Why choosing a STEM career can shape your professional future

For centuries, knowledge was divided into broad disciplines: philosophy, medicine, astronomy, architecture... each with its own methods and language. But with the arrival of the Industrial Revolution—and even more so with the technological explosion of the 20th century—the world began to accelerate. The sciences became more specialized, the tools more precise, and the need for a more integrated approach emerged: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics as a unified field. What we now call STEM.

STEM careers have been transforming our way of life for decades. They’re behind the mobile phones we use every day, the power that lights our homes, the GPS that guides us, and the algorithms that suggest our next favourite series. It’s no surprise that more and more people are talking about them, studying them, or building careers in these sectors.

Today, STEM is not just a bet on the future—it’s the present, the most dynamic sector in the job market. Professionals in this field are leading innovation in healthcare, sustainability, mobility, artificial intelligence, and space exploration, among others. That’s why more and more institutions—such as Planeta Formación y Universidades—are working to bring STEM closer to students and professionals, encouraging these vocations with an approach aligned with real market needs and offering a long-term perspective.

What is a STEM career and why is everyone talking about them?

Today, it’s increasingly important to have professionals who can combine knowledge from different disciplines. In real life, everything is connected: we use tools that blend programming, physics, electronic design, and a lot of math to function properly. That’s the idea behind STEM degrees—a way of learning that brings together these four areas to solve real-world problems.

It’s not just about research or theory, but about applying knowledge to create practical solutions—a medical treatment, a robot, an app, or a new way to tackle climate change.

Differences between STEM professions and other fields of knowledge

STEM professions tend to focus on solving technical problems, designing systems, or creating products. By contrast, other areas—like the humanities, arts, or journalism—are more centred on interpretation, critical thinking, or creativity.

STEM also leans heavily on logic, experimentation, data analysis, and precision. That said, soft skills are becoming increasingly important too—like communicating ideas effectively, working as part of a team, or being curious and adaptable. In fact, many future professions blend technical and creative skills, opening up even more possibilities.

What are the most in-demand STEM careers today?

Science: biotechnology, physics, chemistry and more

Science remains essential for understanding how the world works—and improving it. Degrees like biotechnology are booming, offering pathways to develop new medicines, more sustainable food sources, and innovative materials. Physics and chemistry also continue to play major roles: though more traditional, they’re at the core of cutting-edge industries, from energy to nanotechnology.

Technology: software development, cybersecurity, AI

Thousands of developers are needed in software engineering, across both large corporations and small startups. It’s a field that often allows for remote work and offers highly competitive salaries.

Cybersecurity is another booming sector. With more data to protect, more digitalised businesses, and increasing online risks, the demand is high. Then there’s artificial intelligence—no longer a futuristic concept, but a reality already shaping healthcare, education, logistics, gaming, and more.

Engineering: from industrial to aerospace

Engineering—especially industrial—has long been a reliable choice. The field includes many branches: civil, energy, electronics, telecommunications, and more. Today, many of these are evolving to include sustainability, automation, and digital design. In countries like Spain, industrial engineers are among the highest-paid graduates.

New specialisations are also emerging, like biomedical engineering and data science, which combine traditional knowledge with modern technologies. For those interested in building, planning, and improving systems, engineering offers a career with strong potential.

Mathematics and data analysis: the power of numbers

Today, data drives everything. Companies need professionals who can interpret it, build predictive models, design algorithms, and turn numbers into strategic decisions.

As a result, careers in data analysis, statistics, and artificial intelligence are growing fast—not just in tech, but also in healthcare, sports, finance, and education.

Why can a STEM career shape your professional future?

High employability and job stability

One of the major advantages of a STEM career is that, after finishing your degree, it’s much easier to find a job. And not just any job: we’re talking about stable roles with good working conditions and career growth. According to recent studies, over 90% of STEM graduates in Spain are employed five years after finishing university. Many hold permanent contracts and earn above-average salaries.

Direct impact on humanity’s major challenges

These careers also offer something extra: they directly contribute to improving lives. Working in biotechnology means helping develop new medical treatments. Engineering can create more sustainable systems that save energy. And in programming, you can build apps that improve access to education or healthcare.

From climate change to digitalisation, electric mobility, personalised medicine, and cybersecurity—all of these challenges are being tackled by people trained in STEM.

Constant innovation: working at the edge of knowledge

STEM fields evolve rapidly. There are always new tools, discoveries, and methods. That means your work will never feel repetitive.

You might be designing a predictive AI model one year and applying it to a completely different sector the next—like healthcare, agriculture, sustainability, or video games. Plus, many professionals who start as specialists end up leading teams or launching their own ventures.

Where can you study a STEM career?

In Spain, there are many options for studying a STEM degree. For example, Planeta Formación y Universidades, an international educational network with a strong commitment to innovation in education.

It offers STEM programs through institutions like the Universidad Internacional de Valencia (VIU), which provides online degrees and master's programs in fields such as computer science, engineering, and data science. Another standout option is UNIE Universidad, with a campus in Madrid and a modern academic approach that blends technology, employability, and hands-on training from day one.

Conclusion

Choosing a career is never easy, but understanding what you can bring to the world—and what the world needs from you—can be a great place to start. STEM careers aren’t just jobs of the future: they’re already reshaping healthcare, energy, technology, and ultimately, how we live.

If any of these areas have sparked your curiosity, or if you want to discover which career path best fits you, you can take the first step with the career recommender test from Planeta Formación y Universidades. In just a few minutes, it will help you explore the jobs and study options that suit you best.