7 answers
Genevieve
Student
Cedar Rapids
78
Questions
Updated
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Careers that involve STEM and Writing?
I'm really drawn to STEM (especially math) and writing. Are there any careers (other than finance and accounting) that combine my two interests?
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7 answers
Vern Novstrup
Environmental Engineer
30
Answers
Ventura, California
Updated
Vern’s Answer
BLUF(1): writing is every bit as important in STEM as math, science, engineering and math.
Almost all STEM degrees need people with strong communication skills including writing, graphics, and speaking. Typical writing tasks include: 1) preparing proposals; 2) writing specification writing; 3) writing process and procedure instructions; 4) writing technical papers for journals; and 5) preparing business plans and business case analysis'. Many if not most students are surprised when they start college to find out that technical writing is a critical skill to be successful in college and during their career. Technical writing generally more detailed and complex than conventional creative writing. However, organizing and grammar skills used in creative writing translates well to technical writing. Tasks such as preparing proposals also requires a writer to have some story telling ability.
Sometimes STEM writing includes seemingly simple tasks such as answering a straight forward question that is much more complex than the questioner imagined when they pose the question. This requires the writer to be able interpret what other writers say and what they really want (e.g., reading comprehension skills).
(1) BLUF is a military communications acronym—it stands for “bottom line up front”—that's designed to enforce speed and clarity in reports and emails. The basic idea is simple: put the most important details first. Don't tease or delay your main point because people are busy and their time is valuable.
Almost all STEM degrees need people with strong communication skills including writing, graphics, and speaking. Typical writing tasks include: 1) preparing proposals; 2) writing specification writing; 3) writing process and procedure instructions; 4) writing technical papers for journals; and 5) preparing business plans and business case analysis'. Many if not most students are surprised when they start college to find out that technical writing is a critical skill to be successful in college and during their career. Technical writing generally more detailed and complex than conventional creative writing. However, organizing and grammar skills used in creative writing translates well to technical writing. Tasks such as preparing proposals also requires a writer to have some story telling ability.
Sometimes STEM writing includes seemingly simple tasks such as answering a straight forward question that is much more complex than the questioner imagined when they pose the question. This requires the writer to be able interpret what other writers say and what they really want (e.g., reading comprehension skills).
(1) BLUF is a military communications acronym—it stands for “bottom line up front”—that's designed to enforce speed and clarity in reports and emails. The basic idea is simple: put the most important details first. Don't tease or delay your main point because people are busy and their time is valuable.
Cool! Thanks Vern!
Genevieve
Gennie A Barr
Sr Mgr Network Operations
10
Answers
San Ramon, California
Updated
Gennie A’s Answer
There are lots of careers that involve that! Every company has finance, every industry has finance, money does make the world go around. Find out what interests you, what types of books interest you most, articles you have read or podcasts you have listened too more than any other and then find a company that works in that field. See if they have internships so you can learn more about that field, dig in and find your passion and then find the job that will help you build a career on that passion.
Thanks for the advice Gennie!
Genevieve
Benjamin Howard
Software Engineer
1
Answer
Battle Ground, Washington
Updated
Benjamin’s Answer
The math part is easy, as most jobs in STEM require a good understanding of mathematics. Jobs like Mechanical and Civil Engineering probably require the most actual calculations since there is a lot of mechanical physics involved in both. Being fortunate enough to like doing the math itself will make a lot of your physics classes easier if you go to university. Jobs in Software and Computer Engineering requires more theoretical math and statistics, though there is sometimes calculation involved. As a software developer, learning how to do proofs have allowed me to better assess my code.
Writing is an often overlooked aspect of most tech jobs. As a software developer, I spend a good portion of my time writing. When you are leading almost a project, the first step is generally writing some sort of design doc that weighs the pros and cons of any solution you propose. If you are interested in more creative or persuasive writing, a tech journalist or Software Developer Manager involves more writing and rewards those who have a deeper understanding of tech.
Writing is an often overlooked aspect of most tech jobs. As a software developer, I spend a good portion of my time writing. When you are leading almost a project, the first step is generally writing some sort of design doc that weighs the pros and cons of any solution you propose. If you are interested in more creative or persuasive writing, a tech journalist or Software Developer Manager involves more writing and rewards those who have a deeper understanding of tech.
Thank you!
Genevieve
david kirk
Retired Computing Manager
480
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
david’s Answer
Hi, Genevieve ,
When you think of STEM, think of collaboration, integration, project involvement, critical thinking, and problem-solving. STEM is the emphasis to bring parts of each into the whole. Career opportunities with STEM are vast, whether in electronics, engineering, any of the sciences, including teaching. In all of those, excellent written skills are vital to ensure reaching the desired level of communication. So, from that, your choices are whatever interests you. Aim high. You'll do well. All the best to you.
When you think of STEM, think of collaboration, integration, project involvement, critical thinking, and problem-solving. STEM is the emphasis to bring parts of each into the whole. Career opportunities with STEM are vast, whether in electronics, engineering, any of the sciences, including teaching. In all of those, excellent written skills are vital to ensure reaching the desired level of communication. So, from that, your choices are whatever interests you. Aim high. You'll do well. All the best to you.
Thanks David!!!
Genevieve
Rodolfo Elias Madero
Sr Technical Business Integration Specialist / Engineer
3
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Rodolfo Elias’s Answer
Most STEM careers will require a solid ability to write. The folks that move up in STEM to leadership must have excellent communication skills to sell themselves and their products.
Thank you!
Genevieve
Aravind Krishna
Technical Program Manager
1
Answer
Vienna, Virginia
Updated
Aravind’s Answer
Hi Genevieve
STEM is a huge ocean of areas and the combination of knowledge in STEM areas with excellent writing and communication skills will definitely take you a long way
There are various roles today that require a combination of technical knowledge and writing skills - technical writer, scientific editors to name a few that are global in nature and open up a huge array of opportunities
Within specific industry sectors themselves- combination of technical skills and excellent written communication will definitely set you up for success. Explaining technical concepts in a simple language succinctly , writing business cases, proposals , executive reports- all these are part of the day to day job responsibilities in any industry
Here's wishing you all the best in your career
STEM is a huge ocean of areas and the combination of knowledge in STEM areas with excellent writing and communication skills will definitely take you a long way
There are various roles today that require a combination of technical knowledge and writing skills - technical writer, scientific editors to name a few that are global in nature and open up a huge array of opportunities
Within specific industry sectors themselves- combination of technical skills and excellent written communication will definitely set you up for success. Explaining technical concepts in a simple language succinctly , writing business cases, proposals , executive reports- all these are part of the day to day job responsibilities in any industry
Here's wishing you all the best in your career
Thank you!!
Genevieve
Kimberly Pryor
Business Consultant/Clinical Research Professional
3
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
STEM is a great field that has many, many careers. For someone who is interested in writing within the STEM field medical writing maybe an area to look. Usually, Medical Writers are utilized in clinical research. Please do some research on medical writing this maybe a path you will enjoy. And keep in mind that whatever career route you choose is not something that has to be done the rest of your life. There is a huge world out here explore explore explore!
Best Wishes.
Best Wishes.
Thanks Kimberly!
Genevieve