Which degree offers more opportunities abroad, STEM courses or Business Programs?

Both STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and Business have prospective career opportunities and global mobility, but which of the two is more suitable for a career traversing the world?

In this blog, we will analyze why one should pursue STEM or Business programs in terms of their global opportunities. The Rise of STEM Fields In the last decade, STEM fields have risen to the top of the global popularity charts, driven by an overwhelming increase in the need for specialized workers such as IT specialists, data scientists, artificial intelligence experts, and cyber security professionals. These areas have become fundamental to the health of the global economy and countries all over the world are experiencing an acute shortage of qualified personnel.

Advantages STEM Degrees

High demand: As mentioned above, STEM fields are in high demand around the world and there is an acute shortage in the supply of qualified personnel in these fields in many countries.

Job security: Job insecurity due to automation is worrying world economies but less so for STEM professionals as their skills are highly specialized and sought after.

Competitive salaries: STEM graduates, when compared to their non-STEM counterparts, earn significantly higher salaries.

Research and Development - STEM fields present possibilities to conduct research and innovative work.

Disadvantages of STEM Degree

Limited occupational diversity – Even though STEM fields has wide range of disciplines, but the positions available within each discipline are quite limited.

High levels of stress - Professionals working in STEM disciplines face undue stress owing to the necessity of performing and achieving objectives within tight schedules.

Lifelong education - Practitioners in STEM fields are required to work on ongoing education and training due to rapid changes in technology.

Business Degrees

International relations has always depended on business degrees, but their importance has greatly increased in recent years. The need for skilled masters of business administration has reached unprecedented heights due to the growing difficulties of international trade and commerce.

Benefits of Business Degrees

Varied career options - A business administration graduate can consider several options such as finance, marketing, human resources, management, etc.

Works in any industry - A business professional can work in any sector ranging from a small startup company to a large corporation.

Business opportunities - A business administration graduate can establish their own business or work with new business ventures.

Foreign opportunities - A business graduate can work abroad.

Disadvantages of Business Degrees

Competition- The downside to pursuing a business degree is that the market is oversaturated, with many individuals competing for the same available openings after graduation.

Unpredictable job market- Professionals often find it hard to adjust to the changes in a particular market because businesses are always changing.

Lower salaries: At least at the beginning, business graduates might have a lower income compared to STEM majors.

It’s critical to keep in mind that both disciplines present their own set of pros and cons. In the end, whether to select a STEM or a Business degree program comes down to one’s personal preferences, competencies, and aspirations.

A STEM degree is best suited for those who have a keen interest in innovation, new problem-solving methods and conducting research. On the other hand, a Business degree is an ideal choice for those wanting to work in a multitude of sectors, learn foreign languages, and appreciate different cultures.