STEM professions are also future-proof in the age of AI

Seven out of ten women would not choose a technical or technological career, and the use of artificial intelligence should be learned from school age — reveals the representative national survey conducted by CETIN Hungary. According to the research, in addition to technological knowledge, human soft skills are also becoming increasingly important in personal development. To support the development of these skills, the company is launching the STEMpowered by CETIN program for the third time, in collaboration with the Women in Science Association (NaTE), which helps high school girls get closer to the world of technology.

There are still few women in technical and technological fields, even though the digital economy increasingly requires diverse perspectives and creative problem-solving. According to CETIN Hungary’s recent national survey, 71 percent of the women surveyed do not plan to work in engineering, technology, or IT, compared to 41 percent of men. Based on the survey, women's career choices are primarily shaped by their environment rather than personal interest:

• 37% believe that girls’ interest in technology is not sufficiently encouraged within the current school environment,
• three out of ten Hungarians say that peer pressure is a deterrent,
• while a quarter of respondents believe that their family and social circles consider these fields to be male-dominated professions.

The survey also revealed that the rapid rise of artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing the world of work, yet most Hungarians are only just becoming familiar with the tool. 45 percent of respondents rated their knowledge of AI use as basic, 16 percent as beginner level, and only 3 percent reported having advanced knowledge. However, artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of everyday life, and the majority have already recognized that this knowledge will be essential in the future: nearly 70 percent of those surveyed believe that learning to use AI should begin at school age.

At the same time, the future will be shaped not only by technology but also by human soft skills. This is reflected in the survey results, which show that most people consider communication skills (49%), problem-solving and project-based thinking (38%), mental health and self-awareness (38%), and career orientation consciousness (31%) to be the most important for personal development.

These areas are also in focus in the STEMpowered by CETIN program, launched by CETIN and NaTE, which for the third year is providing free support to high school girls to help them get closer to technological and engineering careers. The program is based on experiential and discovery-based learning: participants work in teams to solve real-life problems and experience how technology can be used creatively and responsibly. The first element of this year’s program is a Hackathon, where students develop innovative ideas — for example, related to smart cities, 5G solutions, or cybersecurity challenges. The best-performing girls will then enter a multi-month development program that includes workshops, institutional visits, career discussions, and team-building events. CETIN’s experienced professionals help the girls discover their strengths, think more boldly about their future, and gain a realistic picture of the diverse opportunities in STEM careers.

“The program not only helps with career orientation, but also with developing self-awareness, communication, creativity, and cooperation. According to our research, these are the skills that young people consider key for future workplaces. Based on last years’ experience, the participating girls showed remarkable progress in these areas — they now plan their futures with more confidence, awareness, and courage,” said Judit Kübler-Andrási, CEO of CETIN. 

The survey also asked which professions Hungarians consider to be the most future-proof in light of the advance of artificial intelligence. According to 43% of the population, the work of STEM professionals such as engineers, IT specialists, AI developers, and cybersecurity experts will be irreplaceable in the future. For doctors and veterinarians — also part of the STEM field — this figure is 42%. Respondents ranked physical jobs (e.g., carpenters, electricians) and personal services (e.g., hairdressers) highest, at 47% and 46%, respectively. Transportation (16%) and administrative roles (9%) were considered the least future-proof.

The STEMpowered by CETIN program serves precisely this purpose: to strengthen the skills and interests of high school girls so that future STEM professionals can confidently enter these careers. The talent program received the HRBEST silver rating in 2025. Applications for the pre-selection hackathon event for the next academic year, to be held on November 4, 2025, can be submitted via the NaTE website: https://nokatud.hu/stempowered-felhivas/. CETIN and NaTE welcome applications until October 30.

The survey was conducted using the Opinio market research app, with 1,258 respondents interviewed between 23 and 26 August 2023. The results are nationally representative of Hungarians aged 16–59 with a smartphone, by age, gender, education, and type and place of residence.