There’s a STEM Job That Fits You
When most people think about STEM jobs, they think of scientists in lab coats, or engineers building bridges. Those are definitely STEM jobs, but they’re not the only ones. STEM also includes jobs like installation, maintenance and repair, construction, or manufacturing.
On O*NET, the Department of Labor lists dozens of STEM jobs. Check that list and you’ll see it’s more diverse than a lot of people think.
You Don’t Always Need a College Degree
You do need a college degree for a lot of these jobs. But you can get a ton of great STEM jobs with an associate’s degree or a high school diploma. Almost half of STEM workers do not have college degrees.
In other words, college is one way into STEM jobs, but not the only one. You could get a certificate, start an apprenticeship, be an intern, or study online.
People with Disabilities Work in STEM Too
STEM jobs aren’t just open to people with different degrees. They’re also open to people with different abilities. In 2021, five million people with disabilities worked in STEM jobs.
Put another way, 21% of workers with at least one disability worked in a STEM job. That includes people with degrees, people without degrees, people just starting their careers, and people close to retiring.