Career Options In Science - Ultimate Guide For Exploring Options

School life is the best life! But as one transitions from school to college, there are loads of decisions to take. Career becomes the center point of one's life. Students are often confused about what profession they should follow from a range of career options. Choosing a career path based on your interest and not because of peer pressure can help you shape a strong and satisfying career. While some go in for unconventional streams such as graphic design, animation, ethical hacking courses after 12th science, many with interest in physics, mathematics, chemistry or biology, take up science.

Science stream is the favorite of students who seek to get into professional courses such as medical or engineering. Subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Computer Science equip class 12th science students with knowledge that can be applied in technical fields. Following are some fields that can offer good career options in science.

List of career options in science

Biology

Biology offers a wide range of prospects . As the name suggests, biology is the study of the human body and other living organisms. The subject involves lab work for practical knowledge apart from theoretical subjects.

Zoology and Botany are core fields of biology that have good career options for class 12th science students. While Zoology is the study of animal anatomy and animal life, Botany deals with the study of plants. Apart from going into research, zoology and botany offer many opportunities in the government sector as well as pharmaceutical industries for research on medicinal drugs etc. 

Popular Professions in Biology: Through the study of biology, one can opt from a wide range of career options after 12th science and become a Doctor, Microbiologist, Environmentalist, Health Policy Consultant, Marine/Fisheries Biologist, Oceanographer, Pharmaceutical Researcher, Biology Teacher/Professor, Veterinarian, etc. 

Mathematics and Statistics

Mathematics and Statistics are important to interpret and solve various problems related with business, economy, banking etc. While statisticians specialize in the collection and interpretation of data, mathematicians understand and create applications to solve everyday issues.

Graduates of mathematics or statistics can pursue careers in accounting, education, insurance, biostatistics, cryptology, computing, banking and finance or research studies in health, law and engineering.

Popular Professions: The most popular professions that students of mathematics or statistics can take up are Chartered Accountant, Research Analyst, Data Processing Manager, Financial Auditor, Financial Analyst, Network Programmer, Risk Analyst, Statistician List, Data Scientist, Cryptographer, etc.

Who is a cryptographer?  A cryptographer is a professional who specializes in securing communication and information by converting it into a code that is difficult to decipher. Cryptographers use mathematical and statistical techniques to develop algorithms and protocols that ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of data.

Physics

Physics is the study of fundamental concepts to understand how the world works. Although considered to be a tough subject by many, a keen interest in this subject can open many doors of good career options for 12th science students.

Popular Professions: Physics can help you become an Astronomer, Biophysicist, Geophysicist, Meteorologist, Optometrist, Science Journalist, etc. Some new and upcoming professions that one can pursue after graduating in Physics are Quantum Computing Specialist, Nanotechnology Researcher, Quantum Physicist, Particle Physicist, etc.

Chemistry

In simple terms, chemistry is the study of matter and investigates the composition and properties of substances and how materials behave. Graduation in chemistry makes students eligible for a wide variety of professions.

Popular Professions: Agricultural Chemist, Biochemist, Biotechnologist, Chemical Engineer, Environmental Chemist, Geochemist, Molecular Biologist, Polymer Scientist etc.

Software Development

One of the most popular engineering courses, software development is an evergreen career option for science students. The field is related to the codes, algorithms, data, and everything related with software development. Hence the job of the software developers is to work at the back end and develop software related to computer applications. One must possess problem-solving capabilities, great analytical thinking with good mathematical and computer skills to make a strong career in the world of software.

Popular Professions: Software Engineer, Web Developer, Mobile App Developer, Full Stack Developer, DevOps Engineer, UI/UX Designer, Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer, etc. One can also transition into Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from software development.

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Architecture 

Architecture involves planning, designing, and constructing buildings. This makes is a creative science stream career option that offers exciting prospects. The basic academic background to pursue a degree in architecture is that students must have passed 12th science with Mathematics with a minimum 50% of marks.The average salary for an architect is INR 5 LPA to INR 10 LPA. 

Popular Professions: Architect, Architectural Technologist, Building Surveyor, Town Planner/Urban Planner, Production Designer, Historic Buildings Inspector, Structural Engineer, Landscape Architecture, Sustainable Design Consultant, etc. 

Medical Science

For any student who has studied PCB in 12th standard, becoming a doctor is mostly the first choice. Considered as a notable and respectable profession, this is a great career choice for students who wish to serve humanity with their skills. In order to practice as a doctor, a student needs to have an MBBS degree for which one needs to get into a medical college by qualifying the NEET exam.

