Liberal Arts or STEM – Why You Should Consider STEM
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Categories: academic coaching , academic tips , career advice , college choices , college decisions
Everyone has different reasons for studying what they study in college. There is no one perfect track or major, and each degree has different benefits for those studying it. While many people like to study Liberal Arts, others like to study STEM. These are not mutually exclusive. Many students either major in both or take classes in different tracks to diversify their knowledge. A professional student coach can help you pick the classes you want so you can achieve the education you desire.
Many high school students like STEM. For those that do, this article is for them. For those who have not considered majoring in STEM, maybe they will after reading this article.
What is STEM?
Every college and regional accreditation organization has their own perception about what “STEM” is and the degrees it considers. For example, some think that Psychology is a STEM degree while others believe it to be part of the Humanities. However, generally speaking, STEM refers to academic disciplines in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. To learn about all your STEM options, which can range from Pure Mathematics to Veterinary Sciences to Data Science, consult with a student coach today.
Why is STEM Easier?
STEM degrees have two advantages over Liberal Arts degrees. First, science and mathematics are objective disciplines. You either get the correct answer or you do not. If you do not, there are proven ways to arrive at the correct answer.
While the harsher grading methods of STEM can devastate a college student who is used to achieving high marks in high school, this can be a blessing in disguise. While STEM may be harder to study for initially, if you can arrive at the right answer once, you can achieve full marks whenever a similar question is asked of you. Suddenly, what seems hard becomes simple and low marks become high grades. STEM is a great choice for high school students that like math and science and want to work with them throughout their career.
Although you may receive somewhat lower marks if you choose a STEM major, due to the sheer difficulty of the subject you are enrolled in, your grades are not the only thing that matters to employers. Your portfolio and experience is also valuable. To understand the full employment repercussions of obtaining a specific degree, consult with a student coach today.
The second reason why STEM is the easier degree will become apparent once you navigate the job market. When you are in school, you will find that STEM internships are usually paid, if not a salary then at least a generous stipend. It is becoming more and more common for employers to attempt to offer unpaid internships. As a young adult, it is very important that you have income, as it will be throughout your life. STEM degrees pay large sums of money over the course of your life.
This is why, when you leave school and enter the job market full-time, you will notice that STEM jobs boast higher starting salaries and better perks, regardless of the industry. However, the best perk is job security. Although you may not wish to remain at the same job for our entire working life, knowing that a job will always be there for you is a great thing to know.
For the full range of job perks you can expect to enjoy, consider talking with a student coach today.
What’s the Catch?
Nothing is free in life. Majoring in STEM might cost you slightly more than if you were to major in Liberal Arts but with the plethora of scholarships, paid internships, and higher starting salaries, there is no need to worry about paying off your student loans.
A STEM degree is tough degree to achieve, but it is also an incredibly rewarding one. You will graduate with job-ready skills and attractive job offers if you choose to pursue STEM. However, you may find that STEM degrees dominate your schedule. Hold a job, going to school full time, and joining professional organizations can be draining after a while. If you need help managing your time as a STEM major, or you would like information regarding STEM majors, consider contacting a student coach today.
Regardless of your passions and interests, a STEM major exists for you to enrol in. You could, for instance, have a passion for Ancient Roman History. You could pair a major in Ancient History and Classics with a major in Geographic Information Systems and create a thesis plotting the many battlefields of the Roman Empire into Google Maps for others to explore and learn about history.
You could double major in Computer Science and Art History and create an app that allows others to view famous paintings virtually in cyberspace. There are so many options for STEM majors, and those considering becoming STEM majors, in university.
To find your passion and pair it to a Liberal Arts or STEM degree, or both, contact a student coach today.
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