Science, technology, engineering and maths (or STEM for short) may have a bit of a reputation for being boring, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Science is a hot topic right now as we see the rollout of vaccines developed to help curb the spread of COVID-19. Vaccines like this are the result of scientists from all around the world working together to come up with a solution to a global problem.

Technology is advancing all the time. Not only do we need more scientists, engineers and technology experts to help us deal with the world’s biggest problems like pollution and climate change, but we also need experts in Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, virtual reality and health technology. Other more unusual jobs in STEM include Firework Designer, Space Psychologist and Volcanologist. In short, there is no better time to consider a career in STEM.

Working in STEM isn’t all about lab coats and microscopes. There are a wide variety of jobs out there that don’t involve lab work – science journalism, teaching, patent law and science policy, to name a few.

And STEM careers are no longer the domain of grey-haired white males – anyone can work in STEM if you have the skills and talent to succeed. During British Science Week in March, the British Science Association will shine the light on the diversity of the STEM industry with their Smashing Stereotypes campaign.

The campaign challenges the stereotypes around the STEM industry and celebrates the diversity of the STEM workforce. It also highlights the huge range of jobs and careers available, and shows that scientists are just like other people – they love science, but they enjoy a Netflix boxset as much as anyone.

You will be able to find out for yourself what it’s like to work in STEM by hearing from the scientists and engineers from a range of backgrounds and career paths. You can read about their experiences here: British Science Week – Smashing Stereotypes

British Science Week is a celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths that will take place from 5-14 March. You can find out more here: British Science Week