2. introduction
Which undergraduate degree will provide you with the
broadest career opportunities down the road?
I
t’s becoming increasingly apparent that the Bachelor of Science is the foundation
degree that provides students with the skills essential to a wide-ranging career in
the industries of the future. Sure, over a four-year program, a Bachelor of Science
student will focus on developing applied knowledge in a particular technical field, but
– regardless of whether they major in math, physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy or
another science – there are myriad career options available to them upon entering the
Scientific progress is one essential
key to our security as a nation,
to our better health, to more jobs,
to a higher standard of living and
to our cultural progress.
professional world.
A Bachelor of Science prepares graduates for more than just work in a lab – skills such
as critical thinking, strategic analysis and communication are in demand by all sorts of
employers across a range of industries. Government, academia, large corporations and
small industry all seek top talent with the structured and methodical approach to project
work that comes with an undergraduate science degree.
So, if you’re looking to carve out a career that not only taps into your knowledge,
but also complements your personal skills and interests, a Bachelor of Science may
just be the degree for you! In this e-book, we discuss the top growth employment
markets and the reasons they’re hot; the return on your education investment; why
the field of science needs women in its ranks; and the four steps for making it in a
science profession.
2
Audrey MacLean,
interviewed by Adrianna Gardella
for the NY Times
3. The world needs STEM, and STEM needs workers
In our world, the innovators that drive economic growth
and competition are rewarded for their efforts
A
s our society continues to gather momentum in its race towards a more
efficient, cleaner, safer, brighter future, so too does the demand for
knowledge, skills and abilities in the fields of science, technology, engineering
and mathematics (STEM).
In this, the knowledge economy, STEM industries fuel the engines of growth and
productivity. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor predicts that STEM workers will be
responsible for more than 50% of our nation’s sustained economic expansion.1 Whether
they involve developing the sophisticated technology through which we communicate,
or forging medical advances in response to the aging population, or even finding ways
to conserve our planet, STEM jobs are critical to our national competitiveness – they are
the jobs of the future.
It follows, then, that STEM is one of the fastest-growing occupational categories in the
developed world with science careers rewarding professionals with salaries ranging from
$56,100 to $95,740 per year on average.*
Depending on your major, the skills
you need to develop will vary. If you
are a Biochemist major, operating
scientific equipment, handling and
organizing information, practical
knowledge and biology theory and
statistical awareness are important.
Food Scientists, on the other hand,
need to possess analytical thinking
skills, mathematical aptitude, and
scientific and mechanical abilities.
The five reoccurring critical
skills that all scientists need
to have to succeed are: oral and
written communication skills, critical
thinking, problem solving, technical
skills and team work.
Diane M. Barker,
Director, Center of Excellence –
Science, Kelly Services
1
3
U.S. Department of Labor
4. global stem concentrations
As a percentage of employment, the following countries have the
highest share of Human Resources in science and technology (HRST):
Luxembourg
Sweden
Denmark
Switzerland
norway
The U.s. (ranked 12th)
Source: OECD Science, Technology and Industry Scoreboard
4
5. Out of the lab and into the world
A Bachelor of Science opens gateways you’d never expect.
S
cience is the ‘S’ in STEM. It constitutes 19% of the overall STEM employment
The top ten life, physical and social sciences occupations by employment
category, and of the industries that fall under the STEM umbrella, life and physical
are as follows:
sciences have the highest educated workforce. Nearly 40% of science workers
1.
Clinical Counseling/School Psychologists
hold a graduate degree, which is almost double the proportion in computer, math and
2.
Medical Scientists
engineering jobs.
3.
Environmental Scientists/Specialists, including Health
4.
Chemists
A Bachelor of Science degree provides graduates with the foundation for
5.
Biological Technicians
many career paths, including:
6.
Chemical Technicians
• industry-based jobs (biochemistry, forensics, pathology)
7.
Life, Physical and Social Science Technicians
• information jobs (patent attorneys, science journalists)
8.
Natural Sciences Managers
• broader healthcare industry-based jobs (health policy development, public
9.
Urban and Regional Planners
health workers)
10. Geoscientists
• biomedical research
• work in the medical industry
Firms in the Pharmaceutical, Chemical and Consulting industries rely heavily on
• work in the education and training industries
this scientific talent. Companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Roche and
• sales jobs
GlaxoSmithKline are in the business of innovation and will perpetually seek workers with
• work in non-science industries where a science degree/background is required
the right mix of skills and knowledge in order to remain competitive.
