People whose careers are in science are responsible for many of the benefits we enjoy every day: technological innovation, ways to prevent or cure diseases, and strategies to apply in controlling climate change.
A career in science could be tilted toward life sciences (studying living organisms in subjects like biology, biochemistry, microbiology, zoology, and ecology) or physical sciences (learning about non-living matters in subjects including physics, chemistry, astronomy, and geology).
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What to Consider When Choosing a Career in Science
Choosing a career in science may not be so easy, as there are so many options staring at your face. There are also plenty of alternative routes that would be opened up to you in science if you do not want to go into broad science degrees.
Science degrees include physics, chemistry, biology, zoology, genetics, biomedical science, and many more. Alternative science degrees include science journalism, technical sales, patent law, or even teaching science courses.
When considering science as an option, you must note the following:
- Science is evolving; over the years, research has been going on in the area of science, and man has been enjoying the benefits of education, health, construction, and, above all, technology. Science is never going to be boring to you if you choose a career in any of the multiple fields. The advances in science will propel us into more exciting times of discovery.
- Science is beneficial to all aspects of life; science links our daily lives. Some diseases in the past that were deemed incurable or ‘curse from ours now have solutions to them. This technological advancement is improving the quality of life. Choosing a career in science will place you at the forefront of change and progress that are beneficial to man.
- Science is global: the global and integrative nature of science makes it an exciting career that requires traveling. You might need to attend conferences with like-minded scientists. You will also be opportune to seek expertise in other scientific fields and collaborate with them for the betterment of the industry.
As a scientist, you will acquire different skills like critical thinking, analytical thinking, and problem-solving, and these will enable you to be in charge of every other aspect of your life.
10 Exciting Careers to Pursue in Science
There are numerous high-paying jobs in these science fields. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) speculates that employment in these career fields will grow at least by an average by 2026, and many will grow much faster than the average. Below are some of the exciting careers you can build your career around as a scientist, depending on your field of study:
1. Geoscientist
Geoscientists search for natural resources or help in cleaning up the environment by identifying, reducing, and eradicating pollutants and other hazards that threaten the health of the environment and its inhabitants.
If rock, earth, soil, and land pique your interest, you might want to consider geology. As a geologist, you would be involved in studying some areas and estimating any possible hazards in the form of earthquakes and volcanoes, and based on your study, you would come up with plans that would help builders and developers create structures that would be favorable to the environment.
A bachelor’s degree will earn you an entry-level job in geoscience or earth science. However, for a research position, you will need to acquire a doctorate degree.
Average salary: $91,130 per annum.
2. Biologist
A biologist has numerous career options facing him or her. Their primary duty is the study of animals, humans, plants, and microorganisms to develop knowledge and understanding of living processes. The information obtained is used to sustain the natural environment and treat diseases.
Biologists conduct research, tests, and experiments, collect samples and measurements, and report findings.
Average salary: $7,448 per year
3. Senior Scientists
A senior scientist designs and conducts studies to investigate human diseases. He or she also prepares and analyzes medical samples and data to examine the causes and treatments of diseases, standardizes the effectiveness of drugs and their doses, develops programs to improve health, and writes research grant proposals.
Average salary: $92,002 per year
4. Chemist
Chemistry is an exciting field of science with a major concentration on chemical substances, including their interactions with one another. Chemists work in the laboratory and make discoveries.
A chemist prepares test solutions, compounds, and components, evaluates organic and inorganic compounds, develops and modifies products, formulas, and analytical methods, and also writes technical papers and reports.
Average salary: $62,228 per year
5. Software Designer
If you enjoy technology and innovation, you might consider going into software design. This field requires advanced knowledge of computer programs and languages. A degree in computer science or related science fields can qualify you for the job role. You can take some courses in software development, even as an undergraduate, but specializing in the field will give you a competitive advantage.
A software designer must be highly creative so that his imagination will be let out freely to create relevant software and apps for companies and clients.
Average salary: $86,523 per year
6. Space technician
Interests are gradually shifting away from medicine, engineering, pharmacy, biology, and some conservative science courses, and the spotlights are beaming on the sciences of space and tech-related courses. With the rise in technology in almost every sector, space technology is gaining momentum.
In case you need to know, space technology primarily consists of the application of digitization and technology to develop tools and machines that use set-ups connected to outer space and the solar system. A space technician creates tools and machines that help scientists carry out scientific research in outer space.
