beyond the lab

the many ways you can use your bachelor of science in the new

world of work

2

I t’s becoming increasingly apparent that the Bachelor of Science is the foundation

degree that provides students with the skills essential to a wide-ranging career in the

industries of the future. Sure, over a four-year program, a B.Sc student will focus on

developing applied knowledge in a particular technical field, but – regardless of whether

they major in math, physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy or another science – there are

a myriad career options available to them upon entering the professional world.

A Bachelor of Science prepares graduates for more than just work in a lab – skills such

as critical thinking, strategic analysis and communication are in demand by all sorts of

employers across a range of industries. Government, academia, large corporations and

small industry all seek top talent with the structured and methodical approach to project

work that comes with an undergraduate science degree.

So, if you’re looking to carve out a career that not only taps into your knowledge,

but also complements your personal skills and interests, a Bachelor of Science may

just be the degree for you! In this e-book, we discuss the top growth employment

markets and the reasons they’re hot; the return on your education investment; why

the field of science needs women in its ranks; and the four steps for making it in a

science profession.

introductionWhich undergraduate degree will provide you with the broadest career opportunities down the road?

Scientific progress is one essential key to our security as a nation,

to our better health, to more jobs, to a higher standard of living and

to our cultural progress.

audrey maclean, interviewed by Adrianna Gardella

for the NY Times

In our world, the innovators that drive economic growth and competition are rewarded for their efforts

the world needs stem, and stem needs workers

A s our society continues to gather momentum in its race towards a more

efficient, cleaner, safer, brighter future, so too does the demand for

knowledge, skills and abilities in the fields of science, technology, engineering

and mathematics (STEM).

In this, the knowledge economy, STEM industries fuel the engines of growth and

productivity. In fact, the US Department of Labor predicts that STEM workers will be

responsible for more than 50% of our nation’s sustained economic expansion.1 Whether

they involve developing the sophisticated technology through which we communicate,

or forging medical advances in response to the aging population, or even finding ways

to conserve our planet, STEM jobs are critical to our national competitiveness – they are

the jobs of the future.

It follows, then, that STEM is one of the fastest-growing occupational categories in the

developed world with Scientist careers rewarding professionals with salaries ranging

from $56,100 to $95,740 per year on average.*

3

1 US Department of Labor

Depending on your major, the skills you need to develop will vary. If you are a Biochemist major, operating scientific equipment, handing and organizing information, practical

knowledge and biology theory and statistical awareness are important.

Food Scientists on the other hand need to possess analytical thinking skills,

mathematical aptitude, scientific and mechanical abilities.

the five reoccurring critical skills that all scientists need

to have to succeed are: oral and written communication skills, critical thinking, problem solving, technical

skills and team work.

diane m. barker, Director, Center of Excellence –

Science, Kelly Services

4

global stem concentrationsAs a percentage of employment, the following countries have the

highest share of Human Resources in science and technology (HRST):

Luxembourg

SWeden

denmark

SWItzerLand

norWay

the u.S. (ranked 12th)

Source: OECD Science, Technology and Industry Scoreboard

a bachelor of Science opens gateways you’d never expect.out of the lab and into the world

Science is the ‘S’ in STEM. It constitutes 19% of the overall STEM employment

category, and of the industries that fall under the STEM umbrella, life and physical

sciences have the highest educated workforce. Nearly 40% of science workers

hold a graduate degree, which is almost double the proportion in computer, math and

engineering jobs.

a bachelor of Science degree provides graduates with the foundation for

many career paths, including:

• industry-basedjobs(biochemistry,forensics,pathology)

• informationjobs(patentattorneys,sciencejournalists)

• broaderhealthcareindustry-basedjobs(healthpolicydevelopment,public

health workers)

• biomedicalresearch

• workinthemedicalindustry

• workintheeducationandtrainingindustries

• salesjobs

• workinnon-scienceindustrieswhereasciencedegree/backgroundisrequired

• entryintoprofessionalstudy(medicine,veterinarianscience,dentistry)

