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Career Guide to Science

Many important people in history were considered scientists!  Would you like to be one of them?

The best scientists are those that are curious about the world we live in and strive to make it a better place.

A career in science offers a wide variety of employment possibilities. A career in science might include working as a: social scientist, conservation scientist, science technician, atmospheric scientist, physicist, astronomer, computer scientist, medical scientist, biological scientist, scientific researcher or a number of other science-related fields. Let’s see what makes working as a scientist so rewarding.

The work of scientists is similar to that of engineers. They use their creativity, energy and talents combined with their mathematics and science background to help solve everyday problems. Scientists get to work in the design, creation and development of new products, as well as work in the production, monitoring, maintenance and even testing of these products.

Career Tidbits

Here is some interesting information about a career in science according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.

- Scientists generally work 40 hours per week, but may be asked to work more under tight deadlines and heavy work schedules. Their daily tasks often involve work in a laboratory or even in the field.

- Scientists constantly need to learn new things in order to keep on top of the latest research and technological changes.

- Scientists typically work in a group on a research project. Collaboration is a big part of being a scientist.

- Gaining a bachelor’s degree in your particular area of interest is a minimum. You may want to pursue an advanced degree. You will most likely be surrounded by people with a PhD and even some with medical degrees. You will not be able to go much further than a position as a Research Associate without an advanced degree.

- Scientists commonly gain employment in academic institutes (like universities and non-profit organizations). They may also work in corporate environments.

A career as a scientist is a very prestigious career field.  

If this sounds like something you’re interested in, then a career in Science might be for you!

Scientific research and development services provided 593,000 jobs in 2006. Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences accounted for about 89 percent of the jobs; the rest were in research and development in the social sciences and humanities.

Workers in this industry conduct much, but not all, of the scientific research and R&D in the economy. Under the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS), each establishment is categorized by the activity in which it is primarily engaged; an establishment is defined as a single physical location where business is conducted or services are performed. This means that much of the R&D conducted by companies in a wide range of industries—such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, motor vehicles, and aerospace products—is conducted within the scientific research and development services industry, because many companies maintain laboratories and other R&D facilities that are located apart from production plants and other establishments characteristic of these industries

Most workers in this industry work in offices or laboratories; the location and hours of work vary greatly, however, depending on the requirements of each project. Experiments may run at odd hours, require constant observation, or depend on external conditions such as the weather. In some fields, research or testing must be done in harsh environments to ensure the usefulness of the final product in a wide range of environments. Other research, particularly biomedical research, is conducted in hospitals. Workers in product development may spend much time building prototypes in workshops or laboratories, while research design typically takes place in offices.

What Education/Certifications do you need for:

Science Jobs / Science Careers / Jobs in Science

Scientific research and development services rely heavily on workers with extensive postsecondary education. Those with bachelors or higher degrees held 72 percent of jobs in the industry, compared with only 30 percent in all industries. The difference is particularly great for those with graduate degrees, who account for 37 percent of workers in scientific research and development services but only 10 percent of workers in all industries.

Science and engineering technicians may enter the industry with a high school diploma, some college, or an associate degree, but some bachelor’s degree holders begin as technicians before advancing to become researchers or pursuing additional education. Technicians usually begin working directly under a scientist, engineer, or more senior technician and advance to working with less supervision. Continuing on-the-job training is important in order to learn to use the newest equipment and methods. Some technicians become supervisors responsible for a laboratory or workshop.

 Other qualifications. As scientists or engineers gain expertise in a particular field of R&D, they may advance to more senior research positions or become managers. Those who remain in technical positions may undertake more creative work, designing research or developing new technologies at a higher level. Those in science and engineering management usually coordinate work in several disciplines or components of a project. As their careers progress, they manage larger projects and ensure the work aligns with the strategic goals of their organization. Nearly all managers are responsible for some aspect of funding and for meeting deadlines.

Current & Future Job Outlook for:
Science Jobs / Science Careers / Jobs in Science

 Job prospects. Opportunities for both scientists and engineers are expected to be best for those who have doctoral degrees, which prepare graduates for research. However, competition for basic and applied research funding is expected to be keen in all fields. Creativity is crucial, because scientists and engineers engaged in R&D are expected to propose new research or designs. For experienced scientists and engineers, it also is important to remain current and adapt to changes in technologies that may shift interest—and employment—from one area of research to another.

 Employment change. Wage and salary employment in scientific research and development services is projected to increase 9 percent between 2006 and 2016, compared with 11 percent employment growth for the economy as a whole. Biotechnology and nanotechnology will continue to attract research funding and generate employment growth. Increased demand for medical and pharmaceutical advances also will lead to growth in these areas as the population ages. While demand for new R&D is expected to continue to grow across all major fields, this industry will continue to experience rapid productivity growth as a result of advances in computer and communications systems, reducing employment opportunities. Increasing international competition should also dampen employment growth.