Science

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There is no single science industry as such, with scientists working across a wide range of fields and in a diverse array of roles. Employment opportunities for Science graduates exist in everything from pharmaceutical sales to financial services firms.

The work

Although there is no such thing as a typical career path in science, some of the areas where Science graduates commonly find employment include:

Research and Development (R&D): Scientists undertake R&D work in industry and manufacturing, university research centres and government departments.

Exploration: Mining companies employ Science graduates to assist with identifying and planning for future operations.

Production: Manufacturers involved in all forms of production employ scientists to work on processing, testing and quality assurance.

Laboratory Support: Scientific researchers and technicians work in laboratories in a range of fields, from health through to forensics, museums and sales.

Teaching: There is strong demand for Science and Mathematics graduates in the primary and secondary school sector.

Science Communication: An increasing recognition of the importance of effectively communicating science to the general public has prompted growth in science communication roles. Several universities offer graduate/ postgraduate courses in Science Communication.

Consider a teaching career Adding teaching qualifications to your Science degree will open the door to a whole new career. This can offer a profound sense of personal and professional satisfaction from knowing you are influencing the future, and passing on vital problem solving and analytical skills to tomorrow’s generation.

Great demand exists in NSW public schools for qualified science teachers, particularly those approved to teach physics. The NSW Department of Education and Training aims to meet this need by offering incentives to students wanting to teach secondary science. These include annual teacher education scholarships which entail benefits such as financial assistance while you earn your degree, and a guaranteed permanent teaching position upon graduation.

What you need

  • A critical and inquiring mind is essential
  • Numeric and communication skills
  • Creativity and attention to detail highly valued
  • Careers in research generally require postgraduate degrees and/or substantial industry experience
  • One-year Education diploma usually required for teaching (in addition to three-year Science degree
  • For more information about becoming a science teacher, go to www.teach.nsw.edu.au

Money matters: graduate salary ranges for selected relevant occupations

  • Chemist/Food & Wine Scientist: $40,000-$55,000
  • Geologist/Geophysicist: $60,000-$80,500
  • Life Scientist: $41,000-$50,000
  • Medical Laboratory Scientist: $40,000-$50,000
  • Science Technician: $36,000-$47,000
  • Secondary School Teachers: $46,100-$50,500

-- Figures from the Australian Graduate Survey 2008, GCA. Ranges refer to the middle 50 per cent of salaries for bachelor degree graduates with permanent residency, in full-time employment in Australia Oct 07-Apr 08.

Industry at a Glance

  • 24% decrease in employment (life scientists, 2007-09)
  • 36 median age (medical laboratory scientists)
  • Balanced outlook (2.2% p.a. growth: scientific research services, 2010-14)

Source: www.joboutlook.gov.au