Creating Your Career in Science, Engineering, & Technology
Gloria Sims, Ed.D
Industry Specialist; Engineering, Tech., and Science
(657) 278-3766
gsims@fullerton.edu
The worldwide marketplace offers limitless possibilities for students majoring in the sciences, engineering, and technology disciplines. Graduates in these majors possess the skills to compete for opportunities in industries such as telecommunications, biotechnology (including biomedical and pharmaceutical), as well as environmental, health and safety, aerospace, surface and rail transportation, defense, and water and energy resources. Most technical employers need expertise for multiple divisions within their organizations. Typical careers associated with majors in these areas are described below.
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Civil engineers are often described as builders and problem solvers. Engineers not only develop plans and designs but also see that projects are carried out through completion.
Typical industries in civil and environmental engineering include...
Construction, surface and rail transportation, energy and utilities, telecommunications, and public administration.
Computer Engineering
Computer engineers specialize in the design, manufacturing, testing, installation, operation, and application of computers and computer systems. They invent new, efficient ways to solve problems. They may specialize in design and development, test and evaluation, applied research, or technical representation and sales.
Typical industries in computer engineering include...
Electronics product manufacturing, telecommunications, utilities, air transportation, business service centers, scientific research and development services, educational services, public administration, marketing and distribution, and software and hardware services/systems integration.
Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineers work with power and light systems, as well as generators, converters, transformers, switches, welding equipment, electrical appliances, computers, and power generation or distribution. In addition, they may design, construct, and assist in operating facilities for generating and distributing electrical power for domestic, commercial, and industrial consumption.
Typical industries in electrical engineering include...
Construction, computer product manufacturing, telecommunications, utilities, air transportation, business service centers, scientific research and development, education, and public administration.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineers research, develop, plan, and design machines, tools, engines, and other mechanical equipment. They also oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of these equipments.
Typical industries in mechanical engineering include...
Construction, petroleum products manufacturing, machinery manufacturing, computer product manufacturing, water transportation, scientific research and development, educational services, technical services, and public administration.
Software Engineering
Software engineers research, design, develop, and implement computer software systems; they design applications that interface between software and hardware. Software engineering is one of the largest and fastest growing occupations projected between 2002 and 2012.
Typical industries in software engineering include...
Aerospace product manufacturing, computer product manufacturing, intangible assets leasing, technical services, health care and social assistance, military, scientific research and development, and telecommunications.
Computer Science
A degree in computer science allows access to a wide variety of growing occupations that require proficiency in developing computer programs and the ability to organize problems for computer solutions. The computer industry is one of the fastest growing segments of our economy where growth promises to continue well into the next century.
With a computer science degree, you will have the opportunity to work in...
Programming, systems development, network technology, consulting, and education, or in non-technical areas such as customer/product support, training, sales and marketing, product development, and project management.
Careers in the Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Natural Sciences and Mathematics is a gateway to a large number of occupations, many of which require very specific coursework for transfer and/or admission to professional schools. The academic challenge, independent reasoning, and critical thinking skills required for these fields provides professional opportunities in a host of industries.
Biology
Biology is the branch of science focused on the study of life. The discipline is dynamic, diverse, and expanding with the integration of new molecular approaches, information technology, and concerns for the environment.
With a background in biology you will be able to pursue careers in industries such as...
Biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food processing, petrochemical, agricultural and space research laboratories, water districts, municipal utility districts (public and private), park districts, education, research foundations, health care, government agencies, museums, and military.
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Chemistry and Biochemistry provide excellent preparation for a wide variety of careers, inside and outside of the laboratory. Students who major in chemistry and biochemistry are well prepared to enter careers in commerce and industry, biotechnology, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, food and drug administration, quality control, private testing laboratories including forensics, research and development, manufacturing, marketing, management, education, and government.
Chemistry and Biochemistry majors often choose professions such as...
Biochemical development engineers, bioinformatics specialist, research scientists (R&D), clinical research associates, medical writers, manufacturing engineers, process development engineers, quality control engineers, pharmaceutical sales, and scientific programmer analyst.
Physics
Physics is the study of everything natural and is the most fundamental of the sciences. Physicists have an exceptionally wide range of career choices in research, development, consulting, and teaching in the basic and applied areas of physics and engineering. In addition, a degree in physics is excellent preparation for careers in law (particularly patent law), business and finance.
Physics majors often choose professions such as...
Astronomer, experimental physicist, geophysicist, patent lawyer, theoretical physicist, university professor, nuclear engineer, and military officer.
Geology
Geology is the study of the earth, its physical and chemical composition and its history. Geologists spend their careers between a rock and a hard place. Geologists say it is a great place to be if your job involves studying rocks, how they were formed, and how they have changed since formation. They use their knowledge of chemistry, physics, math, and biology to analyze data and specimens. Geologists compile the knowledge they have gathered into reports to be used by other scientists and engineers.
Specializations within geology include...
Engineering geologists, geothermal geologists, marine geologists, mineralogists, mining geologists, petroleum geologists, and space geologists.
Mathematics
Mathematics is among the most fascinating of all intellectual disciplines and the purest of all art forms. It is a field that combines quantitative reasoning and precision which is used for solving practical problems. Mathematicians have an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to society by helping to solve problems in fields such as medicine, economics, government, management, computer science, physics, psychology, engineering, and social science.
Mathematic majors often choose professions such as...
Statistician, economist, actuary, systems analyst, underwriter, scientific programmer, educator/professor, insurance sales, and financial analyst, business programmers.
Biotechnology
The biotechnology industry is predicted to be one of the pivotal forces of the 21st century and has a variety of opportunities for students in the sciences and engineering disciplines. According to the California Employment Development Department, over 32 percent of the more than 1,300 biotechnology firms in the United States are located in California and are predicted to generate over 20,000 new jobs. Most of these jobs will be clustered in the San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles counties, as well as the San Francisco Bay Area.
Rapid growth is predicted in the biomedical and biopharmaceutical segments. Most of this growth is expected in the areas of diagnostics and therapeutics, with research and development activity and manufacturing. These areas are particularly high compared to other sectors of biotechnology. Career opportunities exist for candidates with bachelor degrees in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, computer science, and engineering.