Alternative Science Careers

The typical pathway for someone with a science or engineering degree interested in pursuing a job in industry is often to apply for a research position as a technician or scientist. Jobs in industry can be with various types of companies, including, but not limited to, biotech, pharma, chemical, medical device, and engineering firms. Many people hear of alternative careers and think that they need to pursue a job in a totally new arena. That is not the case. In fact, there is a diverse array of alternative careers for scientists for those interested in staying or pursuing a job in industry, but not particularly in research.

Some alternative careers for scientists in industry include finance, marketing, sales, investor relations, and business development.

With only a science degree, more training or further schooling may be required to land a job in one of these fields. Experience may also be necessary. One easy way to get experience is to do an internship throughout your time at school in the specific field of interest. It may also be an option to start with a job at a company as a research technician/scientist to get your foot in the door and then begin networking and making connections with those outside of research. This often is not an easy task as there may not be a lot of communication between the business and research side. Therefore, it will require intentionality on your part. Try to have an informal interview by saying that you would like to learn more about what the employees do in the rest of the company. Having the initiative to find out more and networking will aid in getting you into the area of interest. Do not be afraid to ask questions and meet new people.

Good luck.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-2011 edition, Biomedical Engineers have excellent job prospects and earning potential in the next decade. Highlights from the report are outlined below.

What is biomedical engineering?

Biomedical engineering is the application of engineering principles and techniques to the medical field. Biomedical engineers typically develop devices and procedures that solve medical and health-related problems. For example, biomedical engineers develop and evaluate systems and products such as artificial organs, prostheses (artificial devices that replace missing body parts), instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems. Biomedical engineers also may design imaging systems (such as magnetic resonance imaging) or devices for automating insulin injections or controlling body functions. Specialties within this field include biomaterials, biomechanics, medical imaging, rehabilitation engineering, and orthopedic engineering.

Job Outlook

Employment of biomedical engineers is expected to have a high growth rate of 72% from 2008-2018, much faster than average for all occupations. The high growth rate is attributed to increased demand for better medical devices and equipment designed by biomedical engineers due to the aging population, focus on health issues, and increased concern for cost efficiency and effectiveness for medical equipment and procedures. Specialties within the field that are developing rapidly include computer-assisted surgery and molecular, cellular, and tissue engineering. Additionally, the rehabilitation and orthopedic engineering specialties are growing quickly, increasing the need for biomedical engineers.  However, due to the growing interest in the field, the number of degrees granted in biomedical engineering has also greatly increased, leading to the potential for higher competition for jobs.

Employment

Biomedical engineers held about 16,000 jobs in 2008. As an overview of all engineering jobs: approximately 36 percent of engineering jobs were in manufacturing industries and 30 percent were in the professional, scientific, and technical services industries. The remainder worked in other industries, with government agencies, or were self-employed as consultants. In 2008, the median annual salary for biomedical engineers was $77,400.

For more information, please see the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Biomedical Engineers, on the Internet at .

“Getting your ideas, inventions or other scientific discoveries out of the lab and into the market isn’t easy. . . but then again, neither was your path to get where you are. I believe that in an environment where research positions are few and far between, now is the time for us to stop pushing aside those “crazy” ideas of starting our own businesses – and just do it.”

The article gives encouragement tips to get started for those thinking about making a business from your science. The tips in the article are as follows:

Take a Leap of Faith- Entrepreneurs have to be calculated risk-takers. They understand that there is a certain amount of risk inherent in every business decision and that there will be times where you need to make a decision based on the limited information that you have at your fingertips at that precise moment. It won’t always be the right decision, but often a wrong decision is easier to fix than no decision at all.

Tap Expertise- Even if you have a scientific background, you may not have all the expertise you need to turn the discovery into a commercially viable product. You may need legal advice, engineers to design samples, knowledge of potential markets, etc.

Consider Partnerships- One way to broaden your knowledge base is to create strategic partnerships with individuals and organizations.

Work a Schedule- Early stage entrepreneur success weighs heavily on meeting milestones and deadlines. This is very important to remember. Deadlines in business are similar to grant deadlines. If submission is one minute late, then its game over.

Stay Involved- It’s important to stay involved and make sure things continue to move forward and not get derailed.

Focus. Focus. Focus…. And then Focus some more.

Whether the venture works, doesn’t or lands somewhere in between, the path in science entrepreneurship is a life-changing experience.