The future of every country depends on science and technology. Education experts across the world agree that empowering any country’s future workforce with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) skills would, in turn, result in the sustained growth and stability of that country’s economy.

In Australia, shortage in the supply of skilled STEM workers came to national attention in 2013 when the country’s largest industry organisation and employers’ body - Australian Industry Group - reported it and said this shortage was weakening business innovation. Among other efforts to bridge this skill shortage, the government has been pumping millions of dollars to promote STEM education in Australian schools and varsities. If you are a student exploring your career options in the STEM, here are some good reasons that you may help you take the final call:

1. Exciting roles

Students majoring in STEM subjects can apply for a wide range of exciting job profiles. They could land jobs as astrophysicists, biochemists, marine engineers, meteorologists and so many more. Students majoring in the STEM can look for jobs in other sectors as well since these qualifications can apply in every industry. According to a study, STEM skills are applicable 75 per cent of the fastest-growing occupations in Australia.

2. Global demand

There is a shortage of STEM professionals across the world and countries with an ageing population will feel it more than others. Therefore, a student majoring in STEM subjects will be employable in many countries, including the US, Canada, Germany and the UK. In a globalised world, widely accepted employment skills are immensely advantageous.

3. Higher starting salaries

In any country, STEM professionals are better paid than their peers in other non-STEM jobs. For example, a graduate joining as a software developer can earn 14 per cent more than the national average salary of AUD 56,079. However, the choice of career should be made by individual skill and interests, instead of the average median wage. Often, a university student mistakes salary figures to be the ultimate benchmark for success.

4. Futuristic

Experts point out that Australia’s digital technology sector is set to grow from AUD 79 billion in 2014 to AUD 139 billion in 2020. Advances in artificial intelligence and automation will develop demand for jobs that require entrepreneurial skills and higher STEM qualifications. For example, about a decade ago, there were six billion devices across the world connected to the Internet of Things (IoT), but now there are 15 billion of these IoT devices. There will be as many as 200 billion of such IoT devices by 2020, and this growth will call for engineers to create a whole new set of opportunities.

5. Societal contribution

STEM careers, while being highly remunerative, also offer opportunities to make a difference in the society. From constructing bridges to developing technologies to assist the elderly, there are different ways in which STEM skills can be used to make a real difference in the world today. It is no wonder that the most current jobs arise from STEM training.