Popular career paths: Post MBBS, one can specialize in medical fields such as Nephrology, Cardiology, Nephrology, Gynecology, Organ Transplant, General Surgery, Pediatrics etc. 

Data Science

A rapidly growing career, data science has become an exciting field of study and one of the popular courses for science stream students in recent times. Data scientist involves techniques of the computer to visualize the data, collecting, storing, and analyzing huge databases for future purposes. Hence, a data scientist has a good range of career options to work at the back end. Data Science is one of the high-paying professions, with the average salary range in India being INR 5 LPA to INR 25 LPA.

Popular Professions: Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Quantitative Analyst, Data Architect, Big Data, Database Administrator, etc. 

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

It is an emerging field that is high in demand in the current world and offers one of the best career options science. Using human interference and computer intelligence, this field deals with building smart machines of daily use to high-tech machinery. While studying AI and Machine learning, one gets exposed to Python, Applied Statistics, Motion Analysis, Object Tracking, etc.

To build a career in science stream, a student must have a strong knowledge of basic science concepts and computers and must have studied science till class 12th and for graduation degree. Students who have done graduation in mathematics or statistics are also eligible to pursue this career and build a strong career in this field. 

Popular Professions: AI Product Manager, AI Consultant, Deep Learning Engineer, AI Software Developer, Reinforcement Learning Engineer, Speech Recognition Engineer, AI Systems Architect, etc. 

Environmental Science

Environmental Science is the study of the relationships and interactions of organisms with their environment and anthropogenic activity. It is a multidisciplinary branch that helps in solving the problems associated with the environment. This field requires study of Biology, Chemistry and Geology. It offers science students the option to pursue graduate studies in a variety of fields such as agriculture, fisheries, natural resources, policy and planning, soil conservation and remediation etc.

Popular Professions: Ecologist, Environmental Consultant, Climate Change Analyst, Environmental Planner, Environmental Educator, Soil Scientist, Environmental Policy Analyst. 

Become an officer! If you are interested in Environment Science and its allied fields, you may also take coveted Government examinations such as the UPSC Geo-Scientists and Geologists exam and Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Exam. These career options offer Class-1 gazetted positions with a secure career trajectory. 

Geology

Geology deals with the history and evolutionary stages of the earth as recorded in rocks, sediments and landscapes. Study of geology helps students to make careers in the environment, earth sciences, energy, and mining industries.

Popular Professions: A degree in Geology can help you become a Exploration Geologist, Geochemist, Geological Engineer, Geophysicist, Marine Geologist, Survey Geologist, Researcher in Earth Sciences etc. 

Economics

For students who want to experiment, Economics one of the good career options for science students. Hence, studnets good in mathematics can certainly explore this career path. Upon completing a degree in Economics, one can work as a consultant or analyst or pursue higher education in the same field. Economics also makes one eligible to work in institutions like RBI by clearing national-level competitive exams. 

Popular Career Paths: Financial Analyst, Market Research Analyst, Economic Consultant, Actuary
Policy Analyst, Investment Analyst, Financial Planner, Statistician, Risk Analyst, etc. 

Nutrition and Dietetics

A relatively new field, Nutrition and Dietetics is a field of science that deals with food intake and human physiology. For students with focus on nutrition, food safety, composition and policy, Nutrition and Dietetics can be a good career option to pursue. As per i=online sources, dietician salary in India ranges between INR 3 Lakhs to INR 6 Lakhs with an average annual salary of INR 4 Lakhs. As one grows in this career field, the salary may go higher. For example, some established dieticians having high-income clients can charge as much as INR 17,000 for one session!

Popular Professions: Health Educators, Community Nutritionists, Food Service Supervisors, Researchers, Clinical Dietitians, Nutrition Consultants for the food industry etc. 

Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, which incorporates both lab-based and community-based research. As more and more suffer from mental disorders owing to the stressful schedules and due to the rising awareness about mental problems, the role of psychologists is becoming important day by day. Psychologists are in huge demand at schools, corporates, NGOs etc.

An undergraduate degree in psychology can lead to a career in clinical and counseling psychology, law, medicine, education, psychological research, human resource management, speech-language pathology, etc. 

Popular Professions: Clinical Psychologist, Counseling Psychologist, Sports Psychologist, Neuropsychologist, Rehabilitation Psychologist, Geropsychologist, etc. 

Who is a Geropsychologist? Geropsychologist specializes in mental health of elderly individuals, addressing issues like dementia, depression, and improving overall well-being in aging populations.

