It’s said that the secret to a happy work life is to pick a job that you love doing. Well, that’s easier said than done for many people, and it takes a fair amount of self-reflection and understanding. The good news is that once you can pinpoint what areas and industries you feel passionate about, you can look closer at the many careers that exist. For anyone with an interest in all things science-related, the options are vast. Not only do you have a lot of choices, but it’s also an industry that is growing in many regards. Here’s a look at three exciting science-based career paths that may be worth considering.
Data Scientist
If you’re looking for a career that is exploding where job growth is concerned, look no further than that of a data scientist. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has predicted job growth of 36% from 2021-2031. This is much higher than the national average and should make anyone passionate about data and science look twice. The median pay for this career was $100,910 in 2021 and you can expect this to be a full-time position, most likely in an office environment.
Earning a data science certificate can be a wonderful introduction to what the field entails and what a career in it would mean. You’ll delve deep into what data science is, develop your data analytic skills, broaden data literacy, and help set you up for success. Depending on the school, you may even be able to apply credits toward a master’s degree.
To become a data scientist, you must have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, or a related field. Keep in mind that some employers will be looking for candidates who have a master’s or doctoral degree.
Epidemiologist/Medical Scientist
Here’s a whole other take on using science in your career and this one is directed at the medical field. There is a real need for epidemiologists and medical scientists, who have proven quintessential during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic shone the light on what this career is and how these professionals help chart the course for better health.
Job growth is predicted to be 26%, which again is much higher than the national average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Epidemiologists can work in a variety of settings which include laboratories, offices, colleges/universities, hospitals, local and state government offices, and more. The median pay for epidemiologists was $78,830 in 2021. Your job will be to research patterns and how they relate to and cause different diseases and injuries.
Environmental Scientist
With so much focus on climate change around the world and the ripple effects it is causing, it’s only natural that environmental scientists are working hard to find solutions and work to protect the environment. In this job you can work in an office, laboratory, or out in the field working to monitor, gather data and assess what you learn. Generally speaking, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in a science or natural science-related field.
If you love science and you’re trying hard to figure out the best career path, try narrowing down your options and focusing on those that require a background in science. The good news is that there are plenty of exciting options.