The STEM stream requires determination and diligence and demands a lot from its aspirants. A chat with a group of 12th graders aspiring to pursue a career in science reveals the source of their motivation and how the idea of collaboration and teamwork, through a ‘chat group’, supports their exam preparation.
When asked about their field of choice, most of these youngsters replied with various types of engineering, from mechanical to chemical to aerospace. Data science was also a STEM career that was mentioned. However, the reasons behind their choice come from various places. Such as the desire to solve pressing global issues.
What drives you to study STEM?
“One big problem in the field is that engines are either not environmentally friendly, or they are but are quite inefficient, and I wish to come up with an alternative to provide the most efficient engine possible”, says Manoj, regarding his interest in ‘Formula 1’. It drives him to address the problem of sustainable fuel, which is critical for this worldwide sports league.
“I also have an interest in nuclear fusion, and I hope we can make advancements in the aspect of utilising renewable items around us to generate humongous amounts of energy, making our world a better place”, he adds. Clearly, addressing the energy crisis seems like an attractive opportunity.
Inspiration may come from the cinema as well. “Back when I first watched Interstellar, I had already decided that whatever it is that I’m going to do in the future, it has to involve Physics. I didn’t understand the “why” of any of the concepts of Physics mentioned in the movie, but I really wanted to because I found them fascinating”, says Suresh. Science fiction movies like Interstellar offer a vivid idea of what a career in STEM may look like to young science aspirants.
Another factor that the aspirants considered was the probability of getting into the job market early on. Entering a job early is preferred compared to careers in research. One of the students, Raghav said, “I realised that the path of research demanded a lot more years of long and consistent study before I could earn money, and I really didn’t want to study like that for maybe a decade. Engineering, however, was a lot more connected to real-world applications and hence it is easier to get jobs early on and start getting an income, with much less years of study.”
Does teamwork really make the dream work?
How do these young STEMsters study? They follow the Feynman method – teaching people concepts, reinforces one’s own understanding of the idea. Apart from the various coaching institutes, study groups and online chat rooms are a great place to interact, it would seem. “Groups offer a platform to not just exchange doubts and solutions, but also provide a different perspective as to how we view a situation. It allows everyone to share knowledge, whether or not it is in relation to our syllabus and topics”, says Manoj.
“It definitely does [benefit]. The exams are very challenging, and it helps to have people to help you. It’s also good when you give help to someone else, not only does it help them (the main point), but as a bonus, you refresh your own memory as well,” adds Suresh.
Jokes apart, what makes an ideal group study?
The students share that a good group study session is not just pure deep work 24/7. “It’s not just about high focus and productive work. While that is the main goal, it’s also the forum to have a good laugh at anything and everything, allowing everyone to take some time off the subject and have a breather”, says Manoj. In fact, Suresh attributes the practice of banter and jokes to a more productive session.
Competitive exams are vast and daunting, but at the end of the day, nothing is impossible with the right ideas and the right set of people, the group says.
Featured Image sketch by Harsha Prashanth
Student Intern during April – June 2026