The United States' development as a global leader is largely due to the creativity and dedicated work of the country’s scientists, engineers and innovators. In an increasingly complicated world, success is achieved not just by the things we know, but by what we can do with what we know.
This is a fundamental reason why today’s youth must be sent out into the working world with the knowledge and skills to tackle tough problems, the ability to collect and analyze evidence and understand data. This is the essence of the skills taught by science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Judging from the 13 percent projected growth of STEM jobs in the United States between 2017 and 2027, we’re heeding the call.
Demand For STEM Jobs Outpacing Skills
However, according to a recent projection, by 2018, 2.4 million STEM jobs in the United States will go unfilled. While more recent statistics aren’t available, it’s clear that the demand for STEM qualifications is there — the global economy needs more bright people to see STEM as a pathway to successful, fulfilling careers.
Unfortunately, the skills needed to fill these positions are simply not adequate, which suggests that STEM education is falling short. According to the Smithsonian Science Education Center, "78 percent of high school graduates don't meet benchmark readiness for one or more college courses in mathematics, science or English." It’s a situation that sees us in the teeth of a STEM shortage, likely resulting from years of educational neglect.
We’re in catch-up mode, exacerbated further by technology-driven change that’s seen skills shortages increase to worrying levels. It’s particularly concerning in cybersecurity.
STEM And Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a specialized industry, employing people with skills built on a STEM foundation. Put these factors together, and it’s a job market where demand far outstrips supply. Research from Cybersecurity Ventures says the industry will see 3.5 million unfilled positions by 2021.
These are huge numbers. They are distributed across the globe, but for context, 3.5 million jobs would be in the top 100 for the size of work populations of countries worldwide — not just industries. It illustrates that employers are operating in a challenging recruitment environment and must focus on creating cultures that not only identify, recruit and develop talent but retain it.
Compared to many industries — like manufacturing, finance and banking — cybersecurity is still in its infancy. But it has become so important so quickly that the ability to fill job demand was always going to be in doubt.
Leaders in the industry need to make a more concerted effort to think laterally and give people the incentive and opportunity to enter the cybersecurity market from different backgrounds, sectors and at various stages along the individual career path.
Growing a workforce of individuals who are more STEM-qualified involves introducing them to options and training opportunities. People need to see firsthand when others have successfully gone down this path, so they can identify that it’s a realistic option for them. From an internal communications point of view, few things are more powerful than enthusiastic colleagues showing the way.
Whether this requires organizations to teach new or additional skills, both will be important strategies to close the employment gap. The requirements will differ for each individual, but good assessment will allow employers to identify specific needs and tailor training to bring people to the required standards. Larger companies can place this in the hands of their learning and development teams. Smaller businesses can consider outsourcing the process or allocating time from experienced staff to mentor people as they add to their skillsets.
STEM Education
The key to building a strong STEM skill base lies in instilling love and enthusiasm from an early age. While schools are striving to ensure that their STEM curriculums are more robust, they can and should also leverage learning opportunities outside of the classroom to enhance learning, such as after-school clubs or programs, camps or tutoring.
One nonprofit organization making huge strides in this regard is Girls Who Code, which is working to close the gender employment difference in technology. It offers a pathway for girls who have completed courses to transition from middle or high school into the technology workforce, as well as a supportive community to help students and alumni persevere and achieve success.
Businesses interested in supporting STEM education should research local options to work with educators. These include making financial donations or encouraging colleagues to volunteer to help promote STEM careers among young people. The possibilities will vary depending on location, so reaching out to regional experts is key.
Supporting STEM In The Business World
With the constant growth rate of STEM jobs, it’s encouraging that tertiary education institutions responsible for teaching STEM skills are partnering with businesses that will soon need to recruit individuals with STEM qualifications.
The Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF) is the catalyst for this partnership, through which universities that provide undergraduate STEM programs can share course information with businesses. In return, companies can provide feedback and contribute to widen programs. A great example in the cybersecurity industry is the joint establishment of the inaugural residential honors program in cybersecurity by the Northrup Grumman Corporation and the University of Maryland, College Park. Launched in 2013, it was the first undergraduate honors program in cybersecurity. As a report concluded, “BHEF’s work in Maryland illustrates that it is possible to rapidly effect significant change and innovation in higher education with the goal of better aligning curricula and student outcomes with needed workforce skills.”
As with any skills shortage, a profit motive can play a role in the potential investment levels businesses are prepared to make to solve it. Given that cybersecurity is an issue with the potential to impact so many globally, there’s a growing realization that this isn’t just a business and employment issue. Failing to address the STEM skills shortage will lead to more headlines about cybercrime, financial loss and personal distress. Well-organized and coordinated action from all the stakeholders can help build the momentum behind STEM that’s so badly required globally.
