How to Become a Scientist

Focus on essential subjects during high school. Starting from high school and continuing into college, you should choose subjects that hone your analytical and critical thinking skills—key abilities for any scientist. This is a necessary step to ensure future growth.

• You need to study advanced mathematics. Scientists in physical sciences rely heavily on math, particularly algebra, calculus, and analytic geometry, while those in biological sciences use math less frequently. However, all scientists need a solid understanding of statistics for their work.
• Consider joining a science camp during high school. These programs offer more in-depth projects than typical classroom science courses.

Start with foundational knowledge in college. Although your specialization will become more specific later, you still need to take basic courses in biology, chemistry, and physics to build a foundational understanding of each scientific discipline, as well as the scientific methods used for observation, hypothesis formation, and experimentation. You can also explore elective courses based on your interests or to discover various fields, helping you decide on a future specialization. After a year or two, you can focus on a specific branch of science.

• Proficiency in one or two foreign languages can also be beneficial, allowing you to read scientific papers not yet translated into English. Recommended languages include French, German, and Russian.

Choose a major in a field that excites you. After gaining some experience and becoming more familiar with your career direction, select a major within a specific scientific field. Planetary science? Medicine? Psychology? Genetics? Agriculture?

• If you prefer or if your university lacks sufficient options, you can wait until later (during graduate studies) to define a more specific specialization. A broad field like chemistry is also perfectly fine.

Intern at your university. You should build connections and start working as early as possible. Reach out to one of your professors about internship opportunities—you might even get your name on a published scientific paper.

• This approach provides 100% hands-on lab experience, which is invaluable for graduate studies and helps you secure more serious jobs later. It also demonstrates that you take your university education seriously and understand what is expected of you.

Hone your writing skills. As a scientist, you need strong writing abilities to secure research grants and publish your findings in scientific journals. High school English classes and college-level writing courses on specialized topics will help you improve.

• Always read scientific journals and stay updated on developments in your field. In due time, your name will appear in those journals. Study the articles to understand the structure and essential elements of a standard scientific paper.

Pursue graduate studies. While a bachelor's degree may suffice for some roles in commerce and industry, most scientists hold at least a master's degree, and many likely a Ph.D. Graduate programs are designed for research and the development of new theories, working alongside professors and other scientists while utilizing the latest technology. Most graduate programs last at least four years, sometimes longer, depending on the nature of the research.

• By this stage, you need to define your specialization—a specific area to focus on. This will make your work more distinctive and reduce competition in your chosen field.

Engage in research internships. During graduate studies, seek out internships related to your specialization. The number of professors researching topics aligned with your interests may be limited, so you’ll need to explore opportunities widely.

• Professors and your university will assist you in finding suitable internships. Leverage all connections to secure the right opportunity for you.

Enroll in a postdoctoral program. Postdoctoral programs provide advanced training in your chosen scientific field. Previously lasting two years, these programs now typically span at least four years or more, depending on the research area and other factors.

• Additionally, after completing the program, you’ll continue researching for about three years post-Ph.D. Including four years for a bachelor’s, five for graduate studies, and three for postdoctoral research, you’ll have spent a total of 12 years in research before fully entering the workforce. Be mindful of the time commitment involved.

Stay updated with your knowledge. Throughout your studies and career, it’s wise to stay informed about developments in your field and related areas by attending seminars and reading peer-reviewed journals. Science evolves rapidly—you can become outdated in an instant.

• Familiarize yourself with the names of scientific journals in your niche (and some broader fields). Reading these journals will help you identify experts to consult for research support or collaboration when needed.

Continue researching and seek full-time job opportunities. Scientists are always engaged in projects or ideas, regardless of their career stage. However, after completing postdoctoral research, you’ll need a job. Here are some opportunities you might pursue:

• Science teacher. The title speaks for itself, and advanced degrees aren’t always required (depending on the level you wish to teach). In many scientific fields, additional teaching credentials may be necessary.
• Clinical researcher. Many scientists work for large companies or government agencies. In the U.S., starting out, you’ll be a clinical research associate. Your work will involve clinical studies, such as testing new drugs, documenting data, ensuring compliance with protocols, and analyzing projects. You may also develop products (e.g., vaccines) or collaborate with patients, doctors, and specialists on experimental procedures.
• Professor. Many scientists ultimately aim to become professors. This is a stable and well-paid career in the U.S., allowing you to impact many lives. However, understand that it may take decades to achieve this position.

Stay curious. People choose to become scientists because they are inherently curious about the world and how things work. This curiosity drives them to explore the hows and whys of what they observe, even if the research takes years to yield results.

• Alongside curiosity is the ability to reject preconceived notions and embrace new ideas. Initial assumptions often aren’t confirmed by evidence gathered from observation and experimentation; they must be revised or discarded.

Be patient in your career. As mentioned earlier, it takes a long time to become a scientist. Few professions require as much time and dedication. Even while studying, you’ll be accumulating research experience. If you’re someone who craves quick results, a career in science might not be for you.

• Some science-related roles only require a bachelor’s degree, while others may need a master’s. If you need to earn money sooner, these positions could be suitable alternatives.

Be diligent and patient, as you’re choosing a challenging path. It’s been said: "When considering intelligence, quantitative skills, and hours worked, science-related jobs are among the most underpaid in the United States." This stems from the long road to success as a scientist, during which you won’t be able to live lavishly for quite some time. Things will be relatively tough.

• You’ll also have to meet deadlines, often lack control over your schedule, and work whenever necessary. These factors make the job difficult, and sustaining this lifestyle is even more challenging.

Embrace continuous learning. Essentially, everything scientists do is aimed at seeking knowledge. Whether reading peer-reviewed journals, attending seminars, or striving to publish research papers, you’ll never stop learning. Does this sound like what you do daily? You’re on the right track.

Be patient, learn to observe, and think creatively. No scientific work can be completed in a day, a week, a month, or even a year. In many cases, such as clinical research, you might not see results for years. This can be discouraging, so perseverance is essential if you want to excel as a scientist.

• Observation skills are also crucial. While waiting for results, you’ll need to notice even the smallest changes in the outcomes you expect. Your focus must remain sharp and ready at all times.
• As for creative thinking, consider Newton’s apple or Archimedes’ bathwater. Many would overlook these phenomena, but these scientists saw something different—something no one else at the time recognized. To advance human knowledge, you must think in new ways.

• In the U.S., the Association of Clinical Research Professionals offers three types of certifications for clinical researchers: Certified Clinical Research Associate, Certified Clinical Research Coordinator, and Certified Physician Investigator. Passing the exam is all you need to become certified.

• As the number of Ph.D. graduates aiming to become professors or work in commercial fields has increased, aspiring scientists may need to complete multiple postdoctoral research positions before securing a stable, long-term job.
• Becoming a scientist requires exceptional patience. Success is as likely as failure, so you must be prepared to accept any outcome.