Is Science a Career for You?
Before you decide to opt for science as a career, be sure to make a list of reasons why you would like to pursue the study of sciences as well as reasons which you may perceive as hindrances in the pursuit of science as a career. Also, study the pros and cons of various other careers that may interest you in some way. You can let seniors guide you based on their experiences.
If you would like to start a career as a scientist or engineer and move on to other management-related positions, you may need to plan your education accordingly. A conventional academic career in science would require a wider range of skills like writing, giving talks, and counseling. You should plan your career goals for the next 5, 10, or 25 years, and develop skills (academic, social, and other) according to current market needs.
The Wider Scope
A wide range of careers are available in science, asking for a range of academic qualifications. Post-secondary education is highly recommended for certain fields. In other fields, it is more of a choice based on your career goals. Generally, people with science backgrounds find careers in either colleges and universities, industries, or federal and state agencies. Professional careers are now fast shifting. For instance, earlier, a Ph.D. meant a career as an academic researcher, but now people are getting work outside academe. Small and medium-sized companies are increasing their research and development activities. The advancement of technology is creating new opportunities in information science, software design, biotechnology, data processing, environmental engineering, electronic networking, manufacturing and computational simulation, and forensic science. Graduates with dual master’s degree or strong minors have opportunities to make their career in multidisciplinary fields. You can become a self-employed consultant too.
The Way to Jobs in Science
Like in any other career, pursuing a career in the sciences would also involve various considerations such as salary, location, size of company, opportunity for advancement, scope of work, projects, educational support, and others. Whenever openings in sciences are announced, market yourself—your education, skills, and attributes. You can also visit institutes’ career-planning centers. Networking is one of the most effective tools for job-hunting. According to Careermag.com, 20-25% of available jobs are listed in newspapers, trade journals, or employment offices. The remaining 75% of jobs are a result of networking. Profession-specific job boards like www.sciencescrossing.com list jobs based on specific professions and industries.
Update Yourself Regularly
Science is a rapidly expanding and a dynamic area. What you see around you today in the scientific field would not have been possible a decade ago. New discoveries and studies in sciences have opened a vista of opportunities for those seeking jobs in science. Keeping oneself constantly abreast with the latest happenings in the world of science is the key to a successful career in sciences. Besides, one would need to constantly upgrade skills and enhance capabilities to remain competitive. You should monitor your career graph very closely, and grab every opportunity to absorb skills that could give you that big jump.
