• Question: One of my possible ambitions in life is to be a scientist could you give me any tips to be one please

    Asked by anon-213825 to Robert, Imad, Fern, Christian, carolwallace on 19 Jun 2019.
    • Photo: Fern Johnson

      Fern Johnson answered on 19 Jun 2019:

      Have a think about what you enjoy best about science, and what you like best about. Most people that go into science drop one at A level (I dropped physics but did biology and chemistry) and then go into a degree course. These can be fairly specialised, like biomedical sciences, or very broad, like natural sciences: https://www.topuniversities.com/courses/natural-sciences/guide

      You also don’t have to go to university to be a scientist. there are a number of other options including apprenticeships that let you go straight into work in science: https://targetcareers.co.uk/career-sectors/science/315117-science-apprenticeships-your-job-options-at-18

      Don’t panic, you don’t have to decide exactly what you want to do right away, and your interests might change over time. I’d say the main thing to do is do your homework and revise for tests, and take part in activities outside school that are interesting – there might be events at museums or universities you could be interested in, or science books that are aimed at a general audience.

    • Photo: Carol Wallace

      Carol Wallace answered on 19 Jun 2019:

      I would suggest not trying to specialise too soon – start doing a general science degree and see what really interests you. The same applies for apprenticeships – be a generalist as sometimes you’ll be surprised where you end up.
      One of my favourite jobs, can e form no-one else in the lab wanting to do it – I grew to love that speciality – I regret not doing it as much as I used to. But we are always moving on to new things and that is why you shouldn’t specialise too soon.

    • Photo: Imad Ouachan

      Imad Ouachan answered on 20 Jun 2019:

      Try as many different sciences as you can to find as people usually lean towards one. Have someone like a teacher/mentor you can talk to about your goals and what you can do to get there e.g. what options you should take at A-level. Work hard and you’ll get where you want to be!

    • Photo: Robert Ives

      Robert Ives answered on 21 Jun 2019:

      Hi Beth, As the others have said, keep your options open, learn about the different areas of science that interest you rather than focussing too early on one particular area. Think about whether University, an apprenticeship or going straight into work would suit you best (this bit is very important). You may find over time that your interests change a little until you find an area of science that you find particular interesting and suited to you. Take your time to learn from others and if you can, find yourself a mentor (someone who can guide and advise you, and help you to make your own right decisions). If you specialise at University but decide you would prefer another branch of science, don’t worry – probably half of the scientists I work with did not study the current area they are working in. Chemists working as Biologists, Microbiologists working as pharmacists, etc. The key is, the science and communication skills you will learn make you adaptable and able to fit into many different roles.

Comments