OT: Is STEM the big lie

[no_such_reality]

We tend emphasize STEM on the site and in general, people talk about STEM shortages and STEM demand.

But is STEM another big lie?

Is there a shortage or is there a surplus? And in either case are you better off than those without a STEM degree.

Several studies are pointing towards there actually being a surplus and that the issue really boils down to skills mismatches and a queuing problem.

First, we have the IEEE report that says, Computer and Math fields wages have largely stagnated since 2000.

and shows the following regarding jobs:

And the BLS reporting on STEM shortage Similarly, the National Academy of Sciences Committee, reports DOD says no crises.

And from Slate STEM Ph.Ds jobs stagnant

Here’s a picture, thousand words:

And from the Economic Policy Institute rebuking Microsoft’s STEM shortage claims.

[Anonymous]

This topic has been debated countless times already on this site. Bottom line is, yes, the idea of shortage of STEM graduates is propaganda and not backed up by factual data. The assumption is this purpose of this propaganda is corporate interests wanting to increase hiring of H1B visa workers.

[joec]

Other than people needed to write code for tech startup/apps/etc, are any of the other “hard” engineering sciences really in a short supply? (EE/Materials/Chem/Mechanical/etc?)

One thing I think is that companies also aren’t interested in training or have folks learn since everyone has a short term focus IMO so if your skillset is hot/in demand now, there is a shortage since it’s a new area, but most folks who have graduated and worked a few years are being passed over.

This is all my wild guess/speculation though.

With less trading on wall street, I’d assume math and physics types are in a slightly lower demand as well.

[svelte]

[quote=joec]Other than people needed to write code for tech startup/apps/etc, are any of the other “hard” engineering sciences really in a short supply? (EE/Materials/Chem/Mechanical/etc?)

[/quote]

That’s the key – STEM is too broad. To detect shortages/gluts it really needs to be broken down further.

[ltsddd]

[quote=svelte][quote=joec]Other than people needed to write code for tech startup/apps/etc, are any of the other “hard” engineering sciences really in a short supply? (EE/Materials/Chem/Mechanical/etc?)

[/quote]

That’s the key – STEM is too broad. To detect shortages/gluts it really needs to be broken down further.[/quote]

Choose your passion carefully.

[scaredyclassic]

[quote=ltsdd][quote=svelte][quote=joec]Other than people needed to write code for tech startup/apps/etc, are any of the other “hard” engineering sciences really in a short supply? (EE/Materials/Chem/Mechanical/etc?)

[/quote]

That’s the key – STEM is too broad. To detect shortages/gluts it really needs to be broken down further.[/quote]

Choose your passion carefully.[/quote]

Passions choose u?

[The-Shoveler]

Passion?

Don’t know, If you live in San Jose, or most of Socal, a CS degree (or even a Cert) and hard work you can make a decent living.

Find something you think does not totally suck and you could see yourself doing 5-6 days a weeks for the next 20-30 years and is paying a decent living for the foreseeable future.

Else open your own biz.

You can chase your passion on the weekend.

[bearishgurl]

[quote=The-Shoveler]Passion?

Don’t know, If you live in San Jose, or most of Socal, a CS degree (or even a Cert) and hard work you can make a decent living.

Find something you think does not totally suck and you could see yourself doing 5-6 days a weeks for the next 20-30 years and is paying a decent living for the foreseeable future.[/quote]

Totally agree with this. Everyone has to eat and pay the bills.

[quote=The-Shoveler]Else open your own biz.[/quote]”Hanging your shingle” a good option for someone who possesses a professional license (i.e. CPA, physician, attorney, RE Broker, etc) AND has many years (15-20) experience in their fields (plus all the “professional contacts” which go along with that tenure). “Self-employment” is a fool’s game for the vast majority of early-career worker bees.

[quote=The-Shoveler]You can chase your passion on the weekend.[/quote]Exactly!

[The-Shoveler]

You also have to keep in mind there are going to be Bad day’s sometime really bad, sometimes Bad weeks or even months.

It’s not always fun even in the best Jobs.

If you quit the first time someone yells at you or you fail miserably at a task your probably not going to make it at much of anything.

Not everyone gets a trophy in the real world.

[FlyerInHi]

[quote=The-Shoveler]Passion?

Don’t know, If you live in San Jose, or most of Socal, a CS degree (or even a Cert) and hard work you can make a decent living.

Find something you think does not totally suck and you could see yourself doing 5-6 days a weeks for the next 20-30 years and is paying a decent living for the foreseeable future.

Else open your own biz.

You can chase your passion on the weekend.[/quote]

Unrealistic expectations. That’s why there are so many depressed people.

People who find their “passion” boast about it and that leads everyone to wonder “what’s wrong with me?”

[mixxalot]

Sales and marketing is best area of STEM jobs if you are extroverted.

[scaredyclassic]

Try to align yourself with the interests of power and money.

My advice…

[SK in CV]

This discussion has been a bit tech/engineering focused. There is certainly a severe and growing shortage in medicine.

[NotCranky]

It’s best to thoughtfully adjust your life to your personality, not one a singular “passion” . Most peoples lives end up being some blend of survival and escape anyway.

[livinincali]

[quote=SK in CV]This discussion has been a bit tech/engineering focused. There is certainly a severe and growing shortage in medicine.[/quote]

That’s because there’s a lot of political risk with becoming a doctor. Obviously the medical system is not sustainable the way it is so it really depends on how the government solves the problem. Do you want to take on $200K+ of medical school cost if you are unsure of your future earnings potential or working conditions.

[Author]

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