Thinking about your next steps in life can be nerve-wracking especially with the huge range of careers available. So, if you’re still unsure what you want to do, choosing subjects and courses may seem even more stressful.
Enjoying science is one thing, but for some people, studying science full-time is a stretch. Maybe you like practicals but not theory, or you’re stronger at writing than calculations. Whatever your hesitation, don’t rule out the industry entirely.
Today, a gazillion jobs exist that amplify, boost, and keep the science sector ticking over – it’s not just lab coats! As with most professions, the science industry couldn’t exist if it weren’t for all the vital supporting roles.
From running awesome projects to sourcing multi-million-pound funding, here’s our top 10 guide to non-science careers that are essential to the science sector:
Public Relations & Marketing
Public relations involves maintaining an organisation's positive image. This creative and varied work covers many specialities, such as marketing and advertising, events management, media relations, communications, and managing digital channels like websites and social media accounts. From announcing a new scientific breakthrough to hosting a STEM careers fair, this is an exciting and fast-paced line of work where no two days are the same!
Finance & Accounting
If numbers are more your thing, then a job working in finance might just add up. Scientific innovation takes lots of money, from paying expert staff to funding life-changing studies at multinational corporations. In this line of well-paid work, you might write research grant bids, audit organisations, become a forensic or corporate accountant, or even a financial consultant advising on cutting-edge industry trends.
Technology
When it comes to technology, you may think of IT support, networking, and software engineering. Yet there is a stack of other opportunities, many of which sound like they’re from the future! Think robotics, nanotechnology, The Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR), green technology, cybersecurity, space exploration, and much, much more!
Human Resources (HR)
Personnel/HR may be a good fit if you enjoy working with people and processes. This work involves developing and managing employees. You might specialise in recruitment and job advertisements, employment law, working with trade unions, payroll, staff training, employee benefits, or even events. This job can be satisfying for people who work well with colleagues and care about staff happiness and productivity.
Data Science
With an explosion of information comes a wave of jobs that involve analysing enormous “datasets” to pick out helpful information. You might use tools such as AI or machine learning to make data understandable. This information can be used to test ideas and create automated systems that help society or make businesses more efficient. Examples include climate modelling, waste reduction, and even improving disease detection.
Law
The crossover between science, ethics, and the law is vast. Science can produce evidence used in a courtroom, develop a break-through drug, or even lead to new laws or government policy changes. Today, scientific research and development have a global impact, so employing legal whizzes is essential. International patents and intellectual property, environmental law, and corporate contracts are just some examples of in-demand legal expertise.
Estates & Facilities
Whether you work at a laboratory facility or in the NHS, professionals are always needed to manage buildings and equipment. Jobs range from entry-level personnel like porters, skilled tradespeople like electricians, up to management roles overseeing a company’s buildings, construction projects, health and safety, and facilities maintenance. These careers need people with all sorts of experience and qualifications and often have great progression routes.
Security
There are heaps of jobs where science meets security, including the police service, civil service, higher education, and research and innovation. Crime science, employee safety, cybersecurity, and business continuity (keeping an organisation running smoothly in a crisis) are all security fields. From checking staff records and protecting personal data to keeping systems and research secure, you can make a big impact behind the scenes.
Project Management
This is a great career for people who like variety, have top organisational and time-management skills, and communicate well with others. Project managers oversee all sorts of schemes from start to finish, meeting deadlines and achieving important goals. What’s more, projects can vary and be extremely rewarding, from decommissioning a nuclear facility to launching a piece of medical equipment that might be sold worldwide.
Administration
Lastly, and by no means least, is administration. This is vital in any business and offers lots of opportunities. A new starter might be given hands-on tasks like filing and taking calls. A supervisory position such as an office manager might look after contracts, supplies, events, or even an office relocation. Roles even exist at a senior level, like working as a CEO’s Executive Assistant to becoming Chief Administration Officer. The sky’s the limit with the right skills and attitude.
