• Question: What advice would you give someone wanting to pursue science as a career?

    Asked by anon-196324 to Sebastian, Paddy, Lee, Jennifer, Fiona, Eleanor on 11 Mar 2019.
    • Photo: Paddy Sudhakar

      Paddy Sudhakar answered on 11 Mar 2019:


      Only one advice – build your motivation with on an open mind – and with a goal to help humanity and this planet. Think about the root causes of problems – listen to a wide variety of viewpoints; not just the ones which are the loudest and are repeated the most.

    • Photo: Sebastian Cosgrove

      Sebastian Cosgrove answered on 11 Mar 2019:


      I would say always do what you enjoy. The more you are enthused by a subject, the more interested you will be in trying to do it all the time. I was told at the end of my degree that there were no jobs in chemistry and I should look at other industries. But I loved doing chemistry, and followed my passion and it lead to me working where I am today! Aim to enjoy, not to profit!

    • Photo: Fiona Scott

      Fiona Scott answered on 12 Mar 2019:


      I would say you should become a sponge. Soak up everything that interests you, ask lots of questions and work hard! As echoed below, find out what kind of science particularly interests you – its a huge field! – and stick to that. Doing something you love is easier to work on.

    • Photo: Jennifer Harris

      Jennifer Harris answered on 14 Mar 2019:


      I would advise you to explore different science programmes – whether it’s a diploma, a vocational qualification, a degree etc. Identify what interests you. Speak to students and employees who are doing different science jobs if you can, and if you are really interested then in going to university, then you can visit those universities and speak to lecturers and get a feel for the place – you will be living there after all. Also do some soul searching, how do you work best? Do you prefer working outdoors, do you prefer working on your own etc. This will help you identify the immediate first step. Nothing you do is ever definite or forever. You can always retrain and move into other jobs, so don’t feel like you have to make a career decision for your life at the age of 14 or age of 16 or age of 18.

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