STEM degrees good for finance sector, expert claims

Graduates with degrees in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) could help fill skills gaps in the finance and business industries, it has been suggested.

A recent Manpower poll found that nearly one-third (31%) of companies worldwide have been struggling to fill vacancies will qualified candidates.

In a letter to the Guardian, Dr Robert Kirby-Harris, Chief Executive of the Institute of Physics in London, said that graduates in STEM subjects have 'the right problem-solving skill sets' to fill finance roles.

Students who have completed STEM degrees can apply what they have learned to increasingly 'technically complex' positions, he explained.

Mr Kirby-Harris said that science graduates could help make up 'a ready supply of skilled labour' that can help the UK maintain a strong financial-services industry and remain competitive.

To help towards this end, he called for careers advisers and teachers to promote STEM degrees to their students further, to educate them about the range of opportunities available.