Currently, the industries with the highest concentrations of science workers include:

• Scientificresearchanddevelopmentservices

• Government(Federal,StateandLocal)

• Colleges,universitiesandprofessionalschools

5

the top ten life, physical and social sciences occupations by employment

are as follows:

• ClinicalCounseling/SchoolPsychologists

• MedicalScientists

• EnvironmentalScientists/Specialists,includingHealth

• Chemists

• BiologicalTechnicians

• ChemicalTechnicians

• Life,PhysicalandSocialScienceTechnicians

• NaturalSciencesManagers

• UrbanandRegionalPlanners

• Geoscientists

FirmsinthePharmaceutical,ChemicalandConsultingindustriesrelyheavilyon

thisscientifictalent.CompaniessuchasJohnson&Johnson,Pfizer,Rocheand

GlaxoSmithKline are in the business of innovation and will perpetually seek workers with

the right mix of skills and knowledge in order to remain competitive.

there is more focus on jobs in science than ever before. many of the highest paying and fastest growing professions are found in these fields.

a perfect time to get your foot in the door

There are a great many rewards to be had for the most successful science

professionals, but things can get competitive. The good news is that many of

the highest paying and most rewarding careers in science are also the fastest

growing, so it could be the perfect time to get your foot in the door.

top List of Careers in Science according to Projected Job growth

This science career list is based on figures regarding projected growth, according to the

mostrecentBureauofLaborStatisticsOccupationalOutlookHandbookreport.

10. materials Scientists – These scientist careers involve studying both natural and

synthetic materials, and how they are composed, in order to improve them or create

new materials. The median salary is $69,790 and 4% job growth is expected by 2020

for chemists and materials scientists.

9. atmospheric Scientists – As an atmospheric scientist, you would be involved with

monitoring the atmosphere of the Earth and how it is behaving. The issue of global

warming is an area of focus in this field right now. The median salary is $87,780 and

11% job growth is expected by 2020 for meteorologists and atmospheric scientists.

8. microbiologists – These scientists study the development of various microscopic

life forms and how they act together with their environment. The median salary for this

profession is $65,920 and 13% job growth is expected by 2020.

7. astronomers – As you may know, astronomers study celestial bodies and spaces,

including planets, the sun, other stars and galaxies. The median salary is $105,430 and

14% job growth is expected by 2020 for both physicists and astronomers.

6. Physicists–Therearemanyspecializationswithinthefieldofphysics,fromthe

philosophical to the practical, but all are concerned with the study of motion and

matter. The median salary is $105,430 and 14% job growth is expected by 2020 for

this profession.

5. hydrologists – As a hydrologist, you would be dedicated to studying rainfall and

bodies of water. The median salary is $75,690 and 18% job growth is expected by 2020.

4. environmental Scientists – This is among the fastest growing jobs in science today.

The field of environmental science involves researching and helping to protect animals,

humans, plants and all natural resources. The median salary is $61,700 and 19% job

growth is expected by 2020.

3. geoscientists – These types of scientists aim to understand the origins, characteristics

and evolution of the Earth. The median salary is $82,500 and 21% job growth is

expected by 2020.

2. biophysicists/biochemists – These scientists are concerned with how living organisms

are affected by physics and chemistry. The median salary is $79,390 and 31% job growth

is expected by 2020.

1. medical Scientists – These jobs involve studying diseases and health in humans in

theefforttodiscover/developnewpreventions,treatmentsandcures.Themedian

salary is $76,700 and 36% job growth is expected by 2020 – which is much higher

than average.

the returns for your commitment to an undergrad degree in science are many.the payback on investing in a bachelor of science

A swiththeotherSTEMindustries,scienceknowledgeandqualifications

continue to top the list of the most sought-after skills from employers. STEM

degrees are generally known to show positive ‘return on investment’ to

employeesfortheeffortandcostthat’srequiredtoachievethem.

Graduates with chemistry majors who choose to work in that field, for example, will

enjoy low unemployment prospects (less than 2%) and a vast array of job opportunities

– and not just the expected vocations such as lab technicians or research assistants.

