• Question: do you have any advice for others if they want to become a scientist?

    Asked by kizibou-bubble-boy to Stephen, Caroline, Aileen on 12 Mar 2018.
    • Photo: Aileen Baird

      Aileen Baird answered on 12 Mar 2018:

      Hi, I think if you want to become a scientist the most important thing is to find a subject that is really interesting to you! For me I love studying micro-organisms, but for you it might be computer science and game design, or studying the physics of the big bang, or investigating the evolution of worms! There are so many different science topics and I really encourage everyone to find out all the different possiblities!

      I’d recommend going to science events and museums and finding out about lots of cool things. When you come around to choosing GCSEs and beyond, I’d keep your options open. I’d recommend doing double or triple science if you can, and maybe something like IT, geography or D&T in there.

      Really though, the most important thing is that you are really interested in the subject, not that you have the “perfect” combination of GCSEs or A levels.
      I’m doing a PhD in geography and microbiology now, and I didn’t do A level or GCSE geography!

    • Photo: Stephen Twomlow

      Stephen Twomlow answered on 12 Mar 2018:

      To become a scientist you must decide on where you real interests lie and what you want to study. Do you want to continue unraveling the mysteries of the earth or our solar systems, or do you want to be an inventor or develop new ideas and approaches that help people in their every day lives. If you really want to become a scientist study maths (sorry but every aspect of science needs maths), biology, chemistry and geography – and if allowed as a 4th science physics as GCSE. This should then help you decide what subjects you might like to study at A-Levels and later at university. Unless you really know what you want to do then at University Geography is a great entry degree as you cover many many different topics that can wet your appetite for something special. At university I did a BSc in Agricultural and Environmental Science – some geography degrees very similar. Then I did post grad diploma in further education and taught for three years whilst I tried ti understand what I wanted to do when I grew up! Then did a PhD in Geography – Soil Physics and Hydrology.

    • Photo: Caroline Hickman

      Caroline Hickman answered on 13 Mar 2018:

      My advice for anyone about future careers is:

      1) Follow your heart – study things that really interest you
      2) Don’t be worried about changing your mind (I am on my 4th career now – its ok to develop and change what you do as you grow and develop)
      3) There is a great book called ‘what should I do with my life’ by Po Bronson – he interviewed lots of people about their careers, some had changed, some had done lots of things, some were still looking. Their stories are brilliant to read. I really like the doctor who changed everything to become a Catfish farmer!
      4) Whatever you decide to do – enjoy it!

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