Do you remember what life was like when smartphones didn’t exist?
How about Ola/Uber cab services?
Or order your food online?
If we rewind 4 or 5 years of our lives, we would realize things have changed a lot. Science and Technology have brought about remarkable changes that may have been unthinkable just a few years back, and they keep making our lives simpler and faster.
When we think about the best careers in science, the first words that come to our mind are Engineering, Medicine, Architecture, and so on. Yet with cutting-edge advancements taking place in the world of science and technology, it is only natural that the careers in this domain keep evolving too.
So, why not stay updated with the career trends? Let’s look at 9 emerging career options for science students that are highly promising in this modern age.
Recommended Read: The Next Big Thing: What is a Career in Data Science All About?
What are the career options in science?
Career options in science are diverse and encompass fields such as research, academia, industry, and healthcare. You can become a biologist, chemist, physicist, or engineer, contributing to advancements in technology, medicine, and environmental sustainability. Overall, science careers offer a realm of possibilities to explore, each contributing to understanding our world and shaping its future.
8 Emerging career options for science students
1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
In the computer-run world of today, you are bound to have heard the two buzzwords, ‘Artificial Intelligence’ and ‘Machine Learning’ flying around. But what are they exactly? Artificial Intelligence is a field of computer science that deals with the creation of smart machines and systems that can think and process information as humans do. Indeed, AI is one of the best career options after 12th science.
For example, voice recognition systems like Siri and Alexa use the power of machine learning to understand human language and respond to it intelligently. Or consider Facebook, it recognizes familiar faces from your contact list using its algorithms and automatically makes accurate suggestions for tagging your friends.
From Google Search to Netflix to Uber, each of the applications you encounter daily utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning to make faster, more effective and more personal technologies. In a Gartner report, artificial intelligence (AI) was predicted to create over 2.3 million job opportunities by 2020. Thus, this field is one of the fastest emerging in the domain of science and technology.
Course of Study: A B.Tech degree in Computer science / Software/ Information Technology/ Data science/Electrical and Electronics/Robotics /Artificial Intelligence/ AI ML, or A B.Sc in Computer Science/Information Technology/ Data Science/Maths/Statistics/ Physics followed by Specialisation M.Tech or M.Sc or BCA followed by MCA
2. Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security
In 2017, the food and restaurants app Zomato faced a major hacking attack where the data of 17 million users was stolen. In 2016, the password and personal data of close to 68 million Dropbox users were found to be circulating on the Internet.
With businesses going digital, they are more vulnerable than ever before to cybersecurity threats. Hence, Ethical Hacking, no doubt, is one of the most demanding professions of today’s world. An Ethical Hacker is a computer and network expert who attempts to penetrate a company’s security system to identify weaknesses in it. They are crucial in helping companies improve their Internet security.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the US, the cybersecurity sector is likely to grow by 28% by 2026. In India too, organizations both big and small are under the threat of cyber attacks and thus employ ethical hackers to safeguard their information.
Course of Study: A background in computers is recommended. After that, you can take up certification courses in Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator and Certified Security Analyst.
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Recommended Read: 5 Things to Do to Start your Career in Ethical Hacking!
3. Robotics
When we imagine the distant future, say 10, 20, or even 50 years from now, what is something that almost always comes to mind? Even if you have never seen a single sci-fi movie in your life, you are still likely to answer ‘Robots’. Yet robots don’t exist in the far-off future anymore and are very much a part of our present world. Robots are already being used to perform surgeries, automate industrial tasks, explore space, defuse bombs, and perform tasks that are too dangerous for humans.
Not just this, advancements have rendered us humanoid robots that can walk, talk, and express emotions like us (the latest example being the humanoid, Sophia). In 2013, Google (Alphabet Inc.) acquired 8 American and Japanese robotics companies in a single year, and thus it is safe to say that the future of technology lies in this domain.
With the field of Robotics moving with such great force, there is a requirement for engineers to build and program them. Robotics engineers need knowledge of mechanical engineering, electronics engineering, computer programming, artificial intelligence, machine learning, neural networks, and related areas.