Industry employers also seek chemistry majors for positions such as technical writers,

sales representatives and even managers.

Likewise, biology majors can choose from a wide range of technician jobs in research

and development, veterinary science, biotechnology or pharmacy. They can also look

further afield and work as high school biology teachers, for example.

7

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has found that the fastest-growing science careers are:

• MedicalScientists(ExceptEpidemiologists):36.4%estimatedgrowthrate

through 2020.

• Biochemists/Biophysicists:30.8%estimatedgrowthratethrough2020.

• SurveyResearchers:24.1%estimatedgrowththrough2020.

• EnvironmentalScienceandProtectionTechniciansIncludingHealth:23.6%estimated

growth rate through 2020.

Ofcourse,workinanumberofthesejobswillrequirepost-graduatestudy;howevera

Bachelor of Science will provide you with the necessary foundation to start out on these

and many other paths.

diversity is key to innovation and balanced decision-making.why science needs women

Even though they represent almost half of the overall US workforce, women

hold fewer than 25% of STEM jobs. They are well represented in some fields,

including the life and physical science areas where they hold up to 40% of

roles.Forthemostpart,workersinsciencearemale—andthey’realsoolder.Almost

one-third of science workers (31.4%) are over the age of 55, compared to less than one-

quarter(22.2%)ofallotherworkers.

Women’s underrepresentation in STEM has nothing to do with their ability, interests

or skills. Instead, external factors such as culturally prescribed roles and stereotypes, a

lackofwomeninleadership/decision-makingroles,andorganizationalconstraintsof

academia negatively impact the diversity of the science workforce. In short, these factors

often prevent women from choosing to pursue a career in a STEM field, and hamper

their advancement when they do.

8

Recently,theNSFintroducedreformsaroundtheadministrationofgrants,withtheaim

of increasing flexibility in the workplace and encouraging female science professionals to

remain in the field.

Achieving a greater proportion of women in scientific fields is essential to narrowing

the impending skills gap in STEM, and also to exposing these industries to the benefits

ofamorediverseworkforce.Organizationsknowthatdiversityiskeytoinnovationand

balanced decision-making.

4 tips for making it in a science career

1. Consider post-graduate education: Somesciencejobs(suchasaphysicist,forexample)requirepost-gradqualifications.

Ifyou’reconsideringpursuingfurthereducationinthehopeofincreasingyoursalary/

employment prospects, or standing out from the BSc crowd, it’s worth checking to

ensureyouwillrealizeareturnonyourinvestment—aMaster’sdoesnotnecessarily

guarantee higher pay.

2. Create a network: Becomeinvolvedwithprofessionalorganizations.Afewyoumightconsiderinclude:

a. AssociationofClinicalResearchProfessionals

b. Drug Information Association

c. The American Chemical Society (ACS)

d. TheAmericanSocietyforClinicalPathology(ASCP)

e. InstituteofFoodTechnologists(IFT)

f. American Society for Microbiology (ASM)

9

3. Work on your ‘people’ skills: Generally, employers are seeking employees with the following soft skills:

a. active listening

b. cooperation and teamwork

c. creativity/innovation

d. leadership

e. organization/attentiontodetail

f. written and oral communication

4. Stay up to date: Astheworldofworkhasadaptedtoglobalizationandongoingtechnological

innovation, to give yourself an edge in the science employment market, it’s worth

developing ‘emerging’ soft skills, such as:

a. cross-cultural competency

b. new media literacy

c. emotional/socialintelligence

d. trans-disciplinary skills

e. virtual collaboration

referenCeS

next steps for female scientists:•http://chronicle.com/article/The-Next-Step-for-Female/130717/•http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/wmpd/2013/

how to use biomedical science degree:•http://www.nuhs.edu/admissions/biomedical-science/•http://www.nuhs.edu/academics/college-of-allied-health-sciences/biomedical-science/program-overview/career-opportunities/•http://www.ehow.com/how_7919076_use-bachelor-science-degree.html

bachelor of Science Career Possibilities:•http://www.exforsys.com/career-center/career-articles/bachelor-of-science-career-possibilities.html

