If you’re a high school student, a college or trade school student, a parent, or an employer, the time to plan your career is now. The process can be challenging but essential to achieving your career goals. Research shows a vital education and career pathway approach helps students and adults prepare for post secondary credentials, higher wages, and better jobs.
Increased competition
It is widely assumed that competition in science drives progress by incentivizing the rapid dissemination of research discoveries. However, this view is primarily founded on an incomplete understanding of scientific priority races. Researchers like Catherine Cerulli, J.D., Ph.D start their careers on the smallest-numbered available research question and collect data until they reach their desired sample size (dictated by their s value). Researchers have significant incentives to compete over the priority of discovery. This is important because it suggests that leaders can generate excitement about the competition by highlighting the potential benefits of competition rather than creating anxiety by singling out and publicly deriding low performers.
Increased demand for scientific expertise
As the scientific community grows more complex and dynamic, pursuing a scientifically based career path is more important than ever. Whether you want to work on research-based projects or move into marketing, business development, or regulatory affairs roles, a well-rounded education will help you find a more satisfying career pathway. The demand for scientific expertise also expands beyond academics, as many scientists are interested in using their knowledge to advance society. For example, a recent survey found that 86% of Americans have at least a fair amount of confidence in scientific experts to act in the public interest.
Scientists also need to be able to communicate their research to non-scientific audiences, which is why training in science communication is increasingly becoming more common. To succeed in this area, you must develop strong writing and editing skills and the ability to present your research to various audiences effectively.
Increased job security
As automation and technology advance, scientists have various career options. You can use this knowledge to make career moves that support your ultimate career objective and help you build a successful, fulfilling, and rewarding life. For example, you can move into non-R&D functional roles like marketing, business development, and regulatory affairs. Regardless of your career path, it is essential to consider your personal preferences and strengths before making a career move. Several factors have been shown to predict employee job security. These include organizational change characteristics, worker characteristics, and economic factors.
Increased job satisfaction
If you are a student looking for your first job or someone already working in science, pursuing a scientifically based career path is more important than ever. These paths will provide you with a higher salary and increase job satisfaction. Job satisfaction is employees’ emotional feeling when they feel that their jobs meet their expectations, such as job stability, career growth, and adequate pay and benefits. This is good for both the company and the employee, as it reduces turnover, increases productivity levels, and improves overall work output. Research suggests that the social context of a job is also a significant predictor of job satisfaction. Frequent interaction with others, office friendships, and emotional support are all essential factors that make workers feel more satisfied with their jobs.
