Careers in Industry: An Overview
Author: Anshul Tandon
Industrial science encompasses a variety of careers in which people work for scientific, government, or private institutions conducting research or manufacturing goods and services. Agricultural and biological sciences, information and communication technology, and mining and mineral explorations are just a few of the many industrial science fields. Each industrial science field has its own set of job requirements, expectations and, most importantly, required skills and knowledge.
While scientists specializing in fisheries and medical sciences must have a vast knowledge of marine, biological sciences and anatomy, those working in satellite technology, as well as in information and communication technology, must have a thorough understanding of computers and software. Still other scientists work in resource management and agricultural studies, where knowledge of geological processes, measurement skills, and computer modeling ability are required. With such an array of career choices, it is fairly easy to match up your own skills with an appropriate industrial science career.
Among all the areas of sciences, industrial science is the most intricate and most intertwined with our everyday lives. The goods and services everyday that would be impossible if not for the advancement and development of industrial science. Many of the research and technological advances from which national economies benefit have been a direct result of research and development in areas controlled by industrial science.
Industrial science firms are goal-oriented; therefore, you should consider such careers if you are a diligent worker interested in producing results. Industrial scientists work on the cutting edge, making their jobs intense but often exciting. Originally, people turned to the private sector of industrial science for a more challenging and adventurous job positions, but this ideology has become obsolete these days. While working for a private company often requires a more concentrated and more intense workload, benefits include a better pay package and the satisfaction of choosing your own projects.
There are also industrial science opportunities at public and government institutions. These positions require varying levels of education and experience. Again, industrial scientists in these institutions often enjoy higher salaries and better benefits than their academic scientist colleagues. Public and government jobs are often considered less stressful than private sector jobs; however, this depends on your specific position. Generally, there are a plethora of career opportunities in both the private and public sectors.
The beauty of industrial science is that it includes so many different fields. Whether you are a biologist, a chemist, a physicist, or any other scientist, there is an industrial science career path available.
For more information:
Centre for Biodiversity and Ecology Research, Department of Biological Sciences.
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO)
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
Petroleum Industry Research Foundation, Inc.
School for the Built Environment