• Question: Why did you choose science as a career?

    Asked by tarun to Charlie, Eoin, Jemma, Julian, Steve on 15 Mar 2011. This question was also asked by charlieloubones, ggd03.
    • Photo: Jemma Ransom

      Jemma Ransom answered on 14 Mar 2011:

      Another very good question! To be honest, I didn’t really choose science as a career until I reached the third year of my Undergraduate degree at university. I chose a science degree as I thought I might enjoy learning about Physiology (how the human body works) but never dreamt I would actually go into science as a career. However I did some lab work over the summer a couple of years ago, and really enjoyed the freedom of designing and completing my own experiments, after this I decided that science was the career for me.

    • Photo: Stephen Moss

      Stephen Moss answered on 14 Mar 2011:

      Hi again Tarun

      I chose science as a career when I suddenly realised I enjoyed it. I didn’t do too well at University, and in fact got ‘thrown out’ for not turning up for my end of year 2 exams. This was actually pretty stupid and I wouldn’t recommend it as a career decision. But I was set on playing in a band and didn’t think I’d ever need a degree. Wrong! While the band was struggling to make money, I decided to get a day job, just to make sure I could eat and pay the rent, and found a junior technician post in a pathology lab – it was science, and that was the only thing I knew a little about. I was hired to do the washing up and make the tea, but in spare moments I started doing a few experiments just for fun. That was when I realised I might actually enjoy science, and since then I never looked back.

    • Photo: Eoin Lettice

      Eoin Lettice answered on 14 Mar 2011:

      I picked science because I liked it. That’s the best advice I’d give anyone- do what you really enjoy and find interesting. That way you’ll stick with it and be good at it (hopefully)!
      I like science because i like logical thing and solving mysteries. I like to find out how things work and why things work a certain way. The fact that it’s my job to do it is a bonus!

      Eoin

    • Photo: Charlie Ryan

      Charlie Ryan answered on 14 Mar 2011:

      Nice question Tarun.
      Firstly my i guess it’s abit of my backround. Many people in my family are engineers* and that encouraged me to do the same (not peer pressure, more that i knew it could be a good job).
      Secondly good teachers. Teachers who could demonstrate their enthusiam for science.
      Lastly, in my case, sci fi films and tv shows. I loved the idea of travelling to the stars. This is very geeky, i’m squirming while i write it, but it’s true!!

      * I’m sorry i know this websites called “I’m a scientist get me out of here”, but really I’m an engineer. I’ve got the wrong website!!

    • Photo: Julian Rayner

      Julian Rayner answered on 15 Mar 2011:

      I liked the idea of being my own boss – following your scientific instincts, working on the questions and problems that interest you. It is also a great career for the curious – ever wondered why things are a certain way? As a scientist, you get to spend your time figuring out the answers. Finally, there is the hope that you contribute a little something to the sum of human knowledge that noone has ever known before you discovered it. Not many jobs where you get to do that.

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