How Studying STEM Abroad Can Boost Your Career & Future Opportunities
Current STEM Shortages:
‣Concerning construction and Engineering - The UK does not have enough trained workers to complete its large infrastructure projects.
‣Energies - Renewable energy goals are in danger because there aren't enough electricians and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) workers.
‣Information technology and Digitalization - More people need software developers, AI experts, and cybersecurity experts.
⁕ Reason behind the shortages -
• Brexit Impact - Reduced migration of skilled workers.
• Aging Workforce - Many experienced professionals are retiring.
• Skills Mismatch - The education system is not producing enough STEM graduates.
Current STEM Shortages:
‣Engineering and Manufacturing - As of March 2025, 244,400 STEM jobs were still open.
‣Green Energy & Climate Tech - There is a lot of work to be done in the fields of hydrogen energy and green energy.
‣Cybersecurity and IT - We need software coders, AI experts, and data scientists.
⁕ Reason behind the shortages -
•Declining STEM Graduates - 10% drop in enrollments since 2016.
• Demographic Shift - 64,800 STEM professionals retiring yearly.
•Mathematics Decline - Sharp fall in high-achieving students in math over the last decade.
Current STEM Shortages:
‣Electrical & Mechanical Trades - Electricians and engineers are crucial for energy transition.
‣Mining & Resources - Shortage of geologists, chemical engineers, and environmental scientists.
‣AI & Robotics - High demand for tech-driven roles in automation.
⁕ Reason behind the shortages -
•Massive Renewable Energy Shift - Need for thousands of skilled workers to meet 82% renewable energy goal by 2030.
•Lack of Vocational Training - Fewer apprentices and tradespeople entering the market.
• Geographical Constraints - Skilled labor shortages in remote areas.
STEM is a short form for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It is a broad system of education and careers that combines these four main fields to promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Focusing on application and technology developments, STEM education is crucial since it provides people for sectors moving quickly forward.
Fields under STEM
STEM is divided into four main branches, each encompassing multiple specialized fields
Food, cosmetics, and many brands incorporate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in their processes in various ways, from product formulation to manufacturing and quality control. Here’s how:
Cosmetic brands
Cosmetic brands utilize various STEM disciplines to create products, including formulation science, product stability and safety testing, nanotechnology, advanced materials, manufacturing and automation, and sustainability. Formulation science studies the interaction of ingredients with the skin, while biotechnology and microbiology focus on product stability and safety. Nanotechnology enhances product absorption, while engineering and physics focus on manufacturing and automation. Sustainability and eco-friendly innovations involve investing in biodegradable packaging, vegan formulations, and plant-based ingredients.
Food brands
Food science and chemical engineering involve creating shelf-stable products without artificial preservatives, while nutrient research and biotechnology focus on fortified foods and gut microbiome research. Food processing and safety involve pasteurization, fermentation, and high-pressure processing to kill harmful bacteria while preserving taste. Sustainable food tech involves alternative proteins like lab-grown meat and mycoproteins, and sustainable packaging innovations. Smart agriculture and AI use precision farming to source high-quality raw materials with minimal environmental impact, and mathematical models optimize supply chain logistics to reduce food waste and carbon emissions.
STEM MBA: These programs integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics into traditional business education. They emphasize analytics, data-driven decision-making, AI, and tech-enabled management strategies.
Non-STEM MBA: These focus on core business disciplines like finance, marketing, HR, and leadership, without heavy reliance on quantitative and technical skills.
Aspect |
STEM MBA |
Non-STEM MBA |
Focus Areas |
Data Science, AI, Machine Learning, Financial Engineering, Business Analytics |
Marketing, HR, Strategy, Finance, Operations |
Courses |
Big Data Analytics, Quantitative Finance, Predictive Modeling, Cybersecurity |
Organizational Behavior, Branding Strategies, Leadership, Market Research |
Skill Set |
Coding (Python, R), Statistical Analysis, Tech Innovation |
Soft Skills, People Management, Business Communication |
Harvard Business School (MS/MBA in Biotechnology & Life Sciences)
MIT Sloan (Business Analytics Track in MBA)
Columbia Business School (Technology and Data Analytics Focus)
University of California, Berkeley (Haas STEM MBA)
University of Chicago (Booth MBA STEM Pathway)
Career Goal |
Best Choice |
Want to work in tech, data analytics, AI, or FinTech? |
STEM MBA |
Prefer leadership roles in HR, marketing, or consulting? |
Non-STEM MBA |
Interested in working in the U.S. as an international student? |
STEM MBA (due to extended OPT) |
Passionate about soft skills and organizational behavior? |
Non-STEM MBA |
Psychology is vital in STEM fields, enhancing understanding of human behavior, cognition, and mental processes. It aids in designing user-friendly technology, improving mental health interventions, and promoting critical thinking. Integrating psychology with STEM fosters ethical, human-centered advancements in science and technology.
1. Neuroscience & Cognitive Science – Advances in brain imaging (MRI, fMRI) help understand human behavior and mental health.
2. Data Analysis & Statistics – Psychological research relies on statistical tools to analyze human behavior, treatment outcomes, and social trends.
3. Artificial Intelligence & Behavioral Science – AI and machine learning assist in mental health diagnostics, therapy bots, and behavior prediction.
4. Biopsychology & Pharmacology – Understanding the biological basis of behavior is crucial for treating mental disorders.
Architecture is an ideal combination of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), making it critical for creating safe, functional, and aesthetically beautiful structures. Engineers and architects rely on mathematical calculations to maintain stability, physics to assess structural integrity, and technology to produce innovative design concepts. STEM principles underpin innovations in sustainable architecture, smart buildings, and earthquake-resistant constructions alike. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and green energy solutions is altering the industry, highlighting STEM's critical role in determining the future of architecture.
Improved Global Employability and Job Opportunities - Graduating from a respected worldwide university raises employability. Many global corporations choose to hire people with an international STEM education background because of their versatility, cross-cultural communication abilities, and exposure to different work settings. Furthermore, STEM graduates are in great demand all around; several nations provide post-study career chances and work permits to keep foreign talent.
So are you ready to start your STEM journey abroad? Contact Maxxcell for more information and join our upcoming webinar on "STEM courses and Scholarships to Study Abroad" for free!