STEM offers versatile career paths, generally high-paying jobs and constantly renewing challenges. Being an innovative field, it’s quite common for people of other professions to transfer to, acquiring additional skills along the road. But exactly because of the constant and fast-paced development, the skillset you will need in a certain position changes swiftly, and the roles themselves go in and out of demand. We collected some paths that won’t go out of style anytime soon, and are highly sought after in STEM circles. Read on to find out more!

1.  Machine Learning

Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) and computer science which focuses on the use of data and algorithms to imitate the way that humans learn, gradually improving its accuracy. This type of programming enables machines to function without human help after a time, solve problems on their own and establish commands for themselves, in order to achieve a certain goal. These machines operate through advanced algorithms to observe and react to constantly changing and developing datasets. Scientists and engineers of the field work on programming, monitoring, developing and modifying these systems.

2.  Web Development

Web development refers in general to the tasks associated with developing websites for hosting via intranet or internet. The web development process includes web design, web content development, client-side/server-side scripting and network security configuration, among other tasks. In a broader sense, web development encompasses all the actions, updates, and operations required to build, maintain and manage a website to ensure its performance, user experience, and speed are optimal. Front-end developers focus on design and accessibility, whereas back-end developers work on behind-the-scenes tasks, like running databases and helping different components communicate. Full-stack developers are skilled to work in both roles. There are countless courses and programs to take on web development, as this role has been around for a long time now, and is most likely going to be highly in demand in the near future too.

3. Data

Data science can be an overwhelming field with various available positions so you may need much more research to decide which one is your cup of tea. To help you catch a grip in this niche we will introduce the Data architect path, to give you a goal but for starters feel free to look up positions like Data Analyst, Data Engineer, or Data Scientist.

Data Architects visualize and design an organization’s enterprise data management framework systems, together with enterprise strategy and business architecture.

Their daily work allows companies a solid foundation for handling, processing, and storing data, conducting business with it and accessing it for whatever purpose, in an optimal manner. IT workers usually become data architects after studying and getting experience in data design and data storage. The models they create are meant to accurately represent and serve the needs and structure of many different companies, which is why they tailor their services to each client individually. These roles are creative and allow structural thinking within a business mindset.

4. UX/UI

The “UI” in UI design stands for “user interface.” The user interface is the graphical layout of an application. It consists of the buttons users click on, the text they read, the images, sliders, text entry fields, and all the rest of the items the user interacts with.

“UX” stands for “user experience.” A user’s experience of the app is determined by how they interact with it. User experience is determined by how easy or difficult it is to interact with the user interface elements that the UI designers have created.

Both of these careers are best performed by those with experience in graphic design, marketing, or psychology, and it really helps to excel at collaborative teamwork. As we have said in the beginning, STEM offers exciting opportunities for nearly everyone interested in computer science. We encourage you to give it a go if you’ve been dreaming about it! Read our previous article to find out more about how to start your career in tech