Jobs

SCIENCE

Geologist

Geologists work in one of the most important (and oldest) Earth Sciences. Most people are aware that they study rocks in the environment. They also study rock formations and how they are created, what leads to rocks being created and the natural processes that shape our world. They may examine how natural processes affect rocks such as river formation, for example, and how the natural environment is affected by rocks. Rocks can impact the PH level of soils and determine the plant and animal life that thrives there. Their aim is to understand the planet's history and the chronology of individual rock formations. They study the materials of the Earth and the wild processes upon it.

What does it take to be a Geologist?

A Bachelor's of Science degree in geology or related field of study
Ability to perform work or having experience in various industries, such as mining, environmental assessments, land development, and land remediation
Knowledge of geology and geological factors for location of work site
Collect and analyze geological information, such as water, soil or rock data

What skills do I need?

Collection and analysis of data
Observational skills
Close attention to detail
Research and reporting

What can I do now to prepare to be a Geologist?

Study/Collect rocks
Observe how your surroundings change over time
Read books on geology and the history of the world

Advice from a Geologist:

One piece of advice for a young professional: “Commit to learning new things every day… always keep an open mind…and keep on questioning what it is you’ve already learned. Never be satisfied with what you know, because things will change.” - Mike Loudin, ExxonMobil

Know more about this job:

https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/geologist
https://www.gooduniversitiesguide.com.au/careers-guide/geologist
https://www.collegedekho.com/careers/geologist

Forensic Scientist

Forensic science is the application of science to legal cases. Forensic science technicians help investigate crimes by collecting and analyzing physical evidence. Environmental forensic science applies scientific methods to the investigation of environmental crimes and contamination events.

Forensic scientists use their skill and knowledge of chemistry and geology to study contamination events and determine their origins. They may collect samples on-site, analyze the samples in the laboratory, and assess the geology of a particular site to determine how chemical contaminants may have migrated through the environment. They may testify in court about their findings.

What does it take to be a Forensic Scientist?

Record accurate physical and chronological measurements
Observe and record evidence with the intent of preserving it in its raw and untampered state
Collect and secure evidence in a professional manner
Have a deep understanding of the degradation of evidence due to time and tampering
Analyze and present data in courts of law and discoveries
Create infographs and reports for data presentation
Understand how to effectively and accurately use statistics for communication and testing
Test, analyze, and report on samples
Translate complex scientific evidence for specific audiences

What skills do I need?

Have a broad knowledge of sciences like chemistry, toxicology, serology, physical science, anatomy, dental science, and others as they apply to the current situation
Be a strong communicator. Skills must include writing reports, offering verbal and written testimony, and making presentations
Research and observational skills

What can I do now to prepare to be a Forensic Scientist?

Study natural sciences such as Chemistry and Biology
Look at cases solved with forensic science

Advice from a Forensic Scientist:
“Forensic science is a very difficult area to break into as the competition for jobs is at an all-time high. The media has portrayed the job as very glamorous and exciting which has popularised any role within the forensic market. I would advise anybody wanting to break into this career to do your homework on recent developments, the companies in the market, have a positive outlook on life and acquire a strong stomach.” -anonymous

Know more about this job:

https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/career-resource-center/forensic-science-careers/
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/forensic-scientist
https://www.forensicscolleges.com/blog/htb/how-to-become-forensic-scientist

Psychologist

Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how people relate to one another and to their environments. They use their findings to help improve processes and behaviors.

What does it take to be a Psychologist?

Doctoral degree in psychology
Certificate or license to work in field
Observe, interview, and survey individuals
Identify psychological, emotional, behavioral, or organizational issues and diagnose disorders
Research and identify behavioral or emotional patterns
Test for patterns that will help them better understand and predict behavior
Discuss the treatment of problems with clients
Write articles, research papers, and reports to share findings and educate others
Conduct scientific studies of behavior and brain function

What skills do I need?

Communication
Ethics
Patience
Research
Problem solving

What can I do now to prepare to be a Psychologist?

Read about and observe human behaviors
Learn about mental health

Advice from a Psychologist:
When I first embarked on my psychology career, I envisioned sitting in a big, comfortable chair behind a wooden desk, while my patient lay on a couch describing his sleeping problems or weird dreams. And if you are a traditional psychologist, you indeed may experience this type of scenario. However, you can find employment in a variety of settings. Big corporations hire psychologists to help the businesses’ employees learn to communicate better internally. Sports teams employ psychologists to help with the team members’ motivation and self-confidence. Engineering companies use psychologists to help the company build more efficient and safer products. And universities hire psychologists to help teach and train the next generation of psychologists. So, if you are dismissing the idea of becoming a psychologist because you don’t want to go into private practice and deal with other people’s personal problems, understand that a psychology profession is still available to you.

