STEM podcast steers students to jobs of the future

The University of Melbourne has released a unique 12-episode podcast series showcasing the value of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects as a pathway to jobs of the future.

Some 70 per cent of employers identify STEM-skilled workers as the most innovative, with predictions for growth in STEM-related jobs to be higher than other jobs.

The first four episodes of The Secret Life of STEM are already available and capture the wisdom of STEM pioneers and professionals, with speakers sharing experiences of where STEM has taken them in their careers. This includes one who visited eight countries in two years and another who lived in rainforest in Guyana and how STEM can be combined with other disciplines such as an ex scientist who is now a business development manager.

Professor Frances Separovic, who was the first female Head of School of Chemistry at the University of Melbourne from 2010 to 2016, said that students need to be ready to capitalise on the jobs of the future, many of them yet to be identified.

“The opportunities are already here with more coming. But before you get a STEM job, you need a STEM career and before that a STEM degree, and before that you need to think about STEM at school,’’  Professor Separovic said.

Professor Separovic, awarded an AO in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, said the world needs more women scientists.

“Science can take girls and women all over the world, to careers they never thought of, as it did me. I hope this is the moment for women with STEM. Maybe one day outer space will be just another workplace destination, but before we reach the stars we’ll need to STEM up,’’ Professor Separovic said.

University of Melbourne Acting Vice-Chancellor Mark Considine said a key goal of the University is to ensure students are best prepared for the future with skills that can translate across disciplines.

He credits the Secret Life of STEM podcast for tackling misconceptions about studying and working in STEM and providing encouragement and signposting solutions.

“STEM is a fantastic field for being creative and offers many opportunities to have an impact in the world,” Professor Considine said.

“It is necessary to solve many of the challenges we face today – we need people with STEM literacy to address the complex problems facing Australia and the world.”

The Secret Life of STEM  features scientists, a business development officer, philosophers, career advisers and students who share the best advice they’ve ever received about working in STEM.

Topics include stories and tips on career reinvention, how to prep for university Open Days, where the Arts and Sciences collide, monetisation of STEM, pop culture and advice for studying and working in STEM.

Secret Life of STEM. Subscribe via iTunes, Spotify , or RSS.