9 answers
S
Student
Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
2
Questions
Updated
2761 views
Which career path fits both science and design interests
Hi! I’m currently in grade 12 and trying to figure out the right career path for me. I know I don’t want to choose only science or only creative fields, I want a mix of both. I do lean more toward science, but I’d love to keep creativity and design/innovation in my career as well.
Some things about me:
I enjoy biology, research, discussions, and creativity (especially design/innovation).
I’m interested in fields like biomedical science, biotechnology, neuroscience, medical illustration, or healthcare product design/management.
I want stability and financial security first, but also interest and growth opportunities.
In the future, I’d like to pursue my Master’s abroad (and maybe work abroad long-term).
Some things I don’t want: Coding or tech-heavy careers, Pure genetics-focused paths, Engineering, Patient interaction or dissection, Careers that are extremely academic-heavy forever.
I’d really appreciate advice on:
1. Which Bachelor’s degree options might fit me best.
2. Which career paths could balance science with creativity/innovation.
Any suggestions for combining stability, financial growth, and my interests.
Thank you so much for helping me out!
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7 answers
Sean McBrien
Technology
34
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Sean’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Balancing between arts and sciences is not easy, but you did note that you have a preference for biological sciences so that can make your planning a little simpler. It seems you are at a point where you are deciding on what to study at university. You can look at options for selecting a major field of study and a minor field of study. You also have options in subject matter concentrations and in electives. Given high demand for educational backgrounds in hard sciences, i.e. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), you would likely be well served by majoring in a biological science field of study while minoring in something related to business (particularly product design), or in writing and communications. This could prepare you well to seek after careers in the life sciences industry. Product development roles often require scientific knowledge but also understanding of how to design and market products. If you are directly selling products, it is equally helpful to know the science behind the product and to also be able to communicate well so as to understand your clients' needs. Having a wholistic approach to science, business, and creativity will overall make you a well-rounded person.
Thank you!
S
Karthick Natarajan
Postdoctoral Researcher at NYU Langone Health
30
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Karthick’s Answer
1. Best Bachelor's Degree Choices
Choose a strong science major and add a creative or business-focused minor.
- B.S. in Biotechnology or Biomedical Science: These majors offer a solid science foundation directly linked to your career goals.
- B.S. in Biology with a Minor: A versatile choice.
- Minor in Industrial Design: Prepares you for healthcare product design.
- Minor in Business/Marketing: Prepares you for product management.
- Minor in Professional Writing/Communication: Prepares you for science communication.
- B.S. in Neuroscience: Ideal if you love studying the brain, leading to specialized biotech and pharma roles.
2. Career Paths Merging Science and Creativity
These careers connect lab work to real-world applications, focusing on collaboration and innovation without patient interaction.
- Product Manager (Biotech/Pharma): Lead the development and marketing of scientific products. This role is high-growth and well-paid.
- Medical Illustrator/Animator: Use your biology and medicine knowledge to create visuals for educational and pharmaceutical purposes. Requires a specialized Master's degree.
- Biomedical Designer: Design medical devices and lab tools, using your science background to ensure functionality and ease of use.
- Science Writer/Medical Journalist: Simplify complex science for various audiences like doctors and the public.
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Combine science with business and legal skills to help companies get product approvals. This career is stable and lucrative.
3. Tips for Stability, Growth, and Interests
Focus on industry roles over academia. The careers above are mainly in biotech, pharma, and medical devices, offering the stability and growth you desire.
The Plan:
- Build a "T-shaped" Profile: Deepen your science knowledge (the vertical part of the T) and broaden your skills with a minor or internships in design, business, or communication (the horizontal part).
- Get an Internship: Test career paths with internships in marketing, project management, or regulatory affairs at biotech or medical device companies.
- Plan Your Master's: After gaining work experience, a specialized Master's (like in Medical Illustration, Biomedical Engineering Design, or an MBA) can boost your career and ease working abroad.
Choose a strong science major and add a creative or business-focused minor.
