This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org.
What is STEM?
A lot of schools are throwing around the term “STEM” as if it’s a single subject, like reading or writing. In reality, STEM is an acronym for a group of subjects: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
A 2011 report from the U.S. Department of Commerce states that over the past decade, the number of jobs in STEM fields had grown three times as fast the number of jobs in other fields. Even more convincing, 75 percent of the fastest growing occupations require proficiency in some component of STEM, according to Adecco.
Getting Started in STEM
Does all of this mean that you should plan on majoring in math for four years in college, and then dedicate yourself to a life as an accountant? Not exactly. Current research shows that people who have a STEM-related degree actually earn more in their careers, whether or not they actually work in a STEM field. This means that if the focus of your higher education is science, technology, engineering and/or math, you’re likely to make more money doing what you would have been doing anyway.
You may wonder where to get started, or perhaps even believe that your high school grades have already excluded you from becoming an expert in all things STEM. That’s not true. It’s a misconception, and a common one at that. Below, you will find a few steps that can get you on your way to being STEM ready between now and the start of a new school year.
Start Simple
First, try a little bit of each area of STEM. Don’t be shy about starting at the beginning … and I mean the very beginning–think kindergarten level. Working your way up from a level that seems too simple is a great way to review basics and build confidence. When you reach an area that you don’t understand, consult the multimedia universe. Look for YouTube videos on the exact idea that you’re stuck on or try to find a mobile app or game that tests your skills and play it until you feel comfortable. If you’re still nervous, follow subjects on social networks, which will point you toward helpful resources.
Practice Math
If you think that math is your thing, watch a few Vi Hart videos. If that doesn’t light your fire, then you may want to look at another subject. Otherwise, Khan Academy has some fantastic lessons that you can use as a jumping-off point for the rest of your mathematical career and the exercises on IXL Math will give you a chance to practice some of the new skills that you’re learning. To prepare for college, you’ll want to have taken (or at least understand) the following classes: Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry and Calculus. You can study all of these subjects through free and complete courses offered on iTunes U.
Explore Engineering
You can get a basic idea of what engineering is all about by watching some simple videos. Beginner-level projects are plentiful, and a lot of fun. If you run some of these entry-level experiments and find that you’re not engaged, you’ll most likely want to move along. If you’re hooked, Engineering.com has some intermediate projects and lessons. Again, iTunes U has some fantastic free resources.
Tackle Technology
Technology is the golden goose of all subjects at the moment. Computer science is among the best-paying professions, even immediately following graduation. The majority of the population doesn’t get any computer science education before college, and very few get even a full year by the time they earn a bachelor’s degree. You can put yourself at the head of the pack by getting an early-ish start. Head to CSisFun.com and start working your way through the activities in order. By the time you finish, you’ll understand the heart of programming. In addition, there are many free online courses that will help you polish those skills and grasp the theory behind the craft, preparing you to jump right into a university computer science class.
Look Into Other Sciences
There are so many sub-genres of science to choose from that the challenge here is to figure out what speaks to you. Is it Chemistry? Biology? Physics? Whatever you want to do in life, there will be some sort of science that can help you. Astronomy, geology, social sciences and more all affect the way in which we understand the world. Follow a blog like Science Daily and see which posts you choose to read and which you ignore. That will go a long way toward helping you figure out where to begin.
The Bottom Line
If you found yourself broadly skimming this article, here’s a quick recap. Study STEM in school. You don’t have to do it all, and you don’t have to settle for a career that bores you, but students who graduate with a degree in STEM end up finding jobs more easily and make more in their lifetime. You don’t have to be a genius or have started early. Just find some good websites and a YouTube video or two, and download a class from iTunes. You’ll be prepared to take your first undergraduate STEM class in no time!