• Choose your level of education
Are you someone who wants to pursue a scientific degree and to get your bachelors, Masters or doctoral degree? If so, a position as something like a biological scientist might be for you. If you would prefer to limit your formal educational time, becoming a science technician, as one possibility, might be a better choice. Some science technician jobs do require a bachelor's degree, depending on the field you work in.
• Choose your focus
Scientists study things more on a theoretical basis, while technicians do so on more practical approach. Discerning which approach is best for you will help you narrow down what career you want to pursue.
• Learn what your job duties will be
A science technician uses theories of science and mathematics to solve problems in research and development and to improve products and processes. They take a more practical approach to this type of work than scientists do. They maintain laboratory instrumentation, as well as setting it up and operating it, they make observations and calculations on experiments and then record results, and they may develop conclusions based upon the results. Science technicians have to be very detail oriented, because they have to keep careful records of their work. If they are involved in production, they monitor manufacturing processes. They may also help ensure the quality of products by testing them to make sure they have the proper amounts of various ingredients. They may also test products for strength, purity, or for durability if applicable.
• When necessary, specialize in your work
Usually, those who are science technicians specialize in the work they do, and work in the same disciplines the scientists they work under do.
• Get the proper training and education
The science technician usually needs just a certificate in applied science or some other related or an associate's degree. Some technicians, such as biological and forensic science technicians, need a bachelor's degree. If you have a high school diploma, you can begin working under the supervision of a more senior technician while you earn an associate's degree in your field. In some cases, employers will require that you have a four-year degree in a related field like biology, chemistry, or forensic science. Regardless, you'll need to have a good solid grounding in physics, math and chemistry.
• Know how to communicate well
No matter the position you pursue information science job, you'll need to have good communication skills. You'll need to be able to write reports and speak well to communicate what you have found clearly.
• You'll need to have good computer skills
Computers are necessary in information science jobs these days. Most especially, computer modeling is used in technician and biological scientist jobs.
• You'll need to be organized
Organization is important in information science jobs; doing your job in an organized fashion (as well as presenting yourself in an organized, professional fashion at all times) is imperative to getting the job done right.
• A scientific background is helpful, along with training
All technicians need on-the-job training for the jobs they perform in addition to their educations. You'll need to be able to become good at interpreting scientific results and then recording those interpretations accurately.
• You'll need to have good analytical skills
As a science technician, you'll need to have good analytical skills in order to analyze and interpret research results.
Job outlook and salary
Depending on the area you specialize in, the job outlook is good for science technicians. It'll be best if you have graduated from an applied science and technology program, and if you've had extensive training in the equipment that's used in production facilities and laboratories. Because there's lots of change going on in the field of scientific and medical research, especially as it relates to biotechnology, this job area looks quite good for the near future. In addition, the manufacture of technical products and research and development will make science technicians in demand in many different job sectors. Forensic technicians, too, can expect decent job growth.
If you are a biological technician, job growth is expected to be faster than usual. This is especially true because as the population ages, there's going to be much more competition among pharmaceutical companies who are developing new and better drugs.
