we work hard to attract a variety of candidates with diverse backgrounds. Our multi-disciplinary approach gives us broader perspectives, and greater ingenuity – a must when tackling some of our customers’ toughest challenges.

By investing in initiatives like Canada 2067 and FIRST® Robotics, we hope to incite curiosity amongst Canada’s youth, and show them that their STEM futures are within reach.

Support STEM opportunities. Join the conversation

Do you share our passion for investing in STEM education? Join the conversation. Follow #Can2067 on Facebook and Twitter.

About the Author

[enBio=As one of 3M Canada's employment brand ambassadors, Rebecca travels across the country in search of the next great 3M'ers. Each year, 3M Canada receives more than 18,000 resumes, many from individuals within areas of science, engineering, technology, and math. Rebecca is a vocal champion for workplace diversity and inclusion, and is actively engaged with London Middlesex Immigrant Employment Centre (LMIEC) Governance Council and the Conference Board of Canada’s Council on Inclusive Work Environments.],[enJob=Talent Acquisition & Inclusion, 3M Canada],[frBio=En tant que l’une des ambassadrices de l’image de marque d’employeur de 3M canada, Rebecca parcourt le pays à la recherche des prochains employés exceptionnels de 3M. ],[frJob=Acquisition de talents et inclusion, Compagnie 3M Canada]