- B.S. in Biotechnology or Biomedical Science: These majors offer a solid science foundation directly linked to your career goals.
- B.S. in Biology with a Minor: A versatile choice.
- Minor in Industrial Design: Prepares you for healthcare product design.
- Minor in Business/Marketing: Prepares you for product management.
- Minor in Professional Writing/Communication: Prepares you for science communication.
- B.S. in Neuroscience: Ideal if you love studying the brain, leading to specialized biotech and pharma roles.
2. Career Paths Merging Science and Creativity
These careers connect lab work to real-world applications, focusing on collaboration and innovation without patient interaction.
- Product Manager (Biotech/Pharma): Lead the development and marketing of scientific products. This role is high-growth and well-paid.
- Medical Illustrator/Animator: Use your biology and medicine knowledge to create visuals for educational and pharmaceutical purposes. Requires a specialized Master's degree.
- Biomedical Designer: Design medical devices and lab tools, using your science background to ensure functionality and ease of use.
- Science Writer/Medical Journalist: Simplify complex science for various audiences like doctors and the public.
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Combine science with business and legal skills to help companies get product approvals. This career is stable and lucrative.
3. Tips for Stability, Growth, and Interests
Focus on industry roles over academia. The careers above are mainly in biotech, pharma, and medical devices, offering the stability and growth you desire.
The Plan:
- Build a "T-shaped" Profile: Deepen your science knowledge (the vertical part of the T) and broaden your skills with a minor or internships in design, business, or communication (the horizontal part).
- Get an Internship: Test career paths with internships in marketing, project management, or regulatory affairs at biotech or medical device companies.
- Plan Your Master's: After gaining work experience, a specialized Master's (like in Medical Illustration, Biomedical Engineering Design, or an MBA) can boost your career and ease working abroad.
Thank you so much for the advice!
S
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
103
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey S,
It is great to hear that you were considering your major in line with your interests. It’s great to have an idea as to what you want to do and healthcare typically tends to be the higher-paying side of the design industry. There will be numerous career path that you’ll find yourself timeline when it comes to studying some thing to consider is industrial/product design. Each school will teach this in its own way and what matters is that you go to one where you can focus on your interests. Industrial design typically begins with a discussion or question that then leads to research and the creative process of creating something to better the world or an audience. You can aim to use the skills you're being taught to direct them towards your own practice.
You mentioned going out of the country to study. I did this as well, and I would make sure to do a lot of research into each school in different countries that you might be, considering I went to London in particular, as I knew there was a large design scene there and there was a large range of design topics I could study. it also gave me a lot to do outside of, so I said is that directly benefited my studies, so I would highly recommend it!
Best of luck on your journey!
It is great to hear that you were considering your major in line with your interests. It’s great to have an idea as to what you want to do and healthcare typically tends to be the higher-paying side of the design industry. There will be numerous career path that you’ll find yourself timeline when it comes to studying some thing to consider is industrial/product design. Each school will teach this in its own way and what matters is that you go to one where you can focus on your interests. Industrial design typically begins with a discussion or question that then leads to research and the creative process of creating something to better the world or an audience. You can aim to use the skills you're being taught to direct them towards your own practice.
You mentioned going out of the country to study. I did this as well, and I would make sure to do a lot of research into each school in different countries that you might be, considering I went to London in particular, as I knew there was a large design scene there and there was a large range of design topics I could study. it also gave me a lot to do outside of, so I said is that directly benefited my studies, so I would highly recommend it!
Best of luck on your journey!
Thank you for the advice.
S
Karen Santiago
Senior Brand Designer
1
Answer
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Hi S!
You have a special blend of interests that can make you a well-rounded professional. Creative thinking is a valuable skill that is always in demand and can't be automated. Exciting new careers in the sciences combine creativity and technology:
- Medical Device Designer: Create prosthetics, wearables, or hospital equipment that are both practical and easy to use.
