science

Blue giant

At the moment I'm in fifth year. One of my favourite subjects is chemistry while I also enjoy accounting and maths. With my interest in chemistry I was considering studying science in college at either UCD or Trinity probably. What I am wondering is what sort of jobs can be got from studying science? Also since I could study some finance or maths related degree due to my interest in that area I would probably be getting quite a high salary in that field so would like to know if as well if there being much jobs in general how many of them would I possibly be able to earn over 100k in science? Obviously this depends on the area that I would specialise in so I would also like to know what degrees in science have the best paying jobs in.
Thanks, Blue giant

rainbowtrout

You really need to consider what you would like to do as a job rather than the money. If it's something you are going to be doing for 40 hours a week, ideally you should like what you are doing.

http://businessetc.thejournal.ie/average-industrial-wage-828-88-per-week-805225-Feb2013/

Average industrial wage in Ireland according to the CSO last year is less than half of that : 43K.

There are jobs out there that pay high salaries but they aren't exactly plentiful and you certainly won't be starting off earning 100k.

d1234

Hi there!

Right - science. Just to let you know that there are a large number of students on the courses and that can have advantages and disadvantages. Generally with science you have a variety of options - with chemistry you can work in the manufacturing industry, research area, quality control, teaching with a h dip etc etc. However, it is sometimes challenging to source a job with a science degree as it is 'general science' - i.e. the degree may not be as specific as others for example applying for a job in the medications industry with a 'general' chemistry degree vs medicinal chemistry degree - the medicinal chemistry degree would be more suitable for this job, even though many would debate this but that is how most employers would view it. Therefore, with science a lot of people would carry out further study and research.

If you're aiming for a high salary, I would recommend entering a more specialised course such as pharmacy, radiography etc. Although you may not earn salaries as high as what you would like, there are some good job opportunities out there. You could also chose something like chemical engineering in UCD and work in a pharmaceutical company for example. Of course as you have such an interest in chemistry you could even lecture or tutor at third level! (Lecturers generally have an excellent salary). I aspire to study pharmacy and what really attracts me to the career is the diversity - you can choose hospital, community or industrial careers.

With the maths and economics side, I think that you can sit examinations to become an actuary outside of your degree https://web.actuaries.ie/about/careers/how-can-i-become-an-actuary however you would need to clarify that with your guidance counsellor. There are also other jobs you can do with a science degree - such as journalism.

I would also agree with the above poster in respect that you should choose your career based around what you enjoy and not what you would like financially. Yes I do understand that money is important but would you really like to spend most of your life in something which you don't have an interest in?

Good luck!!

Blue giant

d1234 wrote: »

Hi there!


If you're aiming for a high salary, I would recommend entering a more specialised course such as pharmacy, radiography etc. Although you may not earn salaries as high as what you would like, there are some good job opportunities out there. You could also chose something like chemical engineering in UCD and work in a pharmaceutical company for example. Of course as you have such an interest in chemistry you could even lecture or tutor at third level! (Lecturers generally have an excellent salary). I aspire to study pharmacy and what really attracts me to the career is the diversity - you can choose hospital, community or industrial careers.

With the maths and economics side, I think that you can sit examinations to become an actuary outside of your degree https://web.actuaries.ie/about/careers/how-can-i-become-an-actuary however you would need to clarify that with your guidance counsellor. There are also other jobs you can do with a science degree - such as journalism.

I would also agree with the above poster in respect that you should choose your career based around what you enjoy and not what you would like financially. Yes I do understand that money is important but would you really like to spend most of your life in something which you don't have an interest in?

Good luck!!

Hi thanks for the reply. Regarding the question about working with something I am interested in. These two routes are my main areas if interest even if money was taken out of the equation. That's what's making it such a difficult choice

Ompala

Would you ever consider trying Chemical Engineering?
They have a course for it in UCD.

Clungewellies

I think choosing a college course based on what you'd hope to earn is a mistake. Firstly you should chose something which is of interest to you. Otherwise you risk hating the area you are in, and money hardly makes it any better, just more comfortable. The real fact is that unlike television not everyone earns massive paycheques.

I chose a science degree based on interest, as opposed to an economics/business degree. Like you, I was looking at salary etc, but I'm pretty glad I did science in the end. Like an engineering degree, science gives you a very good base to build upon. The unfortunate truth is that your undergrad is not a guarantor of a job, you will most likely have to do a postgraduate degree such as a masters. I'm not so sure of a pharmacy degree or medical background if you have no desire to be in that area. Like the LC, your undergraduate is not the final decision in your life and you will have the option to move around and focus in different areas.

For example, if you are good with numbers, a physics degree with a postgrad masters in finance might be the wisest option. All of my friends that did Chemistry did PHDs and continued with research, whilst those that did health/life sciences did masters and went down the business and even accountancy route. I personally moved into the biotech industry and commerce. It's just an added bonus that the salary is pretty good.

P.s Have you considered engineering? Could be an option!

Best of luck!

Beargrylls01

You haven't a hope of earning over 100 k with any science subject, its simply unreasonable. I get you don't have much information on how it all works yet but it'll come. I do Chem Eng in UL nearly finished if anyone has any questions about the work , the course or the future.

aine92

Beargrylls01 wrote: »

You haven't a hope of earning over 100 k with any science subject, its simply unreasonable. I get you don't have much information on how it all works yet but it'll come. I do Chem Eng in UL nearly finished if anyone has any questions about the work , the course or the future.

To say there isn't a hope just isn't true; if you get into certain areas like Clinical Research or work in Pharma, there's a fairly reasonable chance you will if you work hard. If you do a Post-Doc, chances are you'll sit at maybe €60k-€70k, but I think you are quite wrong to say not a hope.

Beargrylls01

aine92 wrote: »

To say there isn't a hope just isn't true; if you get into certain areas like Clinical Research or work in Pharma, there's a fairly reasonable chance you will if you work hard. If you do a Post-Doc, chances are you'll sit at maybe €60k-€70k, but I think you are quite wrong to say not a hope.

To say fairly reasonable is just plain misleading people, I don't want to start giving anecdotal examples but the reality is just not there. You will not be poor but it's naive to say the chance of earning over 100K is 'reasonable'.

pmrc

Any advice on which college is best to study science?
I am hoping on doing science in WIT as its near home.
Both parents work so unlikely to get grant.