Get the right t
dvances in technology have led to the evolution of existing markets and industries. As new job sectors emerge, it’s essential to stay abreast of the latest technology tools and tactics, as technologies taught in classrooms may not be relevant by the time students graduate. This can cause a gap between the graduates and organisational expectations. This requires more focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) in educational institutions to allow the next generation of leaders to develop the competencies required.
The rst step in choosing the right STEM course is to understand what one wants in their career. What do you hope to achieve with a degree in any of the STEM elds? Do you want to pursue a career in a speci c aspect or just gain foundational knowledge that could be translated to a wide variety of roles, including a general business position?
ANew skills
The growing demand for new and advanced skills like Arti cial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, Data Science and Analysis, automation, audit and compliance, customer service, engineering and maintenance, nance and accounting, software project management and leadership are projected to bring in new job avenues. Some of the niche skills within each eld that are hardest to nd are knowledge of robotics, ethics and compliance knowledge, audit tools and software, and natural language processing (NLP). Stakeholder communication and control systems related to auditing, quality assurance for auditing, and software project management are skills highly in-demand with lower talent availability in the market. Set yourself apart by pursuing one of these unique backgrounds.
Market disruptions are not uniform across skill clusters. For example, engineering and maintenance talent are experiencing stronger demand compared to other clusters. At the same time, the growth of this talent pool has been particularly slow, especially in the areas of green technology and other related emerging skills. There is also a surge in demand for content creation skills as the digital marketing landscape becomes more competitive. As organisations across sectors become more reliant on data to make educated decisions, they need more people who can gather, evaluate, and exchange data to solve business challenges.
Customer service skills are also still in demand, despite the automation prospects from AI. Humans are still vital in handling personal interactions, fostering client relationships, and leveraging other soft skills that build trust and loyalty. Organisations are seeking expert knowledge of local regulations and best practices. Sound decision-making skills are additionally critical, and employers look for candidates who they can count on for independent thinking, research, reasoning, and problem-solving.
What to look for
STEM aspirants can take into consideration the prerequisites for roles they are interested in, skill supply in the market, compensation, work trends, and so on. This will help to narrow down the STEM
I finished my graduation in 2023 and am gearing up for CAT 2024. I want to boost my knowledge with courses in business. What are the additional courses that will enhance my readiness? Vijay
Dear Vijay,
You can consider the following courses:
Business Analytics with Python, R, data visualisation software; Digital Marketing with marketing strategies, social media, SEO, content marketing, and Financial Modelling; Project Management: Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certifications; Leadership and Management principles; Strategic Management; Supply Chain Management; Corporate Finance; Negotiation Skills; Business Communication; Advanced Excel and Data Analysis; Economics and Managerial Economics; and International Business, Negotiation, Influence, and Persuasion.
Remember to strike a balance between CAT preparation and additional courses.
I am in the final year of B.Tech. Electronics and Communications. Apart from MBA and M.Tech., what are my options for