Know more about this job:

https://www.allpsychologyschools.com/clinical-psychology/how-to-become-a-psychologist/
https://www.apa.org/action/science/clinical/education-training
https://careersinpsychology.org/ten-things-wish-knew-before-becoming-psychologist/

Pharmacist

Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who focus on the safe and effective use of medications. They are qualified to dispense prescription medications as well as giving advice on over-the-counter remedies for minor ailments.

What does it take to be a Pharmacist?

Doctorate degree of pharmacy
Courses on pharmaceutics and pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology (effects of drugs on the body), toxicology, and pharmacy administration.

What skills do I need?

Analytical Skills
Ability to think critically
Strong numerical skills
Attention to detail
Problem-solving
Observation skills

What can I do now to prepare to be a Pharmacist?

Study Math and Science

Advice from a Pharmacist:
For me, being a pharmacist is about neither salary nor prestige; it is about giving back, but in doing so I have received so many rewards. I love being a pharmacist because of the lives I have touched, but most importantly, because of the lives that have touched me.
- Kathleen Jane Cross, PharmD

Know more about this job:

https://explorehealthcareers.org/career/pharmacy/pharmacist/
https://pharmacyforme.org/why-pharmacy-may-be-right-for-you/career-pathways/
http://pharmacyforme.org/inspiring-journeys/
https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-become-a-pharmacist-steps-to-take-from-high-school/

Chemist

A chemist searches for new knowledge about chemicals and uses it to improve the way we live. He or she may develop products such as synthetic fibers, drugs, and cosmetics. Chemists create processes, including oil refining and petrochemical processing, that reduce energy use and pollution.

What does it take to be a Chemist?

Minimum bachelor’s degree in Chemistry
Courses include chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, organic and inorganic chemistry

What skills to do I need?

Problem solving
Critical thinking
Analytical Skills
Organizational Skills
Data compilation

What can I do now to prepare to be a Chemist?

Study chemistry
Do science experiments for kids

Advice from a Chemist:
My job is quite varied. Some days, I'm performing elaborate experiments at the bench, making sure to integrate the proper controls. I also set up and calibrate equipment. Others, I'm in sell-baby-sell mode. Everyday, I mentor interns or junior members of staff, so it's like a teaching job without having to teach in a classroom. One day, I'd love to be a manager and be in my boss' position. Being versatile, as I said, REALLY helps you become an important member of your company and the community as well!

Know more about this job:

https://www.yourfreecareertest.com/chemist/
https://www.thoughtco.com/years-of-school-become-a-chemist-606439
https://www.owlguru.com/career/chemists/quiz/

Archaelogist

Day-to-day Archaeologists conduct field investigations, analyze artifacts, excavate sites, manage the logistics of projects at sites, write reports and recommendations, teach, conduct research, and publish the results of their research in academic journals. Archaeology is an important career because it assists us in obtaining a chronology of our past, it gives us some understanding of why human culture has changed through time and it allows us to explain cause-and-effect behavior of humans in the past which in turn helps us understand the present and why humanity is the way it is. Through Archaeology we can make more informed decisions about the progression of humanity as it currently exists.

What does it take to be an Archeologist?

Undergraduate degree in anthropology or archaeology
Develop data collection methods and systems tailored to a particular specialty or project
Collect information from observations, interviews, and documents
Record and manage records of observations taken in the field via GPS/GIS and other proprietary software
Uncover patterns about human life, culture, and origins
Engage in field survey, testing, monitoring, and data recovery
Advise organizations on the cultural impact of policies, programs, and products
Professional report and site form preparation, research, and literature reviews

What skills do I need?

Well-versed in math, science, english and history
Analyzing data
Reporting

What can I do now to prepare to be an Archeologist?

Learn about history of the natural world
Look at your trash, what does that say about you and your family

Advice from an Archeologist:
You can become an archaeologist if you really want to. There are thousands of us in the world and there will be thousands more in the future. Archaeology always needs more dedicated practitioners because there is no end to what we don’t know about our past. There is no end to exploration and the expansion of knowledge. If you want to become an archaeologist, do not be dissuaded. I believe everyone that really wants to become an archaeologist will achieve that dream.
- Bill White author and PhD Archaeology student at the University of Arizona.

Know more about this job:
https://www.amnh.org/explore/ology/archaeology
https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/archaeology/352775
https://thehomeschoolresourceroom.com/2017/07/28/introduction-to-archaeology-and-the-ancient-world-streaming-media/

Medical Doctor

MDs treat people for illnesses and injuries. They also prescribe medications, order diagnostic tests, diagnose ailments, and record patient information. Medical doctors have many different kinds of practices such as general practice, gynecology, dermatology, pediatric medicine, orthopedics, or many others. All surgeons are medical doctors. Medical doctors' jobs vary by specialty and work environment. While emergency room physicians will work in fast-pace, high-stress environments, many family doctors are able to set their own schedules in a private medical care practice. Helping people in illness and injury can be very rewarding, but the job can be stressful and carry an emotional toll, as well.

