What can I do with a Science degree?

At first glance a science degree appears to lead to rather direct career paths and you may, understandly feel a tad confined by this. However there's no need to get tunnel vision! With a science degree you have every door open to you from Technology to Marketing. 

We're going to suggest a few areas you can go into by looking at the skills a science degree helps you to develop. These skills will be the key to your employability and open more doors than you may think...

What skills does a science degree equip you with?

Firstly lets run through the highly employable skills you will have developed from studying a science degree:

• Analysing and thinking logically
• Numeracy
• Problem Solving
• Diligence
• Inquisitiveness
• Teamwork
• The ability to propose ideas and theories

All these skills are highly desired by employers. Be sure to use these aforementioned skills to sell yourself in a job application or interview. Now we're sure you're wondering which job interview to go for... let's investigate some of your options...

Which career is right for you?

Your skills are so diverse that there a number of career paths you could go into. Lets dive right in with some great sectors we're sure will interest you.

Read: why it's ok to have no idea what to do.

Technology

Technology is one of the most natural career paths for science graduates. You can really utilise your skills in a Technology role, especially your strong ability to work in a team and come up with new ideas. There's a wide variety of paths for bright graduates, from technical development to consultancy. Having at least some knowledge of coding will help you get ahead and with plenty of free beginner courses online, it's easy to start picking up skills.

Here's a guide to technology skills all top tech firms are after in their employees. 

Charity

Do something good for mankind with your science degree and with charities like Cancer Research looking for graduates like you, there are plenty of opportunities. The charity sector often requires innovative thinkers with a flair for research. You would therefore be able to put your research skills to good use as well as your ability to propose ideas and theories. 

It's not just research - there a number of roles in the charity sector giving you the opportunity to impact positive change. Here's our top tips for working in the charity sector.

Law

It’s easy to overlook sectors like Law because you won’t have had a great deal of exposure to them and you may feel you aren’t suitable or that law firms don’t have anything to offer you. However many law firms really value science graduates. 

An example of a law firm craving science graduates is Slaughter and May who also operate in the Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology and the Healthcare industry. They advise key players such as GSK and value candidates who are knowledgeable and have acquired a deeper understanding into certain scientific areas.

Your best route into law is through a one-year conversion course, followed by the LPC (or equivalent) - often top firms will offer to sponsor you through this training. It's best to start meeting firms at events and applying for Insight Days and Vacation Schemes.

Learn more about commercial law with Career Path Guides.

Banking/finance

On a similar thread we have a great deal of members who go into banking or finance with a science background.  You can really put your skills to good use in banking as the industry requires numeracy skills and a hunger for knowledge commercial and otherwise. A great example of this is Ballie Gifford who specify that they look for people who are efficient researchers and have the intellect to source the relevant information. As a science student you have the skills and intellect to achieve this.

In both banking and finance it's essential to build up experience will you study. In your first year, it's a good idea to secure yourself a Spring Week to get your foot in the door.

Discover everything you need to know about investment banking and financial services. 

Consulting

Your skills also lend themselves to a career in consulting. There are two routes that might specifically suit you as a science graduate. Firstly we have the obvious choice: Technology Consultancy. Your degree (although not a strict prerequisite for the job) does help when applying for this role. Top employers including KPMG, Capgemini and Deloitte seek graduates like you to help the client achieve their business goals through the use of technology. 

The second area of consulting that is particularly suited to you is Strategy Consultancy. This role is a good fit for you because of your analytical mind and your research skills. You'd be helping make decisions at the highest level of the organisation. Amazing employers such as McKinsey & Co and Bain and Company need people to advise on product prices and other ventures. 

Find out 11 key skills consulting firms are looking for.

Teaching

It's always said there's a shortage of science teachers, making it an excellent career choice if you're keen to inspire the next generation of scientists. Dependant on your subject, you may be able to get sponsorship or a bursary while you gain your qualifications. Studying for a PGCE is the most common route into teaching, and the likes of Teach First and Ark Teacher Training offer training programmes to fasttrack your learning.

As you can see we've handpicked a number of sectors that you could really excel in. We'd say you're in a pretty good position! Remember that you can literally go into anything you'd like with a science degree. We've narrowed down a few career paths we thought might spark your interest but be sure to have a look around our website at all the different sectors to see what might suit you best. 

Why you should consider a career in teaching.