• entry into professional study (medicine, veterinarian science, dentistry)
Currently, the industries with the highest concentrations of science workers include:
• Scientific research and development services
• Government (Federal, State and Local)
• Colleges, universities and professional schools
5
6. A perfect time to get your foot in the door
There is more focus on jobs in science than ever before. Many of the highest
paying and fastest growing professions are found in these fields.
T
here are a great many rewards to be had for the most successful science
5. Hydrologists – Hydrologists are dedicated to studying rainfall and bodies of water.
professionals, but things can get competitive. The good news is that many of
The median salary is $75,690 and 18% job growth is expected by 2020.
the highest paying and most rewarding careers in science are also the fastest
6. Physicists – There are many specializations within the field of physics, from the
growing, so it could be the perfect time to get your foot in the door.
Top 10 Careers in Science According to Projected Job Growth
The science careers listed below are based on projected job growth as reported by the
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
1. Medical Scientists – These jobs involve studying diseases and health in humans in an
effort to discover/develop new preventions, treatments and cures. The median
salary is $76,700 and 36% job growth is expected by 2020 – which is much higher
than average.
2. Biophysicists/Biochemists – These scientists are concerned with how living organisms
are affected by physics and chemistry. The median salary is $79,390 and 31% job growth
is expected by 2020.
3. Geoscientists – These types of scientists aim to understand the origins, characteristics
and evolution of the Earth. The median salary is $82,500 and 21% job growth is
expected by 2020.
4. Environmental Scientists – This is among the fastest growing jobs in science today.
The field of environmental science involves researching and helping to protect animals,
humans, plants and all natural resources. The median salary is $61,700 and 19% job
growth is expected by 2020.
philosophical to the practical, but all are concerned with the study of motion and
matter. The median salary is $105,430 and 14% job growth is expected by 2020.
7. Astronomers – Astronomers study celestial bodies and spaces, including planets,
the sun, other stars and galaxies. The median salary is $105,430 and 14% job growth is
expected by 2020 for both physicists and astronomers.
8. Microbiologists – These scientists study the development of various microscopic
life forms and how they act together with their environment. The median salary for this
profession is $65,920 and 13% job growth is expected by 2020.
9. Atmospheric Scientists – Atmospheric scientists are involved with monitoring the
atmosphere of the Earth and how it is behaving. The issue of global warming is an area
of focus in this field right now. The median salary is $87,780 and
11% job growth is expected by 2020 for meteorologists and atmospheric scientists.
10. Materials Scientists – This career path involves studying both natural and synthetic
materials, and how they are composed, in order to improve them or create new
materials. The median salary is $69,790 and 4% job growth is expected by 2020
for chemists and materials scientists.
7. The payback on investing in a Bachelor of Science
The returns for your commitment to an undergraduate degree in science are many.
A
s with the other STEM industries, science knowledge and qualifications
not just the expected vocations such as lab technicians or research assistants. Industry
continue to top the list of the most sought-after skills from employers. STEM
employers also seek chemistry majors for positions such as technical writers, sales
degrees are generally known to show positive ‘return on investment’ to
representatives and even managers.
employees for the effort and cost that’s required to achieve them.
Likewise, biology majors can choose from a wide range of technician jobs in research
Graduates with chemistry majors who choose to work in that field, for example, will
and development, veterinary science, biotechnology or pharmacy. They can also look
enjoy low unemployment rates (less than 2%) and a vast array of job opportunities – and
further afield and work as high school biology teachers, for example.
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8. Why science needs women
Diversity is key to innovation and balanced decision-making.
E
ven though they represent almost half of the overall U.S. workforce, women
Recently, the National Science Foundation introduced reforms around the administration
hold fewer than 25% of STEM jobs. Almost one-third of science workers (31.4%)
of grants, with the aim of increasing flexibility in the workplace and encouraging female
are over the age of 55, compared to less than one-quarter (22.2%) of all other
science professionals to remain in the field.
workers. Employers are looking for diversity and impending retirements could open the
door to new opportunities for women in Science careers.
