Students fear pursuing risky careers

Today's students are avoiding careers like science, technology, engineering and math.

A nation wide survey says a large percent of young people find those fields to be too risky.

While nearly half of young adults nation wide say they're afraid of failing, experts say, failing and more importantly trying again, is a pivotal skill in problem solving.

And it's those students who are afraid of taking risks, who are steered away from these challenging careers.

CMU student Alexander Price said, "When you hear physics and chemistry it is a little scary and intimidating"

Price is a geology major at CMU and even she says these subjects make her nervous.

It turns 95 percent of students know risk taking is required for innovation and science, but 46 percent are afraid of taking those chances.

Science, technology, engineering and math, otherwise referred to as STEM, are all careers young adults seem to be avoiding.

"It's scary going into those classes, and it's intimidating. i think that students maybe want to look for something that's going to be an easier way through college," said Alexander Price.

CMU student Josh Mascolo said, "All of those are tough fields to get into in the first place, and the competition for that, i mean there's a decent amount of competition."

"It's a lot more school and you need to buy more books and go through the process all over again," said CMU student, Karina Ramírez.

According to the poll only 11 percent of students faced with a difficult problem, say they enjoy the challenge.

Students in Mesa County think many young adults might be afraid to face these careers because of the always changing technology.

"it's always changing, especially with technology, and math is definitely challenging," said CMU student Kelly Sturgis.

"It's always expanding, so just to get into that field of business, you have to have a vast knowledge of it in the first place, people are kind of timid to be interns during the summer and what not."

While students like price admit the subjects are tough, they understand how important they are.

"We need it in the United States, we need to bring our math and sciences up, I do hope the youth is encouraged and know that they can get through these class and there are wonderful professors to aid them."

Experts say failure is actually an opportunity to learn and grow.

They say it's extremely important to teach young adults that it's ok to take risks, because the experience will build their confidence, and ultimately their knowledge.