What science degree?
- Thread starter sendos
- Start date
aardvark said:
Hmph, guess I should stop the research I am doing. You're telling me there is no future in the work that is being done in cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases?
That's both my disciplines screwed then. Ah well, no need for any more drugs research guys. Guess that means Astra and Glaxo are down the pan. Sell your shares.
I think half the people who take science (chem/physics/engineering) degrees actually take them simply to show that they are capable of working to extremely high standards. Then you can pretty much do any job in finance and banking after as the training for this any company will give you and they prefer it that way in most cases.
You are unbiased and work things out analytically not using "gut instinct" etc. or thinking since you have been doing it for 3 years you know all. Lots of money in accountancy after science degree but sadly you would have to become an accountant.
So science as a career = no money.
science for another career = good prospects,
Chemistry is also very hard so you need to be able to model 3d things in your head to do, same with physics and you had best enjoy them before you start as they soon suck the fun out of half of it. Labs are still cool, never know someone might set themselves on fire like my lab. hehe.
Good luck!
You are unbiased and work things out analytically not using "gut instinct" etc. or thinking since you have been doing it for 3 years you know all. Lots of money in accountancy after science degree but sadly you would have to become an accountant.
So science as a career = no money.
science for another career = good prospects,
Chemistry is also very hard so you need to be able to model 3d things in your head to do, same with physics and you had best enjoy them before you start as they soon suck the fun out of half of it. Labs are still cool, never know someone might set themselves on fire like my lab. hehe.
Good luck!
Posty said:
not in the eyes of an employer it isn't.
i think it would be a good idea to do a science degree but definitly don't go into science at the end - chemistry/maths/physics should be ok, what ever you like - but not biology - not as technical and therefore not as valuble.
Suspended
- Joined
- 26 Jan 2005
- Posts
- 5,426
- Location
- Cambridge
I don't know - I know a few guys with economics degrees who went on to earn £40,000+ straight out of university.aardvark said:
I'm doing a degree in Physics with Computer Science, after original choosing Computer Science for my UCAS application at all six universities... and then on a whim going into clearing to do a degree of 75% physics. In retrospect, whilst I acknowledge the skills etc I have learned whilst doing physics, and I do enjoy it... I don't really have a passion for it. This is why I will end up with a mediocre degree at the end of it... at least it's at a good university in a good subject though. 
Arcade Fire said:
maybe i'm wrong then - it always used to be that science degrees were valued more but the may have changed. Or maybe they just knew the right people - sad to say but most of life is about knowing the right people and making the right contacts.
Bang on imo.aardvark said:
First thing i learnt in my job over summer (test automation for insurance company) was that intelligence is simply a commodity bought and sold by the stupid. I couldn't believe how stupid some of the managers were. So I'm told a lot of R'n'D scientists aren't paid amazingly either.
Ofc there are perfect jobs that are interesting and pay well. But if we were to take the majority of jobs, the money is in management which imo is boring ;p
Soldato
- Joined
- 29 Jun 2004
- Posts
- 12,957
If you want a rewarding career and want aspects of physics and maths involved, Engineering is the way for you.
I just applied for Mechanical Engineering with Aeronautics, and to be quite honest, after what i've seen, I can't wait!
Flight simulators!
Practicals
Worked examples
Projects
And they'll always be jobs in this country that require engineers. You've go so many:
Mechanical Engineering
Aironautical Engineering
Structural/Civil Engineering
Motorsport Engineering
Naval Engineering
Medical Engineering
So many! This country is in a shortage of engineers, so you'll get a job no prob. Furthermore, if you choose to carry on to MEng you can work abroad and earn megabucks
I just applied for Mechanical Engineering with Aeronautics, and to be quite honest, after what i've seen, I can't wait!
Flight simulators!
Practicals
Worked examples
Projects
And they'll always be jobs in this country that require engineers. You've go so many:
Mechanical Engineering
Aironautical Engineering
Structural/Civil Engineering
Motorsport Engineering
Naval Engineering
Medical Engineering
So many! This country is in a shortage of engineers, so you'll get a job no prob. Furthermore, if you choose to carry on to MEng you can work abroad and earn megabucks
Suspended
- Joined
- 26 Jan 2005
- Posts
- 5,426
- Location
- Cambridge
Is this what people who didn't manage to succeed tell themselves so that they can feel better?aardvark said:
Networking is an important part of success, but it's hardly the only part. It's also helpful if, oh I don't know, you have an impressive degree, or you've got a good track record in your job, or you have good interview technique.
You may also be surprised to learn that people don't spring from the womb replete with a bulging address book full of influential contacts. Anyone I know who's important enough to influence my career, I met through the application of hard work and perseverence, and the same goes for my friends.
Arcade Fire said:
i know a few people who were very high up in multinational companies, one of them a ceo, and they will tell you that sure, skills and ability are important, but its who you know that is far more important - its the way the world works.
this is in a general corporate sense - there are of course always exceptions.
Suspended
- Joined
- 26 Jan 2005
- Posts
- 5,426
- Location
- Cambridge
My point stands - knowing lots of influential people isn't an innate gift, like beauty, intelligence or a big willy. It's something that you have to work at.
In other words, you can't moan that it's unfair that other people achieved success through networking. If you'd networked better, you could have achieved what they did.
In other words, you can't moan that it's unfair that other people achieved success through networking. If you'd networked better, you could have achieved what they did.
Who you know is a big factor. Not a chance i would have got to do my job this summer had i not known a test automation manager. Yet such a contact and simply programming knowledge enabled me to hold down a job paying over £45k, despite being a student.
This ofc doesn't take away form the fact that qualifications go along way, through showing your knowledge of a particular subject and the dedication and willingness to further yourself.
This ofc doesn't take away form the fact that qualifications go along way, through showing your knowledge of a particular subject and the dedication and willingness to further yourself.
Arcade Fire said:
thats true to a certain extent, but many people will never have the oportunity to meet the 'right' people no matter how hard they work or how intelligent they are - the system is unfair - i'm not whinging, its just the way it is - its best to just get over it and work as hard as one can.
aardvark said:
Thats odd, im pretty sure I did a chemistry degree and im pretty sure my boss is a PhD. After 2 years im on ~£30k. I get paid more than pretty much anyone I know (of the same age obviously), some of these people in accountacy/actuary will soon overtake me but I have by no means topped out yet.
If you are going to do something like chemistry though you need to be interested in it as it is not an easy degree. If you can shine during your course, get some extra experience (summer work at uni in a lab with PhD students) and know your stuff there is a good chance you can get a good job in the industry.