Achieving a greater proportion of women in scientific fields is essential to narrowing
the impending skills gap in STEM, and also to exposing these industries to the benefits
Women’s underrepresentation in STEM has nothing to do with their ability, interests
of a more diverse workforce. Organizations know that diversity is key to innovation and
or skills. Instead, external factors such as culturally prescribed roles and stereotypes, a
balanced decision-making.
lack of women in leadership/decision-making roles, and organizational constraints of
academia negatively impact the diversity of the science workforce. In short, these factors
often prevent women from choosing to pursue a career in a STEM field, and hamper
their advancement when they do.
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9. 4 tips for making it in a science career
1. Consider post-graduate education:
3. Work on your ‘people’ skills:
Some science jobs (such as a physicist, for example) require post-grad qualifications.
Generally, employers are seeking employees with the following soft skills:
If you’re considering pursuing further education in the hope of increasing your
a. active listening
salary/employment prospects, or standing out from the crowd, it’s worth checking to
b. cooperation and teamwork
ensure you will realize a return on your investment—a Master’s does not necessarily
c. creativity/innovation
guarantee higher pay.
d. leadership
2. Create a network:
e. organization/attention to detail
f. written and oral communication
Become involved with professional organizations. A few you might consider include:
a. Association of Clinical Research Professionals
4. Stay up to date:
b. Drug Information Association
As the world of work has adapted to globalization and ongoing technological
c. The American Chemical Society (ACS)
innovation, to give yourself an edge in the science employment market, it’s worth
d. The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
developing ‘emerging’ soft skills, such as:
e. Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)
a. cross-cultural competency
f. American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
b. new media literacy
c. emotional/social intelligence
d. trans-disciplinary skills
e. virtual collaboration
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10. References
Next steps for female scientists:
• http://chronicle.com/article/The-Next-Step-for-Female/130717/
• http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/wmpd/2013/
How to use biomedical science degree:
• http://www.nuhs.edu/admissions/biomedical-science/
• http://www.nuhs.edu/academics/college-of-allied-health-sciences/biomedical-science/program-overview/career-opportunities/
• http://www.ehow.com/how_7919076_use-bachelor-science-degree.html
Bachelor of Science Career Possibilities:
• http://www.exforsys.com/career-center/career-articles/bachelor-of-science-career-possibilities.html
What kind of jobs can a biology major get?
• http://www.brighthub.com/office/career-planning/articles/88266.aspx
What can you do with a Chemistry Degree?
• http://www.csbsju.edu/Documents/Career%20Services/pdf/What%20can%20you%20do%20with%20a%20chemistry%20degree.pdf
Top paying science degree:
• http://career-advice.monster.com/job-search/company-industry-research/most-meaningful-high-paying-jobs/article.aspx
http://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesleadershipforum/2012/07/09/america-desperately-needs-more-stem-students-heres-how-to-get-them/
http://www.esa.doc.gov/sites/default/files/reports/documents/stemfinalyjuly14_1.pdf
http://www.kellyocg.com/Knowledge/Infographics/US_STEM_Careers_-_Strong_Demand_Favorable_Earnings/
http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2013/nsf13079/nsf13079.pdf
http://www.kellyocg.com/uploadedFiles/Content/Knowledge/Infographics/The%20S%20in%20STEM%20-%20Science.pdf
http://www.kellyocg.com/uploadedFiles/Content/Knowledge/Infographics/The%20S%20in%20STEM%20-%20Science.pdf
http://www.kellyservices.com.pr/templates/pages/2ColumnRightWeighted.aspx?id=2147498569
http://www.csbsju.edu/Documents/Career%20Services/pdf/What%20can%20you%20do%20with%20a%20chemistry%20degree.pdf
http://www.brighthub.com/office/career-planning/articles/88266.aspx
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes191042.htm
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes191021.htm
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes193022.htm
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes194091.htm
http://www.kellyservices.com.pr/templates/pages/2ColumnRightWeighted.aspx?id=2147498569
http://www.slideshare.net/fullscreen/thetalentproject/why-women-can-gain-the-edge-in-stem-careers/2
http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2012/nsf12584/nsf12584.htm
http://chronicle.com/article/The-Next-Step-for-Female/130717/
http://theconversation.com/so-seriously-why-arent-there-more-women-in-science-2917
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11. Did you know that Kelly® puts a scientific contractor to work every
30 minutes? And, every four minutes a Kelly employee is hired
permanently by a Kelly customer.
As a world-class staffing organization, Kelly® is dedicated to connecting
job seekers to their ideal job. Get started today by searching our jobs
at Kelly Career Network®, joining our Talent Network, or by
visiting www.kellyservices.com to learn more.
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