Careers in Science
BY JERRY T. BONEÈ
 The
sciences are a great area to look for a career, but don't
instantly relate a science job to having a massive IQ, a large
brain or a good year 12 HSC/VCE score. More than just being
able to grapple with tricky formulae, the periodic table and
other so-called 'academic' issues, the field of science can
be great for people who can think outside the square and deal
with often foreign concepts. But most of all, you'll be at
the forefront of one of society's most important assets.
In Australia today, there are a number of fields of science
and its derivatives that are what can be described as 'going
gangbusters'. Two that instantly spring to mind are biotechnology
and embryo stem cell research. Australia is a world leader
in both fields and it appears as though the public and private
sectors are finally getting behind such groups, which is good
news for those who wish to study and eventually work in the
sciences.
The topic of embryo stem cell research can often lead to
heated arguament, especially when the topic includes the issue
of cloning, but if you look at it in a neutral light, science
is essentially looking for cures to many of world's most debilitating
diseases - including genetic disease. Either way, the area
of research is receiving plenty of media coverage, in turn
increasing public awareness. As such, the future of such an
occupation is almost guarnateed. Well, in NSW, at least...
As for biotechnology, it's the place to be. Like law was
in the 70s and 80s and I.T was in the 90s, biotechnology is
now one of the boom markets. The term "biotechnology"
covers such applications as chemistry, biology, electronics,
technology and perhaps most importantly, the use of micro-organisms.
Biotech is starting to offer directed solutions for specific
markets, in particular medicine and industry, and the field
of nano-technology is also hotting up considerably. So why
is science a good area of study?
It's hard to say. Not everyone will instantly take to being
a scientist, but it is an entirely rewarding profession. It
can often involve painstaking analysis, research and development,
but the end result is often unimaginably more rewarding.
But like was mentioned in the intro, good study scores and
high IQs, scientists don't make - though it does help. Being
an innovative and creative thinker is more likely to lead
to a more satisfying job, but at the end of the day - it's
up to you.
My advice? Go for it!
Science pros and cons (compiled by entertainment channel
editor - James Anthony)
Pros:
- Free white jackets
- Access to hyper-dangerous substances
- Working with like-minded people with goals
- Excellent Money
Cons:
- Working conditions
- Access to hyper-dangerous substances
- Meddlesome politicians
- epidermal irritations
- radition poisoning
The scientific community is growing in Australia and with
one of the highest reputations in the world, it's a great
place to make your mark. If you're considering a career in
science, don't look back.
Search
for Science-based jobs through CareerOne
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