Science Leading to Other Careers

A degree in science can lead just about anywhere – from teaching to management to law. In fact, those with science degrees are amongst the most sought –after graduates, as they’re great at problem solving, work well in teams and know how to produce results.

Of course having completed an undergraduate degree in science, not everyone wants to stay at the lab bench, or indeed to continue in science at all.

Although our research focused on career scientists, several respondents talked about other routes they might have taken following university, including forensic science, teaching, health, law and a wide variety of graduate training programmes (often leading to careers in management) Indeed, science graduates are often extremely attractive to employers because of their high levels of analytical skill, excellent problem solving and decision making.

In our research, a number of scientists said that had they not pursued scientific research, patent law would have been an appealing alternative, drawing on their scientific expertise but applying it in an increasingly important context.

In addition to inherent interest in the topic, respondents were attracted by the prospect of higher salaries and career opportunities in law. Forensic science is also really popular just now (possibly influenced by CSI!).