4 answers
Tessa
Student
Upton, Massachusetts
6
Questions
Asked
740 views
What skills are important for careers in science?
#career #science #skills #career-path #career-choice
Login to comment
4 answers
Bill Cameron
Career Counselor
1
Answer
Framingham, Massachusetts
Updated
Bill’s Answer
Given the diversity of science career options, it would help to figure out what skills you'd most enjoy using in your work and then see where that might fit in this field. For example, if you prefer working alone on long term projects involving the collection and analysis of data, you might enjoy doing scientific research. On the other hand, if you enjoy working with people and have good speaking skills you might want to do something that involves giving presentations such as product marketing or teaching.
While this may all sound a bit overwhelming, there are specific steps you can take to narrow down your options, which I've outlined below along with resources you can use to gain more knowledge about your "to do" assignments:
1. Identify which of your skills/strengths you'd like to use in your career
2. identify what field of science would best match your interests
3. Determine what career fields in science best suit your personality (research, teaching, scientific products)
4. Determine how the way you like to do things applies best to careers in science
5. Research what kind of science careers (https://jobs.sciencecareers.org) would suit you best and go talk to people doing this kind of work to see if your impressions are accurate and what steps you need to take to pursue a career in this field.
Identify your personal strengths. Go to https://www.truity.com/test/personal-strengths-inventory and complete the test. This will help you understand which strengths you rely on most, how your strengths manifest in your daily life, and how to make the most of your natural gifts.
Identify your interests. Go to https://www.truity.com/test/holland-code-career-test. This free career quiz uses the scientific Holland Code model to show you which jobs will suit your interests, talents, and aptitude. Get scores for 6 major job areas to guide your career planning.
Determine your career "personality." Go to https://www.truity.com/test/career-personality-profiler-test. Find a job you'll love by matching your personality and interests to real-world careers.
Determine your "operating style." Go to https://www.truity.com/test/type-finder-careers. This test accurately measure the personality traits and interests that point to your ideal career path. See which jobs match your personality, strengths, and aptitude, and the key factors of your ideal career.
Research science careers based on the above data. Go to https://jobs.sciencecareers.org and https://study.com/articles/careers_involving_science_technology.html
While this may all sound a bit overwhelming, there are specific steps you can take to narrow down your options, which I've outlined below along with resources you can use to gain more knowledge about your "to do" assignments:
1. Identify which of your skills/strengths you'd like to use in your career
2. identify what field of science would best match your interests
3. Determine what career fields in science best suit your personality (research, teaching, scientific products)
4. Determine how the way you like to do things applies best to careers in science
5. Research what kind of science careers (https://jobs.sciencecareers.org) would suit you best and go talk to people doing this kind of work to see if your impressions are accurate and what steps you need to take to pursue a career in this field.
Bill recommends the following next steps:
James Moore
Chemist
17
Answers
Hannibal, Missouri
Updated
James’s Answer
Honesty, integrity, insight, math, communication, strong historical memory, thick skin. These are all skills leading to greater accomplishments.
Judith Quitoriano
Tutoring, mentoring, adjunct prof, pastoral counseling
53
Answers
Pacifica, California
Updated
Judith’s Answer
A career in science, above all requires dedication. Methodologies need to be protocol ed, then proven. Redundant systems in some protocols need to be maintained as well. Science can be a jealous mistress when it come to a career. Sometimes you are continually married to the phone and the computer above all else. It requires that you choose an understanding life partner so that your ordinary life can be effective.
Often these careers require long hours. You need to be able to work with a team. There are exceptions, but not too many. You must have good health, so maintaining fitness and good nutrition requires discipline.
So many areas of science require this discipline. Regimenting your life in this field requires a single-minded focus. It often means you place this focus above all else. It is as Edison put it, "I did not fail, I only found 10,000 ways that did not work."
Often these careers require long hours. You need to be able to work with a team. There are exceptions, but not too many. You must have good health, so maintaining fitness and good nutrition requires discipline.
So many areas of science require this discipline. Regimenting your life in this field requires a single-minded focus. It often means you place this focus above all else. It is as Edison put it, "I did not fail, I only found 10,000 ways that did not work."
Marilyn Balke-Lowry
Artist/Owner at Imaginart; Director of College Guidance Consultants, creators of E-Scholarships USA!
85
Answers
Humble, Texas
Updated
Marilyn’s Answer
Hi Tessa,
In addition to Judith's response, I would add persistence, patience, and objectivity. The ability to reason with logic is also very important. Based upon which direction you go in science, there would be important protocols and specific knowledge required, but these should give you some of the basics you would need.
Best of luck,
Marilyn Lowry
In addition to Judith's response, I would add persistence, patience, and objectivity. The ability to reason with logic is also very important. Based upon which direction you go in science, there would be important protocols and specific knowledge required, but these should give you some of the basics you would need.
Best of luck,
Marilyn Lowry