Choosing a career

What interests you and what are you good at?

If science is what really interests you, then choose chemistry, physics or biology in your final years of high school.

When thinking about what to study at university, identify which subjects interest you and choose a program (also known as a degree) that meets those interests. A Bachelor of Science program allows you to follow your interests into more specialised areas in second and third year.

Remember that science can be combined with other disciplines such as business, law, communication, sales, marketing and commerce. This means that you can combine multiple interests and skills and open up even more career paths.

• If you like being outdoors ... consider environmental management
• If you would like to improve peoples’ lives ... consider occupational health and safety science
• If you’re good with numbers … consider mathematics
• If you’re curious about the universe ... consider physics
• If you’re always looking for the latest and greatest thing ... consider biotechnology
• If you’re fascinated by our natural world ... consider biology
• If you want to know how our earth is changing ... consider earth sciences
• If you love caring for animals ... consider animal or wildlife science
• If you want to feed the world ... consider agricultural science

Remember: Defining your interests is a continual process. Start by making a list of topics that interest you, and keep adding to the list throughout your high school studies. This will help you redefine potential careers as your interests mature or change.

Make time to talk with someone face to face about your options before making study or career decisions.

Here are some good starting points to talk to real life scientists and lecturers:

• Visit us at UQ Open Day
• Contact us at enquire@science.uq.edu.au to speak to UQ experts or book an advising session
• Talk to your teachers about attending FEAST or other UQ Science events