Pairing a degree in science or engineering with business and leadership skills can fast-track your career.
In today’s AI-driven economy, cross-disciplinary ability is no longer optional — it’s what separates future leaders from those left behind.
WHEN A DEGREE IN SCIENCE OR ENGINEERING IS PAIRED WITH SKILLS IN BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP, IT CAN LIFT YOU TO THE PENTHOUSE SUITE OF PROFESSIONS.
For many technical or specialist jobs, there’s a clear career path from school to the desired role. And for positions not requiring specialist knowledge, the right mix of credentials, personality and experience can often seal the deal.
But the transition to leadership is far less predictable. Today’s CEOs include both veterans of global corporations and young entrepreneurs with billion-dollar ideas. The mix has never been broader.
Automation and AI are reshaping work at speed. Studies now show that more than 40 per cent of the skills required in current jobs will change within the next three years, and whole industries are being redesigned around digital capability and innovation. The disruption forecast a decade ago has arrived. Employers increasingly want people who combine technical literacy with business judgement and adaptability.
“The answer is STEM,” says the Hon Karen Andrews MP, Assistant Minister for Science.
“It’s the ability to think methodically about your work; to solve problems critically and systematically. Employers want to know that you have the skills to navigate new environments quickly and authoritatively.”
Leonie Walsh, Lead Scientist to the Victorian Government, adds that employers of tomorrow are looking for “a better balance of skills including academia, active learning and business competencies”.
“A changing marketplace requires students to be more adaptable and flexible, and have good interpersonal and communication skills,” she says.
You may want to start a business based on cross-disciplinary skills – your STEM background combined with business knowledge. A decade ago, tech entrepreneurship was still a niche choice, with only a small share of Australian businesses operating as start-ups. But the ecosystem has grown rapidly, fuelled by sustained government and private-sector investment in innovation and research translation.
A major federal innovation push began in 2015, signalling long-term support for entrepreneurship and cross-disciplinary talent. Since then, universities across Australia have expanded programs that encourage hands-on problem solving, collaboration between faculties, and an entrepreneurial mindset.
“There’s no best option, but we’re moving into a period where there’s more support to explore becoming an entrepreneur, and risk-taking is seen as a positive thing,” says Leonie.
AI Era: Why Cross-Disciplinary Skills Matter More
The rise of generative AI and data-driven decision-making has made cross-disciplinary ability a competitive advantage. Technical knowledge alone is no longer enough; professionals are expected to:
- work fluently with digital and analytical tools
- communicate complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences
- understand commercial and ethical implications
- lead teams that span both technical and business functions
STEM expertise paired with leadership and business insight isn’t just helpful – it’s becoming the baseline expectation for ambitious careers in science, technology, engineering and beyond.
Whichever path you choose, there’s no better place than a university to develop these skills and explore new opportunities.
“Grab any opportunity you can, and where one doesn’t exist, create it,” says Karen.