No matter what studies you read or data you cite, all signs point to one conclusion: Jobs in the STEM fields are in great demand in 2023 and will continue to remain so for many years to come.
Consider the following:
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the positions of data scientist, information security analyst, and web developer ranked among the top five jobs expected to see the greatest expansion in the number of jobs between 2021 and 2031 (growing at 30% and 36%, respectively).
- In U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of the “100 Best Jobs in America for 2023,” the role of “Software Developer” ranked #1 based on such factors as its projected growth (with more than 370,000 new positions expected to be added by 2031), high median salary ($120,730), and other factors.
- Engineers rule! According to Indeed’s 2023 ranking of “The Best Opportunities for Job Seekers in the U.S. Today,” the roles of data engineer, cloud engineer, site reliability engineer, and machine learning engineer all ranked within the top ten based on the growth/availability of these jobs, their salary, and the flexibility they offer prospects.
And experts say that the attractiveness of the aforementioned and other STEM jobs isn’t unique to any country or region – rather, demand for candidates with a STEM background is a worldwide trend. Based on LinkedIn’s recent assessment of job opportunities in 28 countries and the growing necessity for companies to be highly connected and digitally agile– especially with more people working from home than ever before– engineering stands as the fastest-growing field in the world.
The Benefits of Continuing Education
Whether you’re a student pursuing a STEM education or a longtime professional currently working in a STEM field, continuing your education throughout your life offers many benefits.
In the ever-evolving field of engineering, continuing education can help individuals expand their current skill sets and keep abreast of current developments. The New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers confirms this by noting that with new technologies being introduced every day, success in the engineering profession requires the ability to adapt to new technologies and to develop new skills, while also staying up-to-date on the latest regulations.
This is especially true in the technology arena, a field which online recruiting platform Zippia says is growing exponentially. For example, “computer’s speed and power have generally been doubling every 1½-2 years since the 1960s and 70s,” noted Zippia’s Abby McCain, who added that the artificial intelligence industry alone is currently growing by 16-18% a year and is anticipated to be valued at US $500 billion in 2024.
“Continuing education is really about gaining new skills and knowledge to keep yourself current in your field or obtaining the skills needed to enter a new field,” agreed Melissa Mecham, City University of Seattle Vice President of Student Services– all investments which she said will help individuals have a bigger impact within their job/field and enhance their competitiveness in a workforce that’s become increasingly global.
Being a lifelong learner also offers important health benefits, as a broad range of studies confirm that participating in continuing education keeps the brain stimulated, thereby reducing the risk of cognitive decline. The process also boosts confidence and provides a sense of accomplishment, as well as potentially offering opportunities for socialization and networking.
Quite simply, says Firebrand Founder and CEO Jeremy Goldman, “learning– even well into adulthood– can be fun and keep your brain fit.”
Expand Your Horizons Through IEEE Education Week 2023
There’s no better way to invest in yourself and your future than by participating in the second annual IEEE Education Week. It is a great opportunity to explore the wealth of programs, events, and resources available from IEEE, the largest technical professional organization in the world.
Taking place from 2-8 April, IEEE Education Week 2023 is a weeklong celebration of the educational opportunities, webinars, online courses, activities, and scholarships provided by IEEE and its many Organizational Units, Societies, and Councils from around the globe. Register for events– both in-person and virtual– plus, earn points towards an IEEE Education Week digital badge, which you can display on your LinkedIn profile.
Are you ready to make the grade? Check out the IEEE Education Week video to learn more or check out some of our articles on last year’s celebration!
Don’t Miss the Keynote Address!
Join 2023 IEEE President and CEO Saifur Rahman for the Education Week keynote address to learn about the importance of educating the energy workforce of the future.
During this session, IEEE President Saifur Rahman will shares how IEEE is committed to helping combat and mitigate the effects of climate change through pragmatic and accessible technical solutions, as well as by providing engineers and technologists with a neutral space for discussion and action.
Resources
Terrell, Kenneth. (27 December 2022). 20 Jobs That Will Be in Demand in 2023. AARP.
Smith, Morgan. (10 January 2023). The 10 best U.S. jobs of 2023, according to new research—many pay over $100,000. CNBC.
Gafner, Jocelyne. (10 January 2023). Best Jobs of 2023. Indeed.
Hilgers, Laura. (18 January 2023). The Fastest-Growing Jobs Around the World in 2023. LinkedIn.
The Importance of Continuing Education in Engineering. New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers.
(7 August 2019). 4 Benefits of Continuing Education That Are Often Overlooked. Seattle Times/City University of Seattle.
McCain, Abby. (11 January 2023). How Fast Is Technology Advancing? [2023]: Growing, Evolving, And Accelerating at Exponential Rates. Zippia.
Goldman, Jeremy. Research Shows Adult Education Can Prevent Cognitive Decline. Inc.
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