- Healthcare UX/UI Designer: Develop apps or platforms to help patients and doctors manage health data effectively.
- Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Designer: Design interfaces that blend psychology, data science, and design.
- Data Visualization Designer: Transform complex data into clear and engaging visual stories.
- Material Designer/Researcher: Innovate with new textiles, biodegradable plastics, or sustainable materials.
- Industrial Designer: Focus on science-based products like lab equipment, tech gadgets, or aerospace tools.
These fields offer great opportunities to use your creativity and make a real impact!
You have a special blend of interests that can make you a well-rounded professional. Creative thinking is a valuable skill that is always in demand and can't be automated. Exciting new careers in the sciences combine creativity and technology:
- Medical Device Designer: Create prosthetics, wearables, or hospital equipment that are both practical and easy to use.
- Healthcare UX/UI Designer: Develop apps or platforms to help patients and doctors manage health data effectively.
- Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Designer: Design interfaces that blend psychology, data science, and design.
- Data Visualization Designer: Transform complex data into clear and engaging visual stories.
- Material Designer/Researcher: Innovate with new textiles, biodegradable plastics, or sustainable materials.
- Industrial Designer: Focus on science-based products like lab equipment, tech gadgets, or aerospace tools.
These fields offer great opportunities to use your creativity and make a real impact!
Thank you.
S
Nivedha Anand
Sr. Experience Designer II
8
Answers
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Updated
Nivedha’s Answer
You have a great mix of science and creativity interests. Good options for you might be Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology with a focus on innovation, or Healthcare/Product Design. If you like visual or creative work, consider Medical Illustration or Biomedical Visualization. These fields offer stability, financial growth, and a chance for design and innovation without being tied to just research or coding.
Thanks for the advice.
S
Sandeep Chenthamara
Talent Acquisition
9
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Sandeep’s Answer
Studying abroad often offers great opportunities to pursue your interests. If you're passionate about research, consider focusing on courses related to Bio Science, especially at IISC.
Some exciting fields to explore include:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biophysics
- Ecological Sciences
There are many options available. Aim to graduate from a good college, as IISC has its own entrance exam.
Another growing field is Computational Data Science, which covers bioinformatics, genomics, and systems biology. This could be a great area to target as well.
Some exciting fields to explore include:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biophysics
- Ecological Sciences
There are many options available. Aim to graduate from a good college, as IISC has its own entrance exam.
Another growing field is Computational Data Science, which covers bioinformatics, genomics, and systems biology. This could be a great area to target as well.
Thank you!
S
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day S!
One area came to me while thinking about fitting a profession to suit your talents. It is huge. This is a deliberate avoidance of high technics, like coding, and STEM. It is like an application of the arts to science, displaying what is out there to learn. You can focus on biology, conservation, design, education, illustration of industrial, medical, techniques, therapeutic devices, and the like.
You could be a science illustrator, drawing diagrams for websites. A similar subject was technical drawing, but this involves freehand drawing too. I know you want to escape the anatomy, the genetics, the heavy science. Perhaps do a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts majoring in Educational Media for Biology.
Children's educational publications routinely deliberately avoid heavy technical material. There shall be a great need for these on the Internet. It used to be books, brochures, and printed media, now it is websites.
GOD BLESS!
One area came to me while thinking about fitting a profession to suit your talents. It is huge. This is a deliberate avoidance of high technics, like coding, and STEM. It is like an application of the arts to science, displaying what is out there to learn. You can focus on biology, conservation, design, education, illustration of industrial, medical, techniques, therapeutic devices, and the like.
You could be a science illustrator, drawing diagrams for websites. A similar subject was technical drawing, but this involves freehand drawing too. I know you want to escape the anatomy, the genetics, the heavy science. Perhaps do a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts majoring in Educational Media for Biology.
Children's educational publications routinely deliberately avoid heavy technical material. There shall be a great need for these on the Internet. It used to be books, brochures, and printed media, now it is websites.
GOD BLESS!
Thank you!
S