A few months ago, I saw a post from Eneni Abban about the importance of having fun when working in STEM (Science, Technology, Mathematics and Engineering) fields, and I thought to myself ‘she is spot on!’.

When many people think of STEM careers, I would bet that most people do not associate them with the word ‘fun’. There are still so many negative stereotypes about these roles: that they are boring, elitist and/or not for creative people – all the opposite of being fun!

I think, in reality, STEM careers can be some of the most fun ones out there, but it’s up to those working in these industries to show that this is the case.

Anyone reading this blog that works in STEM: Would you say your job is fun, and why?

I’d say my job as a software engineer is very fun because:

• I get to invent and create. I get to write computer programmes that do new and exciting things.
• I get to work with some brilliant people. It’s much easier to have fun in a group than it is on your own!
• I enjoy getting to celebrate solving problems. The feeling you get when you succeed is unmatched, like a footballer scoring a goal.
• I get to play! Innovation comes from playing around (see my previous blog post on this). Working in tech, innovation is encouraged, meaning I get to play with new technologies and tools all the time.

So why should we be reclaiming STEM as a fun career choice? Well firstly, and potentially most obviously, to inspire the next generation. We want them to see their future careers as exciting, a place where they can feel happy and fulfilled. Without this vision, young people will be put off of these types of careers.

Secondly, to keep ourselves motivated. It’s so easy for those of us working in STEM fields to fall into a rut, to lose sight of why we got into this role in the first place and to lose the spark and passion we likely had for our jobs when we started. By reclaiming our jobs as genuinely fun, that spark and enjoyment can come back and drive us to continued success.