Scientists help save lives, preserve the environment and improve the way in which we live. No other field has the same potential to leave such a deep, lasting legacy for the benefit of people, societies and cultures.
We need scientists like we need air and water. That's how important they are.
There are lots of careers in science. Long-term careers. Careers for scientists as well as the technicians, managers and administrators who support them.
Jobs in the field are increasing, but to have better access to these opportunities you need to enrol in science subjects in Years 11 and 12 .
Taking science subjects like physics, chemistry and biology actually means you will have more career options to choose from when you get really serious about your lifestyle after school.
Studying science doesn't just fill you up with facts and figures about how the world works; it gives you an invaluable range of problem-solving skills that employers want. A small selection of non-science fields where scientific training is prized includes law, teaching, journalism, business and management, stockbroking, risk analysis and engineering.
But the best reason for studying science is because it's exciting. As our former Chief Scientist, Robin Batterham, says,
“Imagine creating robots that navigate themselves based on the way insects see, searching for Earth-like planets in the far reaches of space, developing a brain-machine interface so a prosthetic limb can be made to move just by thinking about it, or reinventing cars to be environmentally friendly.”
Our world would not be the way it is today without science. From the way we communicate to the way we travel, from the clothes we wear to the houses we live in, from the food we eat to the way we are entertained – all have been shaped by science.
Scientists exist at the edge of imagination. Their work takes us into uncharted territory, so being a scientist involves moral responsibility as well as savvy and creativity. They develop sharp analytical skills and can work for long periods in search of a breakthrough.
Scientists often work in teams, but many also blaze their own trails. Often this involves international travel and overseas postings, making cross-cultural and communication skills very important.
In some areas of science, there are currently not enough science graduates for the work available and this trend is expected to continue. This means that when you become a scientist you will have a wide choice of positions.
Now is a great time to make an investment in your future and to challenge yourself to make a positive difference in the world.