Course of Study: Someone who is interested in this field can take up a B.Tech in Mechanical/Electronics/Robotics Engineering, followed by a Master’s and/or an M.Tech Program in Robotics.
Recommended Read: Think Beyond Engineering: 15 Trending Careers to Pursue with a PCM Combination
4. Aerospace
Ever felt a rush in the head seeing a plane fly by or watching a satellite/rocket launch on TV? Ever since seeing planes, rockets and satellites in your childhood, you may have dreamed of creating a career in this domain. What if I tell you it’s not far from reality? Aerospace is a broad branch of technology that is concerned with the design, manufacture and operations of aerospace vehicles, aircraft, missiles and space satellites.
Ranging from Aeronautics (dealing with airplanes) to Astronautics (dealing with space vehicles), as a professional in this field, you’ll be responsible for different aspects such as the design, technical, electrical and software aspects for building missiles, aircraft, space shuttles, rockets and other aerospace machines.
The Indian aerospace industry is now one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. Recent developments by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and other private companies are promising a prosperous future for Aerospace.
Course of Study: B.Tech/B.E. degree in Mechanical Engineering / Electronics & communication /Electrical and Electronics/Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering followed by followed by a Master’s and/or an M.Tech Program in Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering / sciences
Recommended Read: Sky, Space and Beyond: All About a Career in Aerospace
5. Food and Agriculture Science
Food is one of the most essential elements for life on Earth, especially for a primarily agriculture-based economy like India. Indian agriculture still accounts for about 18% of the national GDP and plays a vital role in internal and external trade. Thus, it is fair to say that the domain of agriculture holds an immense number of opportunities for anyone willing to build a career in it.
Contrary to popular notions, the field of food and agriculture is not about plowing fields or farming but is a technologically advanced field with cutting-edge research and constant innovations. Agricultural Biotechnology, Horticulture, Dairy Technology, Agronomy, Food Technology, and Pisciculture are a few of the avenues you can look towards to build your career in this fast-growing domain.
The goal of food and agricultural scientists is to improve both the quality and quantity of crops, dairy products, agricultural products and food patterns. As such, it involves a strong dedication to experimenting and surveying food production, preservation techniques and the study of soils and crops.
Course of Study: To build a career in this field, a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agronomy , Food science or any of the sub-fields of agriculture is required. You can also consider a B.Tech and M.Tech in Agricultural Engineering.
Recommended Read: Not Just Farming: 9 Upcoming (and Promising) Careers In Agriculture
6. Environmental Science and Sustainable Development
Anyone living in metropolitan cities or following the news would have heard of the recent smog cover in Delhi that resulted in the declaration of a “public health emergency.” WHO claimed in 2015 that over 2.5 million Indians die of pollution every year. With such alarming news of environmental issues, global warming and depleting natural resources making the headlines every day, it is not a stretch to claim that if proper actions are not taken to save the environment, we could be facing serious threats shortly.
Environmental Sustainability Science is a branch of science that provides an integrated and quantitative approach to the study of environmental systems. Experts in this field study environmental issues to find ways of preventing damage to the environment and managing development in a way that doesn’t compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Professionals who can devise strategies to protect natural resources and the environment are the need of the hour.
Course of Study: A Bachelor of Environmental Management/Science or a B.Tech in Environmental Engineering / Civil Engg./ Chemical Engg. followed by a Master’s in the field is required.
7. Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering
There was a time when losing one’s legs to an accident or illness meant a life bound to wheelchairs. Not in the world of today. Thanks to constant innovations in prosthetics engineering, walking, running, or even climbing a mountain is a possible reality for amputees. This is just one of the applications of Bioengineering.
Bioengineering, one of the youngest engineering disciplines, employs the principles and tools of engineering to solve problems in biology, medicine, healthcare and related fields. Artificial organs, computer simulation for surgery, tissue engineering, medical imaging (such as MRI and CAT scan), engineered microorganisms, biomaterials and even wearable technology (such as fitness tracking bands) are all examples of Bioengineering in the real world.
