Claudia
What job opportunities are available for people who like to blend scientific hands-on work with business knowledge?
I'm currently a business student in high school and am really interested in science-related fields, but I don't know how I can merge the two without sacrificing the research work that makes STEM so exciting. #business #science #research
4 answers
Vernon Turner
Vernon’s Answer
Well, you will want a dual major in college. Take as much general level science classes as possible until you find one that you like the best. Finance is MUCH easier, more boring and less challenging than science, so just jump in.
I assure you your work in the business end will be merely a tool for your career. The science will be your joy.
Horatiu G. Stefan
Horatiu G.’s Answer
You'll have ample opportunity to explore this question and related others during your first year or two of university. For now, I'll answer with an example.
I joined a multinational management consulting firm after university. A number of my peers had an engineering or hard-sciences background and were able to leverage this experience in projects for clients in the pharmaceutical industry, for example. After a few years of consulting, and once they'd honed their business skills, many joined pharmaceutical companies directly ... the combination of their business and science backgrounds and experiences were a differentiator.
That sounds fantastic. I'm certainly open to the idea of temporarily holding off on the research aspect until I gain some practical career knowledge, especially if that means I can branch into a higher position in scientific work later on. Thank you for your answer! Really helped me stop stressing about pairing the two immediately and all at once.
Claudia
Wael Al-Rihawi
Wael’s Answer
Have you thought about getting a degree in STEM then getting an MBA? According to your description this what I would do.
I've definitely considered it - it's probably be a much better alternative to trying to do everything all at once. Thank you!
Claudia
If you are going to be hands on, you are going to need the technical knowledge. Rapping your head around this technical knowledge on the floor isn't really achievable. Having a degree in the scientific area that you are interested in and then having an MBA would prepare you to lead in that area. What I suggest you doing is getting your STEM degree, work while getting your MBA, and then you would have the experience and the education to be a leader.
Wael Al-Rihawi
Ken Simmons
Ken’s Answer
Hi Claudia:
Here are some examples of how STEM and Business are being combined:
http://www.zdnet.com/article/stem-education-business-schools-need-to-be-joined-at-hip/
http://www.businessadministrationinformation.com/news/collaboration-stem-learning-program-and-business
Best of luck! Please keep me informed. I would like to follow your progress!