Forensic Science

Forensic Science is one of the interesting career options in science that provides an excellent option for those who want to establish a career in the Science stream. Forensic science is a multidisciplinary field that utilizes knowledge of Biology, Chemistry, along Psychology. The courses in Forensic Science range from diploma to degree programs. Students interested in this field can pursue Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science after passing their 12th class examination. 

Popular Professions: Crime Scene Investigator, Forensic Pathologist, Forensic Psychologist, Forensic DNA Analyst. etc. 

Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a combination of Biology and technology and is an interesting combination with a good career scope. Biotechnology offers a wide range of career options for science students, especially in research and academia. One can pursue Biotechnology at an undergraduate level through either a BTech or BSc in Biotechnology in order to make a career in this field.

Apart from biotechnology, nanotechnology and food technology are also upcoming streams that class 12th science students can explore. Students can pursue B.Tech- Food Technology or Nanotechnology right after class 12th science. One could also go in for a 5-year-course for BTech+Mtech Dual Degree Or BSc+MSc Dual Degree for these streams being offered in many Indian universities. 

Popular Career Paths: Genetic Engineer, Biomedical Scientist, Bioprocess Engineer, Clinical Research Associate (CRA), Molecular Biologist, Pharmacologist, Quality Control Analyst, Microbiologist, Immunologist, etc. 

Colleges to look out for

Here are some colleges that 12th-science students can consider for pursuing various well-known courses and specialized programs.

• Indian Institute Of Science
• Indian Institute Of Technology
• AIIMS
• Delhi University
• Indian Statistical Institute
• Osmania University
• Andhra University
• Banaras Hindu University

Government Schemes For Promoting Science As A Career

The science and technology sectors in India contribute to employment opportunities. This includes positions in research, academia, industry, and government organizations. To push the scientific temperament of the students, Govenment of India has rolled out several initiatives and schemes. Two of them are: 

Vigyan Jyoti

The Vigyan Jyoti Scheme is a government initiative aimed at encouraging young girls to pursue higher education and careers in the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Launched in 2019, the scheme aims to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields and empower girls with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in these domains.

Under this scheme, selected girls from rural and remote areas are provided with opportunities to visit premier academic institutions and research centers to gain exposure to the world of science and technology. They are also given access to mentoring programs, workshops, and hands-on training sessions to enhance their practical knowledge and skills in STEM subjects.

INSPIRE

INSPIRE or Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research program aims to attract young minds towards scientific research and innovation by providing scholarships and fellowships. It also includes mentorship programs, exposure visits to research institutes, and science camps to nurture the curiosity and talent of students. Additionally, the government has launched the Ramanujan Fellowship and the National Post-Doctoral Fellowship programs to encourage scientific research and development in the country.

Collectively, these schemes aim to create a thriving ecosystem for science and technology in India.

Must-Follow Tips for Students

• Science is a deep and wide subject that needs time and effort. There is no dearth of opportunities for a good student looking to explore science stream career options. But curiosity and an experimental mind are important for any science student. Hence, if there is a lack of interest in science, one must refrain from selecting this subject. 

• Science is all about practice and remembering the key concepts. A tight grasp of the basic concepts is particularly important in science. Hence, making notes of the main points is always a good practice. After reading any chapter, one must make notes to revise them in the future. You can make the notes yourself or refer to the internet for help.

• Read the books thoroughly and underline or highlight the important lines in the book that can be framed as questions. This helps you to prepare for your school tests or entrance examinations simultaneously as you read the chapters. 

• Keep testing yourself regularly. Science is not about mugging up. So just reading through a chapter will not help you understand it well. Hence, after you have read and revised a chapter, it is best to take a short test of the same to assess your knowledge. This is how you will know your weak points that need more work. 

• In this digital world, there is nothing which can't be found online. Apart from reading your books thoroughly, watching relevant videos online will further enhance your knowledge. While books help you to form your conceptual base, videos help you to visualize the same, making you remember the concepts properly. Also, since videos can be watched over and over again, you can take your own time to understand a concept and also make notes/diagrams as per your convenience. 

• A class 12th science student must be open-minded and curious about anything that happens around him/her. Filling your mind with 'what-s' and 'how-s' will help you to keep your scientific temperament on. 

• The most important thing for a science student is to focus on practical exposure rather than just concentrate on theoretical knowledge. Hence, conduct as many experiments as possible and try to validate every concept practically. In cases where it is not feasible to experiment, watching videos can help you understand the basics.

We hope the above article helped you get a good idea about the science stream career options you can choose from. We wish you all the best in taking this decision. Stay tuned to Unstop for all career-related content and guidance. 

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