STEM, short for mathematics, information technology, natural sciences and technology, is a sector that drives the innovative strength of the German economy. From mechanical engineering to the pharmaceutical industry - there are numerous job opportunities in this field with a promising future. And there is currently a shortage of skilled workers in this sector too: in September 2021, there were 455,700 vacancies to be filled. 1 We explain why entering the STEM sector is worthwhile in the truest sense of the word.
Diverse entry opportunities
According to the Federal Employment Office, the sector employed around 8 million people across Germany in 2020. 2 Graduates with a scientific or technical education or degree are attractive to many top employers. And there are not only scientific positions to be filled: Management consultancies, insurance companies, agencies, IT companies, as well as mechanical engineering companies, car manufacturers, the healthcare sector and numerous other companies are constantly looking for young talent from the STEM sector to counteract the shortage of skilled workers.
Training and career opportunities
The best-known employees in the STEM sector are graduates of mechanical engineering courses, accounting for 8.5% of the entire STEM sector. 3 Anyone striving for progress and innovation will quickly find what they are looking for when searching for a place to study. In the 2020/2021 winter semester, there were over 1.1 million students 4 and around 179,990 first-year students in STEM subjects at German universities5. Natural scientists are often drawn to the field of research, technicians find employment opportunities in engineering or mechatronics and mathematicians and computer scientists are in demand after graduation at a wide variety of companies with suitable departments. However, you don't have to have studied to enter a STEM profession - the metal and electrical industry, which employs around 37% of all STEM specialists in Germany, offers a wide range of training occupations and positions . STEM apprenticeships are a good alternative to studying and provide trainees with the best possible preparation for working life.
Salaries and career prospects
With the economy recovering after the economic slump resulting from the coronavirus crisis, many companies are still looking for young talent and skilled workers in this area. The considerable demand for employees in STEM professions cannot be fully met by the existing workforce. In September 2021, the STEM labor shortage was 143.7% higher than in September last year. 7
It is not only the good entry opportunities on the labor market, but also the good pay that make entering the STEM sector lucrative. The average gross monthly salary is around €4,0008 , depending on the profession and degree. As a specialist and with increasing professional experience, you can definitely earn more.
Not just for men!
The industry is still dominated by men. However, this should not be a reason for women to stay away from this field in the future. The number of women subject to social insurance contributions in STEM professions rose by 23.3% in the period 2012-2020. 9 The rising trend is also continuing at the moment.
Positive future prospects for STEM professions
STEM professions are in high demand due to their high potential for innovation - and will remain so in the future. There is a particularly high demand for progressive young talent in this area. Many initiatives by German associations and foundations are working to train more skilled workers with STEM qualifications. The "MINT Zukunft schaffen!" (Create a STEM future) initiative of the "MINT Zukunft e.V." association and the "Komm, mach MINT" (Come, do STEM) initiative of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research are committed to promoting STEM subjects in schools10 and inspiring women and girls to take up STEM subjects and professions.11
