In case you didn’t know: STEM is pretty much everywhere! Anywhere we turn, some facet of Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math have made our lives the way it is now. But in fact, there’s more to the field than the usual jobs that come to mind.

In case being a scientist or a doctor isn’t for you, we’re here to list down some of not-so-common STEM careers that may just be your unsung calling.

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Cosmetics Scientist/Chemist

Ever wonder who gave the green light to your fave makeup? Look no further than Cosmetic Scientists! These specific types of scientists develop and perform trials on the makeup products, toiletries, perfumes, and beauty products we use on a regular basis. One such example in the country is Unilab’s UL Skin Sciences, Inc. (ULSSI), who’s in charge of everyday hygiene products like pH Care, Myra, and more.

Though they may not be part of our vocabulary now, the number of cosmetic chemists is expected to grow in the workforce between 2016 and 2026.

How can I start?

Cosmetic scientists/chemists are likely working on R&D teams of cosmetic companies. If you’re looking for a specific course, Centro Escolar University in Manila is the first and the only university that offers BS Cosmetic Science in the PH.

Food Technology

With food security in the country turning into a food insecurity, the art of learning how to grow food in the modern world is a must. Food technologists combine modern tech and food science to the process of selection, preservation, packaging, and distribution of safe food for everyone!

With the Philippines being abundant with natural resources, food technology can be a key process in helping our farmers bring sustainable food to the table.

How can I start?

Food technologists’ related fields include analytical chemistry, biotechnology, engineering, nutrition, quality control, and food safety management. The University of the Philippines also has a 4-year program in BS Food Technology.

Forestry & Agriculture

Just like with Food Tech, you don’t have to look far to find STEM’s benefits in agriculture and our natural resources.

Remember the typhoons Rolly and Ulysses? It’s widely debated that a thriving Sierra Madre mountain range would have prevented the extreme floodings. That’s where the role of STEM comes in, as the country’s forestry and agriculture need scientific data to shift public attention to what’s really happening.

How can I start?

The Department of Environmental Resources has its own Forest Management Bureau (FMB), with positions like Forest Management Specialists, Information Analysts, and more. There are also numerous universities offering programs with BS in Forestry.

Clothing Technology

Did you know that fast fashion is hurting our environment everyday? In exchange for fast and cheap clothes churned out by trendy brands, the Earth is paying the price through the process’ harmful carbon footprint.

That’s where the role of smart clothing technologists/designers comes in, as their job is to introduce innovative advancements in clothing to make the industry sustainable, durable, and of course, still fashionable.

How can I start?

A number of schools offer BS in Clothing Technology, such as SoFA Design Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman, and the Technological University of the Philippines.

Archaeologist

Yes, there are archaeologists in the country! With the Philippines having a rich culture taking back thousands of years, our own archaeologists have been discovering artifacts that have made the country a vital research ground on human evolution!

Most recently, researchers found two fossil fragments aging almost 50,000 years and 67,000 years in Cagayan’s Callao Cave!

How can I start?

University of the Philippines Diliman offers a complete Archaeological Studies Program, where you can attain your Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate in the field.

Forensic Scientist

Forensic science, also known as criminalistics, is the role of science during criminal investigations. It isn’t as simple as watching crime shows though, as forensics is a broad field that can range from Forensic anthropologists, Digital forensic examiners, Forensic engineers, Forensic pathologists, and Forensic document examiners.

How can I start?

Most forensic science careers can start from any bachelor’s degree, though a program in Criminology could get you a leg up on working in the scene. The Philippine College of Criminology in Manila offers a wide array of courses, while there are some universities that also offer the course alone.

Robotics Engineer

The future is now! Being a Robotics Engineer is essentially an interdisciplinary research area between computer science and engineering. The goal of the job is to design intelligent machines that can make human lives easier and safe – more on Sophia the Robot, less ‘I, Robot’.

With the growing need for advanced AI in the future, the field of robotics engineering is also on its way up.

How can I start?

Most forensic science careers can start from any bachelor’s degree, though robotiq.com says that Electrical engineering is one of the best majors to pursue to help a career in robotics, though you can get started through any related course like Mechanical Engineering, Computer science, Mathematics, or Programming.

Carnivore Ecologist

Carnivore ecologists study, you guessed it, carnivores! The ecologist part of the job description involves exploring how carnivorous animal and plant species affect each other and their environment. They also research how human-modified landscapes can affect carnivores’ behaviour patterns.

One of the most prominent Carnivore Biologists in the world is Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant. She’s currently studying the ecological and social drivers of human-carnivore conflict.

How can I start?

Since the job is still a rare one in the country, it’s best to start with learning about Ecology as a whole through STEM-related courses and research.

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The world moves at a fast pace – and so does the demand for more nuanced workers in pretty much any field.

We can’t predict what’s to come in the next 10 or twenty years, but with today’s new callings like gamer, vlogger, and streamer bringing in new talents and opening new doors, it’s high time for the non-traditional and unusual passions to bloom in STEM too!