There are so many different fields and specialties in science that listing them all would be impossible, but they do fall into some basic categories. Many science careers will fall into one of three categories: teaching, research, or practical application. Each of these three categories is reliant on the others in some way. Furthermore, depending on their careers, many scientists may work in more than one of these broad areas.
Research-related careers in science entail discovering new things based on previously established knowledge or principles. For example, if a certain drug is known to be effective against viruses, some scientists may conduct research to fine-tune the drug for specific viruses. Environmental science careers, such as that of an ecologist, frequently require a significant amount of research. A scientist working in the field of research may devote the majority of his or her life to a single project in some cases.
Careers in science that emphasize practical application entail applying scientific principles to produce immediate results. This can be seen in a career in computer science, where today’s work may be used in tomorrow’s technology. Medical doctors are another type of science profession in which practical application is critical. There would be no effective healthcare without figuring out how to apply science to areas of health. It is critical for the doctor to understand how biological processes work and how different treatments may affect them.
All fields of science have educational opportunities. Professors of science frequently instill the importance of science as a source of personal enrichment and intellectual growth. Those interested in science careers in education can spend time not only in the classroom, but also in the field of practical application and research. Another benefit of this field is that many science fields experience teacher shortages. As a result, those seeking a career with long-term employment prospects should think about the educational side of the equation.
Though many people who work in science aren’t called scientists, they are scientists to some extent. A television weather forecaster is a scientist who specializes in weather forecasting. A pharmacist is a scientist who is primarily interested in chemistry and biology. There are many different types of jobs available in science, regardless of which career path is chosen. Whether or not one is referred to as a scientist, science continues to play an important role in a variety of occupations.