What does it take to be a Medical Doctor?

Must graduate from medical school
Must complete hospital residency program
Must obtain license to practice medicine

What skills do I need?

Decision-making under pressure
Communication
Professionalism
Problem solving
Attentive

What can I do now to prepare to be a Medical Doctor?

Look into the different kinds of medical doctors to see if you can find a good fit
Read science books and literature

Advice from a Medical Doctor:
Be certain of why you want to be a doctor. Doctors spend a large portion of their lives not just working to cure the sick, but also studying and training in high-pressure situations. And it’s for a good reason. After all, lives are at stake and one small mistake can be all the difference between life and death. The amount of toil and sweat that they have to go through is second to none.
- Anonymous

Know more about this job:
https://www.sgu.edu/blog/medical/what-to-know-before-becoming-a-medical-student/
https://students-residents.aamc.org/choosing-medical-career/article/medical-student-perspective-best-advice/
https://filipiknow.net/how-to-become-a-doctor-in-the-philippines/

Microbiologist

A microbiologist is a scientist who studies microscopic organisms including bacteria, algae, and fungi. Often, they study organisms that cause disease and environmental damage or are of industrial or agricultural interest. They also study the characteristics of nonliving pathogens, such as viruses and prions. Microbiologists often use cutting-edge techniques and sophisticated machinery along with biotechnology, genetics, or other related fields to perform their duties and study microbes.

What does it take to be a Microbiologist?

Minimum bachelor’s degree in microbiology
Review current scientific literature and journal articles to stay aware of scientific advancements
Maintain a lab environment and safety equipment as per relevant industry standards for quality, health, and safety
Perform analyses of media samples and biological specimens
Analyze test results and prepare reports

What skills do I need?

Analytical
Organizational skills
Attention to detail
Numerical skills
Patience

What can I do now to prepare to be a Microbiologist?

Learn about the units of life that we cannot see (cells, etc)
Play around with a microscope

Advice from a Microbiologist:
“In research you need to learn to deal with disappointment or success measured in tiny baby steps. In my experience, research is basically figuring out 9000 ways that something doesn’t work. It can be a very hard pill to swallow without the right personality.”

Know more about this job:
https://www.amnh.org/explore/ology/microbiology
https://microbiologysociety.org/careers/what-microbiologists-do.html
https://blog.microbiologics.com/14-career-paths-for-microbiologists/

Environmentalists

Environmentalists help the public make informed decisions about the use of limited natural resources. They do research, produce reports, write articles, lecture, issue press releases, lobby congress, fundraise, and campaign. The daily routine depends on the specialty. Environmental researchers measure decay and its pace and patterns, including the depletion of the ozone layer in space or contaminated groundwater in suburban communities. Policy-determining environmentalists determine how behavior can be modified in the future to avoid these problems. Other environmental positions involve office work, policy analysis, lab work, or computer analysis.

What does it take to be an Environmentalist?

Love for nature and the environment
Degree in environmental science, biology, organic chemistry or similar courses

What skills do I need?

Understanding of Earth’s natural resources
Research
Data analysis
Problem solving
Patience

What can I do now to prepare to be an Environmentalist?

Spark your curiosity in the world around you
Study climate change
Ask yourself what needs to be done to prevent climate change

Advice from an Environmentalist:
“People make the biggest contributions when they do what they actually do best, not what they think conservation needs. So many people want to get involved in conservation but believe that means biology, radiotracking lions, doing a study, doing science. But conservation is politics, economics, awareness, education, law enforcement, socioecology, social justice etc. It is a mistake to think that conservation is biology, or that conservation science is [necessarily] conservation. If anyone wants to do conservation and make a big difference, then have a good hard look at your skills and use those skills to help – perhaps your skills are social media, writing, photography, teaching, making money, creating apps, using technology.”

- Colleen Begg, PhD, Managing Director of Mariri and Niassa Carnivore Project, Mozambique; Director of TRT Conservation Foundation

Know more about this job:
https://www.treehugger.com/environmentalists-you-should-know-1709040
https://www.princetonreview.com/careers/61/environmentalist-environmental-scientist
https://www.worldanimalfoundation.org/articles/article/8948431/186834.htm
https://medium.com/greenpeace/why-i-became-an-environmentalist-and-how-you-can-become-one-too-c4d443fa42a1
https://www.publicservicedegrees.org/resources/green-degrees-and-careers/