Getting a science degree is an amazing achievement, but sometimes it can be difficult to know where to go next. There’s plenty of options, so really it’s all about finding something that suits you. This article gives you some great job ideas that will put your science background to good use.
Research scientist
This is probably the most obvious one on the list. After all, you’ve spent years studying things like chemistry and biology. You can expect to earn good money doing this job, with starting salaries in the high $60,000s-low $70,000s. Some positions will require a master’s degree or Ph.D.
Teaching
Despite the stereotypes, teaching can be an incredibly rewarding job. You’ll get to pass on your knowledge to people who are just starting out in their science careers. There are several different types of teaching roles, so find one that suits you best. You may find your skills are best put to use at high school or college level given the intricacy of the scientific knowledge that you have attained.
Manufacturing scientist
This job is pretty similar to your career in research. However, you’ll be working with the commercial side of things instead of academics. You could do everything from manufacturing chemicals and pharmaceuticals to designing products like paint or even new types of chip. You might even assist in developing ground-breaking new polymers like 2 ethyl 2 oxazoline that can be used in a variety of different industrial settings. Really, it’s all about finding the right area of manufacturing that aligns with your interests.
Medicine
Yep, even if you’re not a medical doctor you still might be able to make use of your scientific skills. You could give advice on how chemicals and drugs interact with the body or even manage clinical trials for new medicines. Some roles will only require an undergraduate degree in science, but others may need at least a master’s degree.
Government
Your science skills will be highly valued in government roles. You could do anything from analyzing crime data to working for the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) or NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). It’s worth noting that some government roles require skills in both science and policy.
There are also lots of opportunities to work abroad, such as with the British Antarctic Survey, which conducts research into how climate change is affecting our planet.
Engineering
This could be a really rewarding career for you if you’re looking to put your science degree to good use. An engineering and project manager will need excellent interpersonal skills so they can liaise effectively with other scientists, engineers, project managers, and clients. You may also need to raise finances and sort out the logistics of projects.
When it comes to engineering, you can do pretty much anything from building bridges and railroads to developing the next generation of mobile phones.
The best thing about science graduates is that they’re usually highly sought-after by employers. The skills gained from studying science include being analytical, logical, and methodical, all of which are traits associated with being successful at work. So, whether you want to research cures for cancer or teach the next generation of scientists, there’s no shortage of options out there!
