Lesson 2: Exploring Careers Across STEM Disciplines

Discover the Diverse Opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Medicine:

• What it involves: Medicine is a vast field that encompasses clinical practice, research, and public health. It involves diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. Medical professionals work in hospitals, clinics, and research institutions, contributing to advancements in patient care and medical technologies.

• Roles: Doctors, nurses, medical researchers, and public health professionals.

• Skills Needed: Strong analytical skills, empathy, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of human biology.

• Example Case Study: Dr. Sarah Gilbert, a British professor of vaccinology, is known for her work on developing the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Her work blends clinical medicine with research to solve global health problems.

1. Environmental Science:

   • What it involves: Environmental scientists study the environment and work to address environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution, and resource management. They may work in fields like conservation, waste management, or environmental policy.

   • Roles: Environmental consultants, conservation scientists, environmental policy advisors, and sustainability experts.

   • Skills Needed: Scientific knowledge of ecosystems, data analysis, problem-solving, and environmental policy understanding.

   • Example Case Study: Sir David Attenborough, a British broadcaster and natural historian, has been instrumental in educating the public on environmental conservation, highlighting the importance of biodiversity and climate change.

2. Research:

   • What it involves: Scientific research is foundational to advancing knowledge in a wide variety of fields, from healthcare to environmental science to physics. Researchers conduct experiments, gather data, and test hypotheses.

   • Roles: Research scientists, lab technicians, and principal investigators.

   • Skills Needed: Critical thinking, experimental design, and proficiency with data analysis tools.

   • Example Case Study: Prof. Sir John Bell, a British professor of medicine, has made significant contributions to medical research, particularly in immunology, and played a key role in the UK's response to COVID-19.

Technology Careers

1. Software Development:

   • What it involves: Software developers design, create, and maintain applications, systems, and programs that are used on computers, smartphones, and other devices. They work across a range of industries, from finance to gaming to education.

   • Roles: Software developers, programmers, and mobile app developers.

   • Skills Needed: Coding proficiency (in languages such as Python, Java, and C++), problem-solving, attention to detail, and an understanding of user experience.

   • Example Case Study: James Gosling, known as the father of Java, is a software developer who created one of the world’s most widely used programming languages, impacting industries across the globe.

2. Cybersecurity:

   • What it involves: Cybersecurity professionals work to protect systems, networks, and data from cyber threats, including hacking, data breaches, and cyber-attacks. They ensure the safety and privacy of individuals and organizations.

   • Roles: Cybersecurity analysts, ethical hackers, security engineers, and IT security managers.

   • Skills Needed: Knowledge of network security, encryption, risk management, and ethical hacking techniques.

   • Example Case Study: Mikko Hypponen, a Finnish cybersecurity expert, has been at the forefront of fighting cybercrime, providing valuable insights into the evolution of cyber threats and how to mitigate them.

3. Artificial Intelligence (AI):

   • What it involves: AI is the development of systems that can perform tasks that usually require human intelligence, such as language recognition, decision-making, and learning. AI is applied in healthcare, finance, marketing, and robotics.

   • Roles: Machine learning engineers, data scientists, AI researchers, and natural language processing experts.

   • Skills Needed: Strong understanding of algorithms, programming, and machine learning models, as well as a knowledge of mathematical principles.

   • Example Case Study: Demis Hassabis, the co-founder and CEO of DeepMind, is known for creating AI systems that have made ground-breaking achievements, such as AlphaGo, which beat world champions in the game of Go.

Engineering Careers

1. Aerospace Engineering:

   • What it involves: Aerospace engineers design and develop aircraft, spacecraft, and satellites. They work on everything from flight dynamics to propulsion systems, ensuring the safety and efficiency of aerospace vehicles.

   • Roles: Aerospace engineers, systems engineers, avionics engineers, and propulsion engineers.

   • Skills Needed: Understanding of aerodynamics, propulsion, materials science, and systems engineering.

   • Example Case Study: Mary Jackson, the first African American female engineer at NASA, was pivotal in advancing aerospace technology and played a key role in the success of space missions during the space race.

2. Civil Engineering:

   • What it involves: Civil engineers are responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water supply systems. They work to ensure that structures are safe, sustainable, and resilient.

   • Roles: Structural engineers, construction managers, geotechnical engineers, and urban planners.

