Science, Technology & Analytics

Almost every part of our daily lives is touched by science and technology. From the food in our fridges, the resources that power and heat our homes, our modes of transport, and many more!

The science industry can be divided into core sectors, with various career avenues under each sector. These sectors include:

  • Mathematics
  • Physical Sciences
  • Chemical Sciences
  • Earth and Environmental Sciences
  • Biological Sciences
  • Medical Sciences

Similarly, the technology industry can also be divided into core sectors. These include:

  • Computer and Information Technology
  • Cyber and Information Security
  • Construction and Manufacturing Technology.
  • Medical Technology
  • Energy, Resources andPower Technology
  • Transportation Technology
  • Agriculture and Biotechnology

At the cross-section of these core parts of the industry lies the field of analytics, data research, and statistics.

Essentially, analytical careers and pathways focus on reviewing, dissecting, understanding, and developing existing processes, knowledge, or ideas and seeing how to make them better. They also work to develop projections based on past events and activities to provide insights on how the industry should respond and move forward in the future.

Overall, the industry is governed by a few core activities, including:

  • Laboratory Research
  • Research and Development
  • Process Improvement
  • Innovation
  • Process Exploration
  • Academia and Education
  • Data analysis

Scientists and technology professionals work across different roles. This can include practical research and development, or it could be consultancy and expertise-based. Some may also choose to work within academia and education, to pass on knowledge and theory.

Generally, career pathways in the industry are highly specialized, often requiring a bachelor’s degree as a minimum and usually some postgraduate study.

If you’ve got an inquisitive mind, are always seeking to understand why things are the way they are and how we can use technology and scientific approaches to improve society – a career in science and technology could be right for you!

What You Could Do

Roles across the industry are highly varied and include a mix of low-skilled, entry-level positions, highly-skilled roles, and professional roles requiring specialized knowledge.

Here’s a look at some of the top jobs you could pursue:

  • Information Computer Technology (ICT) Support Technician: ICT technicians are responsible for various IT, computer, and systems maintenance and solutions across an organization. They diagnose computer problems, find and implement solutions, and work to ensure equipment, systems, and processes run smoothly to deliver on its daily functions. They may also build and maintain computer and systems infrastructure, manage websites and resolve niche or common technical problems.
  • Research Scientist (Specialist): Research scientists will be specialists in one area of science – They devise, formulate, and execute investigative projects that tackle gaps in scientific knowledge. That might be within biology, chemistry, physics, biomedical or other areas. Research scientists then share their findings by publishing authoritative documents, usually in academic journals, and get their conclusions proven further or implemented to solve real-world problems.
  • Research and Development Consultant: Research and development consultants perform and conduct studies on topics in their specialized fields across science and technology. They gather and analyze research and source materials, design research programs, and create reports on their findings. They can also supervise other research projects and provide support on quality, ethics, and evaluation of outcomes. Some research and development consultants work for laboratories or private companies, and some may also work within universities or government departments and think tanks.
  • Mathematician: Mathematicians research, analyze, develop and apply mathematical principles to solve problems across science, engineering, technology, social sciences, business, industry, and commerce. Mathematicians play a vital role in solving equations and developing accurate approaches to handling tough numerical challenges with practical, real-world impact. As well as working in the industry, they play a significant role in academia and education at all levels.
  • Statistician: Statisticians use statistical theory and techniques to collect, interpret and analyze numerical data to assist with decision-making across the science and technology industry. They may also help with policy development in many areas, including science, government, medicine, business, and education. Statisticians use real-world data, figures, and projections to guide and advise on the best steps forward on some of the biggest challenges within our communities.

These job roles are only just scratching the surface!

The best way to learn more and help form decisions about the roles available and what you might be suited for is to conduct as much research as possible and build a profile from there.

Graduate Outcomes & Gender Split

Almost every career in the industry is founded on a bedrock of in-depth theory, research, and specialist knowledge. For this reason, many of the roles require a bachelor’s degree in a specific subject as a result.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers tracks graduate employment across different industry sectors.

Here’s a look at some degrees that could be a great starting point for this industry:

  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences Graduates in Full-Time Employment: 32.5%
  • Biological and Biomedical SciencesGraduates in Employment Overall: 81.8%
  • Physical Sciences Graduates in Full-Time Employment: 37.1%
  • Physical SciencesGraduates in Employment Overall: 84%
  • Mathematics and Statistics Graduates in Full-Time Employment: 56.6%
  • Mathematics and Statistics Graduates in Employment Overall: 85.6%

Gender Split

The gender split across the industry depends on the segment of the sector you work within.

The industry is pretty evenly split across males and females :

Recent statistics indicate the split for manufacturing and production-based roles are:

  • 54% Male
  • 46% Female

Keep in mind there will be some areas where this might not always be the case, and in some areas, there may be more females than males and vice versa.

Average Salary

Current surveys in the sector indicate the median salaries for full-time roles in this industry as:

  • Information Computer Technology (ICT) Support Technician Roles: $46,20-$58,000
  • Research Scientist (Specialist) Roles: $73,200-$96,000
  • Research and Development Consultant Roles: $101,000-$119,000
  • Mathematician Roles: $105,000-$127,000
  • Statistician Roles: $91,200-$118,000
  • Microbiologist Roles: $55,400-$68,600

Salaries are also determined by several factors, including:

  • The segment of the industry you work within.
  • Your job title and seniority.
  • The amount of experience you have.
  • Location, some rural areas may pay less than roles in main cities.

Industry Growth

Operators in the science and technology industry primarily rely on government funding to support research and development (R&D) activities; however, private investment has become increasingly crucial in recent years. Private investment has boosted the sector and led to further growth.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry is projected to grow due to stable funding over the next five years. The industry is expected to be on the frontlines of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, building on digital technology and characterized by a fusion of processes melding the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres.

Key areas of development include the health and life sciences, which is forecast to increase due to growing interest in new and innovative technology.

Further reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 11% between now and 2029. This is much faster than the average for all occupations.

These occupations are projected to add about 531,200 new jobs across the states. Demand for these workers will stem from greater emphasis on cloud computing, the collection and storage of big data, and information security.

Qualifications and Entry Pathways

For some professional roles, a bachelor’s degree can set you up well with the foundation of theory and knowledge to help you build a successful career in the industry.

Degree pathways you could pursue include:

  • Bachelor of Mathematics
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (With subject specializations including biology, chemistry, or physics)
  • Bachelor of Biotechnology
  • Bachelor of Computer Science
  • Bachelor of Computing and Information Systems

Following a bachelor’s, many in this field study a research degree or PhDs that allow them to focus on the core specialist area they want to pursue a career further within.

Other pathway options, particularly within the computer technology sector, might include:

  • Scoring an apprenticeship or traineeship: You can start an apprenticeship and work to gain industry-specific qualifications alongside your certificate of education and work experience.

Requirements will depend on the type of role you want and the company – so make sure you research.

Whatever your circumstances, grades, or preferred way forward – there’s a qualification pathway that will work for you.

Best Places to Study

Where you choose to study will be dependent on a range of factors, but some universities are rated higher than others for specific subjects.

Some of the best-rated universities for science studies include:

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
  • Stanford University
  • Harvard University
  • California Institute of Technology
  • University of California
  • Princeton University

Some of the best-rated universities for computer technology studies include:

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
  • Stanford University
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • The University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
  • Harvard University

Where to Learn More

You can learn more about different pathways through professional bodies and organizations advocating for careers in the sector.

Some good places to start include:

And many more!

Each state will also have several professional organizations to help you learn more about the industry, network, and develop your career