California State University, Fullerton

Sonia Rosas
Sonia Rosas -

HOW TO CREATE YOUR CAREER IN SCIENCE, ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY:

If you are majoring in the field of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering or Technology you will find that there are limitless possibilities for careers that make an impact on today's global societies. As your Career Specialist, Iwill guide you through your career and professional development process as an undergraduate or graduate student.

Are you interested in applying science and technology to solve human and society needs but don't know what career to pursue?

Do you find yourself interested developing efficient computer programs to assist companies or organizations but don't know what occupation to follow?

Regardless of the academic major you pursue be aware that there is not always a clear parallel between the degree you are studying and an occupational field. Therefore, it is important to be educated on What Can You Do With Your Major and make it work for you. In addition, Exploring Your Career will help to find the occupation that best fits you. Our Assessments could be a start to help match your interests with your skills and how they apply to an occupation. While exploring your career path, you might find that you will need to attend Graduate or Professional School which will require for you to research programs and admission requirements in accredited universities, write a personal statement, turn in applications, and possibly attend Interviews to gain admission.

In order to boost your resume you will need to get experience and consider thefollowing;acquireinternships, conduct research with professors in their laboratories, volunteer for organizations, or study abroad. Besides boosting your resume, there are many additional benefits to internships such as gaining valuable career-related experience, have an opportunity to explore an area of interest; it is also a great way to obtain letters of recommendation and most importantly it might turn into a full-timejob offer. Many career opportunities are obtained via professional and personal networking, thus you will have to learn how to network. One way to network is to join pre-professional student clubs and/or professional associations. Finally, in order to be successful as a professional you will need a sharp Resume and Cover Letter, as well as know how to come out strong in your Interviews. As you make your way through this career development process, remember, we are here to help you bridge the transition between the academic environment and the world of work.

CAREERS IN THE NATURAL SCIENCESAND MATHEMATICS

Natural Sciences and Mathematics is a gateway to a large number of occupations, many of which require very specific course- work 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.

When you think of science workers, you might picture a chemist in a white lab coat running experiments—and you'd be right. But science goes beyond the laboratory. Scientists are also involved in teamwork, communica­tion, and data analysis. And although many scientists spend time in laboratories, they work in offices, too. Some work outdoors, as when wildlife biologists observe animals in their habitats or geoscientists measure move­ments in the Earth's crust. Scientists design experiments to find out how things work. They conduct or oversee those experiments, ana­lyze the results, and explain what the results mean. They use scientific methods to learn about the world. Many scientists have a bach­elor's degree; often, these scientists work as research assistants or in applied sciences. But for those who focus on research, a doctorate and, possibly, years of postdoc­toral training are usually the minimum requirements.

Sample Industries for Biology Majors:
  • Biotechnology
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Food Processing
  • Agricultural Research
  • Space Research
  • Water Districts
  • Park Districts
  • Municipal Utility Districts
  • Education Research
  • Medicine/Allied Health Care
  • Government Agencies
  • Museums
Sample Professions for Chemistry and Biochemistry Majors:
  • Research Scientist
  • Biochemical Engineer
  • Pharmaceutical Sales
  • Bioinformatics Specialist
  • Astronaut
  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Food or Soil & Plant Specialist
  • Nuclear Monitoring Technician
  • Chemist
  • Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist
  • Quality Control Analyst
  • Teacher/Professor
Sample Professions for Physics Majors:
  • Astronomer
  • Geophysicist
  • Nuclear Engineer
  • Patent Lawyer
  • Experimental Physicist
  • Theoretical Physicist
  • Teacher/Professor
  • Mining & Geological Engineer
  • Petroleum Engineer
Sample Professions for Geology Majors:
  • Engineering Geologist
  • Geothermal Geologist
  • Marine Geologist
  • Mineralogist
  • Mining Geologist
  • Petroleum Geologist
  • Space Geologist
  • Hydrologist
  • Geographer

CAREERS IN MATHEMATICS

Mathematicians develop new mathematical theories and tools to solve problems. Some devise or decipher encryption methods to protect confidential information. Many occupations use mathematics. But some occu­pations focus on mathematics almost exclusively. Mathematical occupations usually require a master's or doctoral degree. A notable exception is actuaries, who usually need at least a bachelor's degree and a passing score on an actuarial exam.

As a group, Scientists & Mathematicians earn about 70 percent more than the national average accord­ing to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Every major occupation within this group enjoys overall median earnings that are above the national average. Higher than average earnings are often an indicator of strong demand for workers.

Sample Professions for Mathematics Majors:
  • Statistician
  • Actuary
  • Underwriter
  • Educator/Professor
  • Financial Analyst
  • Economist
  • Systems Analyst
  • Scientific Programmer
  • Insurance
  • Sales
  • Business Programmer
  • Statitian
SCIENCE & MATHEMATICS JOB/INTERNSHIP RESOURCES
SCIENCE & MATHEMATICS PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
SPECIAL INTEREST SCIENCE ASSOCIATIONS
STUDENT LEADERSHIP ORGANIZATIONS

CAREERS IN ENGINEERING

Engineers use scientific knowledge and tools to design products, structures, and machines. They are problem solvers who use their expertise in science and math to do their job. The work of engineers has a more widespread impact on people than virtually any other discipline. Engineers have influenced discoveries and inventions that have become essential to our everyday lives.

All engineers apply scientific knowledge and principles for practical applications. They design and test new machines, materials, and products as well as new processes and systems, and they work to improve existing ones. Engineers make extensive use of computers. In addition to meeting the goal of any given project, they must take into account the expense and time involved. And when a project or product does not succeed, it is up to an engineer to determine what went wrong. Most engineers specialize in a particular area but have a base of knowledge and training that can be applied in many fields

The engineering field is broad but most engineers work in these branches of engineering:

  • Aerospace
  • Mechanical
  • Environmental
  • Civil
  • Agricultural Mining and Geological Industrial
  • Computer Hardware
  • Biomedical
  • Nuclear
  • Materials
  • Electrical and Electronics
  • Chemical
  • Petroleum

Employment facts: Engineers held 1.6 million jobs in 2008. The highest number of engineering jobs was in civil engineering (278,400), mechanical engineering (238,700), industrial engineering (214,800), electrical engineering (157,800) and electronic engineering, not including computer engineering (143,700).

Educational requirements for engineers To get an entry-level engineering job, one usually needs a bachelor's degree in engineering. Sometimes a bachelor's degree in physical science or mathematics may suffice, especially in high-demand specialties. Generally engineering students specialize in a particular branch of engineering but may eventually work in a related branch. Engineers who offer their services directly to the public must be licensed. These licensed engineers are called Professional Engineers (PE). To become licensed one must have a four year degree and successful completion of a state examination. Requirements vary by state.

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGYJOB/INTERNSHIP RESOURCES
ENGINEERING PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Engineering
Civil & Environmental Engineering
Computer Engineering
Computer Science Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical/Materials/Aerospace Engineering
Special Interest Engineering Associations
Technology