Brookings Study provides valuable data on job vacancies in the STEM field

Knowledge and educational training in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, also known as STEM, are vital to economic growth to our country. STEM is important, because it reaches every aspect of our daily lives, from computers and smartphones to science, nature, and animals, as well as roads, bridges and banks.

According to the Brookings Institution, a reputable independent research organization, those who are trained and earn degrees in this area are in high demand, as there is a short supply of qualified STEM workers, relative to demand. Job openings for STEM positions take longer to fill than openings in other fields. They have found that the median duration of advertising for a STEM vacancy is more than twice as long as for a non-STEM vacancy, with openings requiring a Ph.D. or other professional degree, lasting an average of 50 days, compared to 33 days for all non-STEM vacancies.

Furthermore, specific high-value skills, especially unique computer programming and software expertise, requested by employers and common to STEM occupations, are particularly scarce relative to demand. Since these valuable skills are hard for employers to find, U.S. tech companies often turn to foreign-born H-1B and L-1 workers to fill the gap.

In general, the Brookings Study provides helpful information which explains the dynamics of the labor market and justifies the importance of H-1B and L-1 visa programs to the high technology sector. Improving educational and training opportunities to acquire STEM knowledge should be part of any strategy to help unemployed or low-wage workers improve their earnings and employability. Finding a job in the STEM field is the best option for the long run, as STEM workers own higher wages and enjoy better job security.