You will need a degree in mechanical engineering or space science from a reputable school. However, individuals who are interested in decoding the mystery of outer space can take some advanced courses in the field, irrespective of their backgrounds.
Average salary: $73,527 per year
7. Astrophysicist
If you are an enthusiast of astronomy, stargazing, and The Big Bang Theory, you might enjoy this exciting career. Astrophysicists employ the principles of chemistry and physics while studying elements in outer space. These wonderful scientists study the birth and death of stars and other celestial elements while basing their research on the outcome.
To become an astrophysicist, you would need a doctorate in the field because it entails more research than theory.
Average salary: $89,270 per year
8. Forensic Pathologist
Forensic pathologists simply carry out autopsies on dead bodies. They are specialist doctors who carry out tests on dead bodies to discover some secrets like the causes of their deaths, the type of sickness they suffered, the presence of poison, and so on. They work with lawmakers in discovering criminals by carrying out post-mortem of the dead body and identifying the causes of their death and any other clues.
You might need an MBBS in forensic pathology to become a specialist in this field. Forensic pathologists work with government agencies and are paid handsomely.
Average salary: $103,423 per year
Must Read: – Top 10 Hardest Bachelor’s Degree in Science
9. Blockchain Developer
This came into the limelight after the bitcoin revolution in late 2010. Blockchain is a subfield of data science where the data are organized in blocks. They are then linked to one another with the aid of cryptography.
Young people across countries have been so thrilled by this in-demand career that most of them have invested their time and money to study the nitty-gritty of it. It is a new-age technology prominent for creating cryptocurrencies and other relevant geometric documents. With the rate at which cryptocurrency and its trading are increasing, the demand for this kind of developer is on the high side. Anyone who desires to pursue a career in blockchain development is required to have a complex knowledge of computer software, mathematics, statistics, and algorithms. An advanced specialization in blockchain and its development in sophisticated universities under postgraduate degrees in computer science will be required for you to become more grounded in the field. However, the course has been simplified by some online courses on diverse platforms. Interestingly, you can set up your firm as a blockchain developer.
Average salary: $154,550 per year
10. Data Science
Data is considered the most important thing among the leading companies. They rely on mining and decoding excellent data to carry out their tasks. Data science involves the study of various kinds of data using scientific methods, processes, and algorithms. It is one of the new-age careers that requires advanced and complex knowledge of computer science software, mathematics, and analytics.
Data science has become the yardstick for driving growth for companies and their investors. Future business operations are determined using the knowledge and skills of data science.
The best way to become an expert in this field is by acquiring a postgraduate degree in data science or computer science. However, you can take some online courses that will help you achieve your goal.
Average salary: $119,287 per year
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Work-Life Balance In Science: the pros and cons
There must be a point where work and life meet. Even though it is not so easy to achieve, you need to strive to strike a balance between these two tasking issues. There are times when work might be so dominant, and other times, other activities would be in charge.
If you are just kicking off your career, it might be more difficult to strike a balance because of the demand from your work and the need for you to deliver efficiently and effectively, considering the timeframe as well.
No matter what is propelling you, do not forget that overlapping yourself might lead to burnout. This, in turn, leads to prolonged stress and depression and a decrease in productivity.
Consequently, when there is a balance between work and other activities in your life, you will experience improved health, reduced stress, and increased productivity. Check where you spend your time the most; is it worth your attention? Do you need to pipe low? These mindless activities are likely to take away more from you than you bargained for.
1. Take a break if you need to.
When you are constantly active, you are not being kind to your health. It might slow down your ability to focus on the task at hand. You could add some breaks at intervals in your work schedule. The break would give you some time to recoup and get back on your feet.
2. Take some exercise.
This is very vital. Not exercising can affect your mental health, and we know you are not ready for a mental breakdown. Adequate exercise helps you balance your work-life schedule. Sometimes, I work less. If you understand your mental boundaries, you will be able to know when to take a break and when to be active.
3. Get more flexibility in your work schedule.
You might need to take the weekend off or take some days off. With the days off, you could attend to other areas of your life. You may even take time to rest and sleep as well. Sometimes, more flexibility is better than more money because it keeps your sanity on track.
Finally, there is a wide range of science-related career options for you. If you have an interest in science fields, you can choose from a variety of options. Factors like innovation, the required level of study, and the average salary should guide your decision. You can also be on the lookout for the institution offering them. Due to the innovativeness of most science degrees, some schools do not offer them.
In the long run, no career is better than another. What matters most is how much impact you would make on the world using your skills in your chosen career.
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