The industry is brimming with opportunities and innovation and allows professionals to experiment and develop cutting-edge medical solutions.
Recommended Read: Think Beyond MBBS: 14 In-Demand Career Options for PCB Students After Class 12th
Course of Study: A B.Tech and M.Tech degree in Biomedical Engineering is required to get into this field. Please note that a PCMB combination of subjects in the 10+2 is preferred to get into Engineering programs offered by most institutes. Moreover, a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Biomedical Field can be pursued to stay in the research field.
8. Sports Medicine
In India, Sports have always been like a religion, with people forgetting to eat, drink or sleep when lost in the world of their favorite sport. And now it is being seriously considered as a viable career option too.
Playing games is not the only way to enter the world of sports, and one field that is emerging in popularity for science students is Sports Medicine. Professionals in this field are trained to help athletes improve their sports performance, prevent injuries while playing and manage their training and nutrition. Those who specialize in Sports Medicine work not only with athletes but also with adults and teens who exercise and are active in other ways.
Sports Medicine professionals include not just doctors but also Sports Psychologists, Sports Nutritionists, Physical Therapists, Exercise Physiologists and Athletic Trainers. The scope of Sports Medicine is huge and it is only going to increase in the future with the rise of the sports culture in India.
Course of Study: To become a doctor specializing in Sports Medicine, you’ll have to pursue an MBBS followed by an M.D in Sports Medicine. For other professions, you can look at an M.Sc in Sports Medicine or an M.A in Sports Psychology.
The modern world is a world of disruption. With each passing year, month or even day, we witness groundbreaking advancements and transformations. The most exciting aspect of this transformation of careers is that it is paving the way for alternate career paths, many of which didn’t even exist a few years back. These were the best emerging careers in India for every science student
Wrapping Up!
In a world defined by rapid technological advancement, the careers available to science students have undergone a remarkable transformation. From Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning shaping our digital landscape to Aerospace expanding our horizons beyond the skies, opportunities are burgeoning in unprecedented ways. Fields like Robotics, Data Analytics, and Environmental Science showcase the fusion of innovation and sustainability, while Bioengineering and Sports Medicine redefine what’s possible in healthcare and sports.
The emergence of these diverse pathways reflects our capacity to adapt, innovate, and lead.
As science students, embracing these trends means not just preparing for the future, but actively shaping it. This changing career landscape is a testament to human ingenuity, offering a multitude of avenues to explore, each with the potential to make a significant impact. In a world where yesterday’s impossibilities are today’s realities, taking the leap into these evolving domains holds the promise of a fulfilling and transformative journey.
So, step into the future with confidence, armed with knowledge, passion, and an unwavering commitment to driving progress in this dynamic age of science and technology.
FAQs
If we take science, what are the career options available after 12th ?
There are plenty of career options for science students coming from medical or non-medical backgrounds. It is not easy to land on one ideal career option when we have multiple options to explore. Most emerging trending careers in science and technology fields mentioned above need appropriate aptitude and interest.. If you’re seeking a clearer understanding of your interests and want guidance, personalized counseling can significantly simplify your decision-making process.
What are high salary jobs in science stream?
In the past, being a doctor or an engineer was often seen as the best-paying option for those in the science field. However, times have changed. Thanks to advanced technology, exciting new doors have opened for enthusiastic science students.
Nowadays, you have the chance to build a career in fields like technology, online businesses, coding, website and app development, data science, and more. It’s time to break free from outdated notions and explore the ‘new-age’ science stream jobs in India.
Is artificial intelligence a good Career?
Artificial intelligence (AI) presents a promising career path and it is considered to be one of the best career options for science students. The rapid growth of AI technologies has led to a high demand for skilled professionals in areas like machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics. AI is revolutionizing industries, from healthcare to finance, offering opportunities for innovation and problem-solving.
As an AI specialist, you can contribute to groundbreaking research, develop cutting-edge applications, and shape the future of technology. However, the field is dynamic and requires continuous learning due to its evolving nature. For those passionate about technology and its potential, a career in AI can be both intellectually fulfilling and financially rewarding.
