In a recent social media post, a stark warning echoed through the digital corridors: "Think twice before venturing into academia with a shiny science degree." The post's author aimed to spotlight the limited job prospects awaiting scientists, particularly those aspiring to carve out a career in Latin America.

Without context, the post becomes a discouraging manifesto, challenging the aspirations of those yearning to unleash their intellectual prowess in a region where opportunities seem scarce.

Unsurprisingly, the comment section became a battleground of opinions, with some rallying behind the author's warnings and others vehemently opposing the gloomy narrative. The discourse illuminated the divisive nature of the topic, sparking a virtual debate that mirrored the real-world challenges faced by scientists in the region.

For this writer, the post served as a catalyst for introspection. It prompted a thoughtful consideration of the intricate dance between passion and pragmatism, leaving one to ponder the feasibility of a scientific vocation in the diverse and often unpredictable landscape of Latin American academia.

I asked myself different questions:

Is it worth investing in studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in this part of the world? What professional paths do they promise to Latinos? Are the salaries attractive for those with a STEM degree?

The job market in STEM in Latin America is promising, driven by a growing interest in information and communication technologies (ICT). According to Colombia's National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE), the added value of the ICT sector grew by 16.3% in 2022, highlighting a consistently rising demand for STEM professionals.

The public sector remains a significant employer in Latin America, offering opportunities for research and development in physics, astronomy, genetics, and robotics. Likewise, the private sector increasingly seeks highly skilled STEM professionals. Technology and pharmaceutical companies are joining this trend, acknowledging the value of hard skills in the job market.

In the United States, the American Physical Society reveals that 47% of physics graduates immediately find employment. Prominent names like Google, IBM, and Deutsche Bank actively recruit STEM graduates, offering starting salaries ranging from US$50 to US$70 thousand annually for full-time roles.

In Latin America, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) projects a growing demand for over 1 million software developers by 2025 to meet the needs of the ICT sector and bridge the gap in hiring STEM professionals.

Salaries in STEM vary based on experience and country. In Colombia, a data scientist with three years of experience earns an average of US$24 thousand annually, while a senior professional with at least 12 years could make up to US$63 thousand. In Mexico, graduates in STEM fields surpass the national average income by 11%.

However, there remains a significant gender gap in STEM, with marked disparities in female representation. While in countries like Mexico, women in STEM earn 82% of what men do, compared to 78% in other disciplines, inclusion remains a challenge.

In Colombia, only 16% of IT professionals are women; in Mexico, 3 out of 10 STEM professionals are women. The positive is that the salary gap is smaller between men and women compared to the salaries obtained in careers other than STEM. According to the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness, in Mexico, for every US$100 a man receives in STEM, a woman gets US$82, unlike the US$78 she earns in other disciplines.

While academia certainly plays a pivotal role in shaping the foundations of scientific knowledge, the allure of immediate and impactful contributions in the private sector is undeniable. As Latin America positions itself on the global stage as a hub for technological advancement, the journey for STEM enthusiasts promises to be both challenging and rewarding, with opportunities abounding for those ready to embrace the dynamic shifts in the professional landscape.

In summary, while academia offers opportunities, the private sector emerges as the most fertile ground for STEM professionals, with better salaries and excellent growth prospects.

It is not enough to face the challenges of the STEM-labor world with the hard skills you earned in college; cultivating soft skills is another crucial dimension, prompting the development of solid communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. These well-rounded skills align with the demands of the Latin American STEM landscape, where professionals are valued for their technical prowess and holistic capabilities.

Also, it is essential to remember that giving and receiving mentorship becomes a valuable resource, providing insights and guidance to navigate the unique challenges present in the Latin American STEM landscape, ultimately shaping a successful and fulfilling career journey.

My personal experience confirms this trend about STEM opportunities in the labor sector. After pursuing bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in STEM and working in academia for several years in Colombia, I now lead the implementation of medical technologies in real-clinical environments at a private company, proving that STEM skills have a privileged and advantageous space in the business world.



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