The infinite possibilities of science
Science and technology are broad terms. While most people imagine that the job of a scientist boils down to wearing a lab coat and looking at things through a microscope, there is a lot more to it than that, and the job itself can take many forms. From marine biologists who explore the depths of the ocean to astronomers who use telescopes to gaze at the stars, the sheer variety of things science can explore is astounding. Here are more examples: geographers who explore the Earth and its people, biomedical engineers who develop useful tools for the medical industry, forensic science technicians who collect and analyze evidence, software developers who make useful programs and applications – the list of occupations is practically endless.
If it crossed your mind that studying science or technology might be a good idea, you are not wrong. These are very fulfilling paths regardless of which branch you decide to specialize in, but if you are still not sure this is the right choice for you, allow us to make a case. Here are the main reasons why you should consider pursuing these fields of study.
Creativity
Did you think only artists get to do something creative? Sciences, as well as tech, are, in fact, very creative fields, though the type of creativity you use is different than what a painter might do. Science and technology require you to figure out creative solutions to complex problems, and they allow you to experiment with ideas to your heart’s content. For example, let’s say you have trouble remembering important dates. As a software developer, you could make an app for your phone that sends you reminders for upcoming events and helps you stay on track. Or let’s say you are a medical researcher, looking into painful conditions such as arthritis. You could help find new cures and treatments and potentially make people’s lives easier.
With science and technology, you get to use your imagination and knowledge to come up with a new idea, and then you get to test your hypothesis. In other words, you get to experiment with different ways to make something new happen. That is pretty much creativity in a nutshell.
There is something for everyone!
Would you like to be a molecular biologist, working in a lab? Or maybe you want to be out in the field, collecting samples as a geologist? You could be building bridges, studying the human body, examining plants, discovering distant planets and galaxies, uncovering the complexities of the human psyche, or creating sleek new websites. STEM fields are numerous and varied, and there are practically limitless prospective occupations to choose from.
Making a real difference
Your idea could change lives. If you are a creative, dedicated researcher with a penchant for experimentation, one day you are likely to discover something that could completely transform the way we live our lives right now. It does not even have to be a huge discovery – small things can gradually foster profound changes.
For example, imagine finding a new way to help humans harvest energy without relying on fossil fuels? Scientists from the City University of Hong Kong have managed to do just that. They developed a completely new type of triboelectric nanogenerator, which is able to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy using flowing water.
And they’re not the only ones. Scientists from Cambridge have recently discovered a new way to store the energy of the sun as clean fuel by making a device that can conduct a form of artificial photosynthesis. All it needs to make fuel are water, CO2, and sunlight. By doing this, they have made humanity one step closer to abolishing non-renewable energy sources and healing our environment.
Imagine if you, too, did something like that. You could contribute to the growing green economy and blue economy movements, and your name would go down in history.
Useful life skills
If you study science or technology, you will learn how to understand and process a large amount of information. Your analytical skills will improve with practice, and you will also learn how to solve problems quickly and practically. These kinds of skills can be used daily, in almost every aspect of your life. Scientists are usually very well-prepared professionals, and studying science is likely to train your brain and develop your intelligence bit by bit each day.
Children who are introduced to STEM subject early on benefit the most from them. On average, they develop good memory retention and can better relate to the world around them. If this education starts at an early age and develops through primary and secondary school, the child will gradually sharpen their intellect and have an easier time learning almost any other subject.
Pride in your profession
Science and tech are useful subjects. Similarly to becoming a doctor, there is no better feeling than being able to call yourself an engineer, a botanist, a data scientist, a physicist, or any other type of scientist you can think of. It is a highly-esteemed calling whichever way you put it, and regardless of which branch you choose, you will always be able to look back at that choice with pride.
You will be regarded as the bright, young hope of the world, and you are likely to become a part of something greater than yourself.
Excitement at every turn
Science and tech are fun. While there is sometimes a lot of grunt work involved in doing research, you can still get to discover the world around you and understand what makes it work. You will learn more about the secrets of the universe and learn new things that few people around you will know.
If you are ambitious, curious, and eager to shape the world around you, then science and technology are the right fields for you.
Author: Claire Adams
Claire Adams is a personal and professional development expert who believes that a positive attitude is one of the keys to success. She enjoys life to the fullest in the healthiest way possible and loves to share her insights into the lifestyle, parenting, education, and entrepreneurship. Feel free to reach her on Facebook and Twitter.
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