• Question: How would I get into science from after secondary school? What can I do to make sure my career would be in the science community?

    Asked by Rianna to Craig, Flavia, Giuditta, Jack, Sheona on 10 Nov 2015. This question was also asked by Gloreena.
    • Photo: Jack Carlyle

      Jack Carlyle answered on 10 Nov 2015:

      There’s lots of different ways you could get into science. The obvious one is by going to University to study something scientific, but you could also look for jobs as things like lab technicians – you don’t need as much academic training for these, but they’re still an important part of the field. But I would definitely recommend pursuing education as far as you can.

    • Photo: Giuditta Perversi

      Giuditta Perversi answered on 10 Nov 2015:

      I would suggest going to the University, the best that you can get in for the science field that you prefer.
      In the UK you have the advantage of really nice and well organized open days that you can attend while you are in secondary school, to visit the different departments and get a better idea of what type of science goes on there.
      The research can be really different from the first years of the undergraduate when you need to get the “basis” to be a scientist, but at least you will have an idea of what you are aiming for!

      Usually, I think it’s good not to start on a very specialized program from the B.Sc. already. You will have plenty of time to specialize afterwards, but at least you will have a broader base to move around!
      On this note, don’t be afraid to swap field and go from one degree to another if you feel that something is not really doing it for you!

      Once you get your degree (be it B.Sc or M.Sc), depending on how you felt in the university you can choose to go on with higher education studies and specialize, getting a PhD and trying to be a researcher in the academia, or you can go into industry as well!
      The Research&Development departments of the industry employ a lot of people (with or without a PhD) and even though they have a totally different approach in comparison to the academia they are not outside from the “Science community”!

      You have a lot of possibility if you want to dig into science, and science will surely have a place for you! 😉

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