Careers in Science

Major industries for careers in science
Nearly every industry has a high demand for those who have trained for careers in science. The most popular industries are:

• Manufacturing
• Consumer Goods
• Energy
• Biotechnology
• Patent Law
• Finance

Patent Law and Finance jobs often require a technical background along with some other relevant training.

Educational Programs that will provide training for careers in science
The educational program you should pursue for careers in science depends on whether you want to work as a scientist or engineer. Scientists tend to be more involved in basic research whereas engineers are more focused on applications and commercialization of technology.

The extent of your study is also affected by your career goals. If you want that your primary function should be research you may need to complete a doctorate. If you are more interested in working in management, marketing or finance you might only need an undergraduate or master’s degree.

Top jobs for careers in science
Some of the best careers in science are available to those who enter growing industries such as nanotechnology, computer hardware and renewable energy. These sectors have a high demand for scientists to conduct basic research and engineers to work on implementation and execution issues.

There is also high demand for careers in science in government. Government agencies are staffed with scientists and engineers who work on sensitive and classified research projects. The government must also make decisions related to budgets, patents and national policy on energy and infrastructure. There is thus need for those with a strong grounding in science and engineering to make decisions at the government level.

Specializations for careers in science
Specializations are available in all sectors of science and technology. Those interested in basic science may specialize in biology, chemistry, mathematics or physics. Those with an interest in technology may specialize in different types of engineering.

At the undergraduate level, specializations tend to be in broad subject areas. At the graduate level, research and sub-areas become more critical. For example if you are doing a master’s in mechanical engineering you are expected to have an area focus such as fluid dynamics or rapid prototyping or medical device design.

Statistics for careers in science
Careers in science have been drawing the attention of the government, the media and the population at large. There is growing concern that emerging economies in Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin American are outputting a higher quantity and quality of scientists than the United States and there is need to maintain global competitiveness.

Careers in science have thus never been more important. This is reflected in the high salaries available to those interested in careers in science. Engineers with an undergraduate degree regularly attract offers of well over $60,000. Those with a few years of work experience who enter management can often go even higher.

Growth rates for careers in science remain extremely, by some estimates over 15%. This reflects government investment in infrastructure, power and healthcare.