From TikTok to tech jobs: The skills you didn't know were STEM
When you think of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), your mind is likely to jump to images of lab coats, complex equations or coding. However, many of us use STEM-related skills every single day without realising – especially when we're using our phones or computers.
Find out the science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills you already use in your day-to-day life that will set you up for careers in demand, such as:
Video editing and content creation
Whether you're making a TikTok, Reel or carousel of your favourite photos of the week, you're using STEM-related skills. But how? Well, the ability to understand frame rates, image resolution and rendering speeds means you are using computational thinking, physics and engineering principles without even realising it.
Something as simple as taking a photo also uses STEM skills, especially if you are using a DSLR camera. From understanding how light behaves and how machines interpret it, to using data and digital tools to refine your creative output. It’s a hands-on blend of art, science, and tech – which makes photography a great example of creativity powered by STEM skills.
Potential career paths include:
- AI and machine learning engineer specialising in video automation
- Software developer building editing tools and motion graphics software
- Data engineer working with video processing and analytics
Graphic design and digital art
Graphic design is about more than just creativity – it’s built on mathematical principles. Vector graphics, digital images created using mathematical formulas to define points, lines, and shapes, rely on geometry and equations to scale images without losing quality. Raster graphics, a digital image composed of a grid of tiny, coloured squares called pixels, forming a complete image, deal with pixel density and resolution.
Shading, lighting effects and colour theory, which is the understanding of how colours mix and interact, are grounded in physics, mimicking how light interacts with surfaces.
Every time you create art digitally, you are using STEM-related skills, potentially without realising. Art software like Photoshop and Procreate run on complex graphics engines. Knowing how to use layers, masks, blending modes and brushes within these programmes requires computational skills such as logical understanding, technical thinking and problem solving.
Potential career paths include:
- UX/UI designer creating intuitive digital experiences
- Game developer coding and designing for VR/AR and mobile games
- Visual effects engineer working in animation and film production
Gaming and esports
Gaming isn’t just about play – it actually uses many STEM-related skills. Game physics dictate how objects move, collide, and interact in virtual environments, using real-world concepts like momentum and gravity. When playing a platforming game, for example, you will be using physics and mathematics skills without realising as you mentally calculate which way to move in order to beat the level.
Modding, which is when players create new content for games, is very popular in the gaming community. While those who make the modification are likely aware of the programming skills they are using, the players adding these modifications to their games are also tapping into STEM-related skills they didn’t know they have. By adding modifications to their games, players are directly editing the game’s coding and software.
Competitive gamers also develop software knowledge, optimising system performance by adjusting frame rates, dead zone sensitivity and configuring network settings – skills that translate into IT, system engineering and software development.
Potential career paths include:
- AI engineer training game AI and virtual assistants
- Cloud engineer optimising game servers and streaming services
- Systems architect building scalable gaming platforms
Social media algorithm mastery
Social media platforms thrive on data, and if you are analysing your engagement metrics, you’re already working with data science principles. Understanding the number of likes, shares, the watch time and retention rates requires statistical analysis and pattern recognition.
Beyond metrics, social media algorithms rely on machine learning to curate personalised content, meaning content creators who understand trends are essentially working with AI-driven recommendation systems.
There is also A/B testing where creators experiment with different post formats, captions, or thumbnails. This is when creators share the same content but with just one edit, so they can control the test and see how that specific change impacts the results. This is a scientific method in action as they are using controlled variables to optimise engagement.
Potential career paths include:
- Data scientist predicting trends and analysing engagement
- Digital strategist leveraging analytics for marketing growth
- Search engine optimisation (SEO) specialist optimising websites and content for higher engagement
Music production and audio engineering
If you enjoy producing music, you’re using more than just musical talent – you’re also using STEM-related skills. Music producers work with the physics of sound, manipulating frequencies, waveforms and acoustics to shape audio quality. Digital Audio Workstations such as Logic Pro and ProTools rely on signal processing. This allows artists to edit, layer and master tracks with mathematical precision – using STEM skills they likely don’t know they possess.
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) programming, equalising and sound synthesis use the data of electronic instrument inputs to create and manipulate music, meaning producers and audio engineers are using computational principles.
Potential career paths include:
- Audio engineer mixing and mastering for music, games and film
- AI audio developer working with machine learning for music technology
- Sound designer creating immersive audio experiences
So, next time you create art, post on social media or load up your favourite game, remember you’re using science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills. These creative tools aren’t just fun to use – they’re powerful gateways into tech, data, and engineering careers.
Find out more about how you can turn these skills into a future career with a STEM-related programme in the US.