• Question: I love all the sciences but what would be your advice to starting a career and if you would have any advice for young scientists and how they can get involved?

    Asked by MarleyS on 24 Mar 2025.
    • Photo: Mimi Asogwa

      Mimi Asogwa answered on 24 Mar 2025:

      What subjects you enjoy right now? what subjects do you score high marks in? this is a good place to start in terms of deciding what science career to aim for in future.

      I really loved Biology in School but I also wanted to follow a career where I can make a difference in people’s lives.. I was interested in studying Pharmacy at University, didn’t get the required grades I got into Microbiology by chance and have loved every minute of it.

      In terms of career path as a Microbiologist, there a number of things that has help me in my journey:
      Being curious, attentive to detail, hardworking, voluntary work in different labs and determination. It is also very important that you keep trying even if things don’t seem to work so persistence is the key word here. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, read science journals regularly, attend open days at University or colleges where you can see various Scientists and have a feel for what they do.

Comments

  • Photo: sandrarobertson

    sandrarobertson commented on :

    If you are given the opportunity to visit a laboratory environment as part of a class visit, or if you have a family member who works in this type of role that you could shadow for the day, grab the opportunity to head along and see what a real working environment would be like. If your school does work experience with local businesses, this is also a great way to get to see behind closed doors and try out different job roles. Sometimes hospitals and other local businesses take part in open days, where you can head along and find out more about what it would be like to work for that type of company. Another option is taking the time to speak to the people representing businesses at career fairs, and ask them questions about the kind of role they do and what skills or qualifications that would need. These types of visits might help you decide what you like / don’t like about different science based roles which may help guide you onto which path is the right path for you. Even if you try something and its really not for you, it will be helping to make choices.

  • Photo: sineadeley

    sineadeley commented on :

    See what you enjoy at school and try and get some experience in it. I thought I wanted to go down so many different paths while I was in school – but I knew I loved physics so I just kept taking that subject until I ended up with a degree in it!

    Also make sure to ask plenty on questions – we love when people ask us questions about the science because no one knows everything. – and don’t forget failure is part of the journey, most people who end up a scientific career will have done badly in exam or failed a module ( I definitely have) but that shouldn’t put you off and it doesn’t make you less interested or your passion less valid!