What kind of jobs can a biology major get?•http://www.brighthub.com/office/career-planning/articles/88266.aspx

What can you do with a Chemistry degree?•http://www.csbsju.edu/Documents/Career%20Services/pdf/What%20can%20you%20do%20with%20a%20chemistry%20degree.pdf

top paying science degree:•http://career-advice.monster.com/job-search/company-industry-research/most-meaningful-high-paying-jobs/article.aspx

http://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesleadershipforum/2012/07/09/america-desperately-needs-more-stem-students-heres-how-to-get-them/http://www.esa.doc.gov/sites/default/files/reports/documents/stemfinalyjuly14_1.pdfhttp://www.kellyocg.com/Knowledge/Infographics/US_STEM_Careers_-_Strong_Demand_Favorable_Earnings/http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2013/nsf13079/nsf13079.pdfhttp://www.kellyocg.com/uploadedFiles/Content/Knowledge/Infographics/The%20S%20in%20STEM%20-%20Science.pdfhttp://www.kellyocg.com/uploadedFiles/Content/Knowledge/Infographics/The%20S%20in%20STEM%20-%20Science.pdfhttp://www.kellyservices.com.pr/templates/pages/2ColumnRightWeighted.aspx?id=2147498569http://www.csbsju.edu/Documents/Career%20Services/pdf/What%20can%20you%20do%20with%20a%20chemistry%20degree.pdfhttp://www.brighthub.com/office/career-planning/articles/88266.aspxhttp://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes191042.htmhttp://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes191021.htmhttp://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes193022.htmhttp://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes194091.htmhttp://www.kellyservices.com.pr/templates/pages/2ColumnRightWeighted.aspx?id=2147498569http://www.slideshare.net/fullscreen/thetalentproject/why-women-can-gain-the-edge-in-stem-careers/2http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2012/nsf12584/nsf12584.htmhttp://chronicle.com/article/The-Next-Step-for-Female/130717/http://theconversation.com/so-seriously-why-arent-there-more-women-in-science-2917

10

Did you know that Kelly® puts a scientific contractor to work every 30 minutes? And, every four minutes a Kelly employee is hired permanently by a Kelly customer. Kelly is dedicated to helping you find your ideal job.

As a world-class staffing organization, Kelly® is dedicated to connecting job seekers to their ideal job. Get started today by searching our jobs at kelly career network®, joining our talent network, or by visiting www.kellyservices.com to learn more.

11

eXit

This information may not be published, broadcast, sold, or otherwise distributed without prior written permission from the authorized party. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. An Equal Opportunity Employer. © 2014 Kelly Services, Inc.

about keLLy ServICeS®

Kelly Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: KELYA, KELYB) is a leader in providing workforce solutions.

Kelly® offers a comprehensive array of outsourcing and consulting services as well as world-class

staffing on a temporary, temporary-to-hire, and direct-hire basis. Serving clients around the

globe, Kelly provides employment to more than 560,000 employees annually. Revenue in 2012

was $5.5 billion. Visit kellyservices.com and connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Download The Talent Project, a free iPad app by Kelly Services.

about the author

DIANE BARKER is director, Americas Product Group, Scientific for Kelly

Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: KELYA, KELYB), a leader in providing workforce

solutions, headquartered in Troy, Michigan. Ms. Barker is responsible for

brand management, product strategies, and development of innovative

scientific workforce solutions in the Americas for Kelly Scientific

Resources, a specialty service of Kelly Services®. In addition to working for Kelly® for over

20 years, Ms. Barker has an extensive experience in workforce solutions consulting with many

Fortune 500 companies. Prior, Ms. Barker was the Midwest regional director of Kelly Scientific

Resources. In this role, Ms. Barker held a variety of sales and operations responsibilities within

the Midwest region. Ms. Barker holds a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Louis University.