Why do you think there are an insufficient number of students interested in math, science, tech and engineering fields? What can the country do to correct this situation?
Most of the students are not good in math in high school as a result of which they are disinterested in pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) in higher studies. Math aptitude as determined by SAT scores and high school grades is a necessity for a student to show interest in STEM. The factor of low marks and tough class schedules is another reason for students to opt out of STEM.
We need an integrated P-12 and streamlined education strategy. Since many students develop their knack for a subject being inspired by their teachers, it is imperative to increase the number of good STEM teachers who can influence the students in developing a degree of enthusiasm and love for the STEM subjects. The STEM education pipeline should be improved by the inclusion of more women and underrepresented minorities like African American, Mexican American and Native Americans. Further, the US must work towards generating a broad interest in STEM majors and careers among the students. Partnerships between industry, university and colleges need to be instated for providing training to the students majoring in STEM. In recent times we have seen lot of different public-private partnerships have started to reduce the STEM gap. A good example will be the nationwide ExxonMobil Math and Science program.
If an employer needing math, science, engineering and tech workers cannot find these workers, list some options that employer might have.
It is not easy for any employer to tackle with a situation when there are not enough knowledgeable people to fill the job vacancy. The general trend for the employers is to bring in employees from other countries to fulfill the demand. However, this model works when there is a small demand gap. When there is a big gap in demand vs. supply, which often happens in some of the STEM job sectors, then employers are forced to outsource its operation to a country where enough skill is available to fulfill the demand. Employers are forced to outsource its operation because of immigration restrictions, laws and other security issues.
How do you think this problem will look like in ten years? Is it getting better or worse? What is your rationale?
If the above mentioned steps for improving the current ratio of students entering STEM majors is successfully followed and implemented, then I think the number of students passing out with degrees in STEM will be higher in next ten years compared to that of today. However, the problem will not be solved completely as the gap in high demand for STEM graduates and supply will take more than a decade to improve.
Currently the demand vs. supply ratio of STEM workforce is in very critical condition when the US based companies are forced to fulfill the job vacancies by hiring outsiders. Compared to even two decades ago when 40% students used to come out every year with major in STEM, the percentage has dropped down to only 15% now. If the situation is not controlled with proper streamlined techniques, the problem is likely to go worse.
Why did you yourself choose not to get into these fields?
There are few reasons why I haven’t chosen to go to STEM. Firstly, my passion lies for finance domain. I like finance more than any subject. Secondly, long term career aspiration is to manage a company of my own. Studying in finance and then doing an MBA afterwards will help me fulfill my dream. Thirdly, I also liked mathematics during my school days but I chose finance over mathematics because of good job opportunity because I think in mathematics it will take longer to start a job career than in finance.