   • Skills Needed: Knowledge of materials science, project management, and environmental sustainability.

   • Example Case Study: Brunel Isambard Kingdom, one of Britain’s most famous civil engineers, is renowned for designing the Great Western Railway and the Clifton Suspension Bridge, which were engineering feats of their time.

3. Mechanical Engineering:

   • What it involves: Mechanical engineers design and develop mechanical systems, including engines, tools, machines, and heating/cooling systems. They work across industries such as automotive, manufacturing, and energy.

   • Roles: Mechanical engineers, design engineers, and product development engineers.

   • Skills Needed: Proficiency in CAD software, materials science, thermodynamics, and mechanical design principles.

   • Example Case Study: Henry Ford, an iconic mechanical engineer, revolutionized the automobile industry by inventing the assembly line, making cars affordable and accessible to the masses.

4. Robotics:

   • What it involves: Robotics engineers design, build, and test robots used in manufacturing, healthcare, and even space exploration. These engineers work at the intersection of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.

   • Roles: Robotics engineers, automation specialists, and mechatronics engineers.

   • Skills Needed: Programming, mechanical design, control systems, and knowledge of AI.

   • Example Case Study: Rodney Brooks, a leading roboticist, co-founded iRobot (the company behind Roomba) and has pioneered developments in autonomous robotics, particularly in household automation.

Mathematics Careers

1. Data Science:

   • What it involves: Data scientists analyze and interpret complex data sets to inform decision-making. They work across industries to uncover trends, make predictions, and support business strategies using statistical models and machine learning techniques.

   • Roles: Data analysts, machine learning engineers, and data scientists.

   • Skills Needed: Proficiency in programming languages like Python and R, statistical analysis, and an understanding of algorithms.

   • Example Case Study: Claudia Perlich, a data scientist, has made significant contributions to machine learning and predictive modelling, particularly in the fields of marketing and healthcare.

2. Finance:

   • What it involves: Financial professionals apply mathematical techniques to assess risk, manage investments, and create financial models. Finance careers can range from investment banking to risk management and financial planning.

   • Roles: Financial analysts, accountants, investment bankers, and risk managers.

   • Skills Needed: Financial modelling, statistical analysis, and knowledge of economics and financial markets.

   • Example Case Study: James Simons, a mathematician and hedge fund manager, is known for using mathematical algorithms and quantitative methods to predict financial markets, earning him billions through his company Renaissance Technologies.

3. Actuarial Science:

   • What it involves: Actuaries use mathematical models to assess risk and uncertainty, particularly in the insurance and pension sectors. They analyse data related to mortality, accidents, and other events to determine policy premiums and financial strategies.

   • Roles: Actuaries, risk analysts, and pension consultants.

   • Skills Needed: Advanced mathematics, statistics, and a strong understanding of economics and insurance markets.

   • Example Case Study: Elizaveta Markova, an actuary, has applied her knowledge to predict trends in life expectancy and insurance pricing, significantly improving risk assessment models used in the insurance industry.

Case Studies: Profiles of Professionals in Each Field

These professionals exemplify success in their respective fields:

• Dr. Sarah Gilbert (Medicine): Creator of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

• Sir David Attenborough (Environmental Science): Advocate for environmental conservation and biodiversity.

• James Gosling (Software Development): Father of the Java programming language.

• Mikko Hypponen (Cybersecurity): Expert in cybercrime and digital privacy.

• Demis Hassabis (AI): Co-founder of DeepMind, known for creating ground-breaking AI systems.

• Mary Jackson (Aerospace Engineering): NASA’s first female African American engineer.

• Isambard Kingdom Brunel (Civil Engineering): Revolutionary civil engineer responsible for many significant structures.

• Henry Ford (Mechanical Engineering): Innovator of the automobile industry and assembly line production.

• Rodney Brooks (Robotics): Co-founder of iRobot, a pioneer in robotics for consumer use.

• Claudia Perlich (Data Science): Leading data scientist with expertise in machine learning and predictive analytics.

• James Simons (Finance): Mathematician who revolutionized financial markets with quantitative methods.

• Elizaveta Markova (Actuarial Science): Actuary who has significantly improved risk models in the insurance sector.

These professionals have shaped their industries and demonstrated the impact of STEM careers on society.