When we hear “STEM careers,” we tend to picture lab coats, computer screens, or circuit boards. But today’s world of work looks very different. STEM blends seamlessly with other disciplines —even ones you might not expect, like fine arts, culinary arts, literature, dance, history, and sports. Highlighting these “hidden” STEM roles is essential to help students see themselves in science, technology, engineering, and math—even if they also identify as artists, storytellers, or creators.
This blog post shines a light on some surprising STEM careers that integrate disciplines outside the traditional STEM narrative—jobs that are creative, meaningful, and increasingly in demand.
Why Showcase Unexpected STEM Careers?
According to the National Science Board’s “Vision 2030” report, broadening participation in STEM is not just a goal—it’s a necessity for innovation and equity. Students from all backgrounds, with a wide range of interests, need to see themselves reflected in future-ready roles. When students see STEM reflected in areas they already love—art, music, food, stories, or sports—it becomes more relevant and accessible.
By introducing lesser-known STEM careers:
- We break stereotypes that STEM is only for “math people” or “science kids.”
- We highlight diverse talents, such as visual thinking, communication, or empathy.
- We build engagement, particularly for students who feel torn between STEM and the arts.
We’re not guiding students toward a single destination—we’re helping them discover how STEM can intersect with what they love!
Surprising STEM Careers Across Unexpected Fields
Medical Illustrator
STEM Meets: Fine Arts, Biology, Health Sciences
What they do:
Medical illustrators create detailed drawings, animations, and 3D models to explain surgical procedures, human anatomy, or biological processes for use in textbooks, patient education, and research. This role challenges the idea that science and art are opposites—it requires precision, creativity, and deep scientific understanding.
Skills needed:
- Deep understanding of human anatomy and physiology
- Advanced artistic techniques (traditional and digital)
- Ability to communicate complex ideas visually
Classroom idea:
Have students illustrate a biological process (e.g., photosynthesis, circulation) as if it were for a patient guide.
Sound Engineer for Virtual Reality
STEM Meets: Audio Engineering, Psychology, Game Design
What they do:
These engineers design interactive sounds that respond to user movement or environmental triggers in immersive technologies like VR simulations or metaverse platforms. A cool application of this role is its use in medical training, VR therapy, or architectural walk-throughs.
Skills needed:
- Acoustics and physics of sound
- Audio software and hardware knowledge
- Human-computer interaction (HCI) understanding
Classroom idea:
Use tools like GarageBand or Audacity to simulate how sound affects mood in a virtual environment.
Food Scientist / Culinary Chemist
STEM Meets: Culinary Arts, Chemistry, Nutrition
What they do:
Food scientists innovate new food products, test food safety, and improve processing techniques. Think: developing plant-based meat, edible packaging, or astronaut meals. Bonus: this career also intersects with climate science when exploring sustainable packaging and food sourcing.
Skills needed:
- Food science and microbiology
- Data analysis and lab techniques
- Creative thinking in flavor, form, and function
Classroom idea:
Have students reverse-engineer a favorite snack or create a “future food” recipe based on nutritional science.
Climate Data Storyteller
STEM Meets: Environmental Science, Journalism, Data Visualization
What they do:
Climate data storytellers transform complex climate models and satellite data into accessible reports, visualizations, or interactive media for the public, policymakers, and educators. These roles are key in global climate action efforts.
Skills needed:
- Climate science and geospatial data
- Communication and storytelling
- Graphic design or programming (e.g., Python, Tableau)
Classroom idea:
Have students analyze real climate data and create simple visuals and short stories to explain the trends to a general audience.
Forensic Linguist
STEM Meets: Linguistics, Psychology, Law
What they do:
Forensic linguists analyze written or spoken language to assist in criminal investigations. They might examine ransom notes, text messages, or voice recordings. They have contributed to solving high-profile cases by analyzing patterns in language to identify authors or detect deception.
Skills needed:
- Strong foundation in linguistics and communication theory
- Pattern recognition and statistical analysis
- Familiarity with legal procedures and ethics
Classroom idea:
Use simple code-cracking activities or textual analysis to show how language is data.
STEM Toy Designer
STEM Meets: Engineering, Education, Industrial Design
What they do:
Designers in this field create educational toys and kits that introduce STEM concepts through hands-on, playful exploration. They blend creativity with technical knowledge to spark curiosity and learning through play.
Skills needed:
- Product design and prototyping
- Child development knowledge
- Collaboration with engineers, marketers, and educators
Classroom idea:
Challenge them to design their own STEM toy using basic materials, then test them out with younger students and iterate their design based on their feedback.
Sports Biomechanist
STEM Meets: Athletics, Kinesiology, Data Science
What they do:
Biomechanists study body movement and forces to optimize athletic performance and prevent injury. They often work with elite athletes, wearable tech companies, or physical therapists. These experts turn movement into measurable data to help athletes train smarter, move efficiently, and stay injury-free.
Skills needed:
- Anatomy, physics, and motion capture technology
- Data collection and analysis
- Programming and simulation tools
Classroom idea:
Pair with physical education—have students analyze running form using video and discuss physics in sports.
Additional Careers
Here are a few more surprising STEM careers that blend creativity and tech:
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Digital Archivist – Preserves and catalogs historical documents and artifacts using data science and metadata systems
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Music Data Analyst – Works for platforms like Spotify or Apple Music to personalize playlists and study listening habits
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Environmental Sound Designer – Creates ambient sounds for museum exhibits or immersive natural experiences
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STEM Museum Exhibit Designer – Combines engineering, art, and education to build interactive displays for science museums
- Eco-Fashion Engineer – Develops sustainable clothing using materials science and design
Final Thoughts: STEM Is Everywhere
By highlighting the surprising intersections between STEM and other disciplines, we empower more students to connect with STEM in meaningful ways. These unexpected careers can be gateways—not just for students already thriving in science or math, but for budding artists, athletes, and creatives as well. When students see themselves in these paths, industries benefit too—building stronger workforce pipelines and positive community connections. The future belongs to the curious and the well-rounded, and showing students how STEM can take them anywhere prepares them for lifelong success.
