science
engineering and IT

science

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Scientists, mathematicians and statisticians use observation, experimentation and research to make discoveries, add to our knowledge and solve problems related to almost every aspect of our lives.
They are employed in a wide range of jobs, including research and development, scientific analysis, education, the media and administration. Careers are mainly at technician and professional levels, but there are some assistant jobs available. Most people specialise in a particular field, for example in astronomy or marine biology.

They work in a wide range of areas, including for example:
* health and medicine - helping to find the causes of diseases and how to treat them
* the food and drink industry - developing raw materials, processes and products
* Earth sciences and the environment - studying the Earth, oceans and climate
* materials science - studying materials like metals, polymers and ceramics
* mathematics - using calculations to solve problems or provide information
* statistics - gathering data and analysing it to identify and interpret trends
* operational research - using maths and statistics to find more economical or efficient ways of doing things within an organisation
* education - teaching in schools or lecturing in universities.

Working environments vary, but many scientists work in laboratories, while others do mostly fieldwork. Some work with potentially hazardous substances. Others, such as those developing government policies or working in the media, work in an office.

Scientists, mathematicians and statisticians need to have a methodical and accurate approach to their work, and be able to research and analyse data to solve problems. Scientists must also pay attention to health and safety regulations. Communication skills are important for sharing information with colleagues and customers.

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engineering and IT

click here for occupations in engineering and IT

engineering
Engineering is the process of designing and making the machinery and products of everyday life, such as cars, TVs, fuel and computers. Often working at the cutting edge of technology, it is changing the world quickly, safely and continuously.

The various branches of engineering are:
* mechanical - machinery, engines and production lines
* electrical and electronic - from nuclear power to television and mobile phones
* aerospace - larger and faster aircraft and space technology
* chemical - chemicals and materials for industrial use, eg plastic and microchips
* manufacturing - motor vehicles, toolmaking and control systems
* marine - shipbuilding and boatbuilding
* petroleum - oil and gas production.

Workers in engineering include operators who operate machinery and carry out assembly work, craftspeople who are employed in maintenance, fabrication and machining, and engineering technicians who are involved in solving practical problems. At senior levels, there are Incorporated Engineers who are responsible for the performance of a team, and Chartered Engineers with overall responsibility for major projects.

IT
Information technology (IT) has brought about big changes in most jobs and many organisations now rely on their computer installations. Businesses routinely use IT for communications and in all functions from design to marketing, while public sector organisations are moving towards 'paperless' information systems.

The growth in the use of the internet has seen great advances in e-commerce, database-driven websites and wireless fidelity ('WiFi') networking. Most computer specialists need to know something about internet technologies.
Jobs range from the highly technical, for instance software developer or technical support, to those requiring good business awareness, eg systems analysts and database administrators. Jobs such as multimedia designers or web professionals require high levels of creativity and possibly a design background.

Most IT people spend a lot of time working at a computer screen, but they are not necessarily sitting at a desk all day. They are often based in open plan offices with the rest of their team. Some work in call centres, dealing with computer users over the phone. Some jobs mean travelling to sell or install systems, or sort out problems on site.

Teamwork skills and good verbal and writing skills are often just as vital as technical knowledge, but almost all jobs need the ability to solve complex problems in a logical manner. Good listening skills, to understand and translate clients' needs, are required.

In the UK, around 1,102,000 people work in IT, and more than half are employed by businesses and organisations rather than IT companies. Vacancy levels can vary, but generally prospects for IT occupations are good, with possible shortages in some areas. Job opportunities exist in all parts of the country. IT skills are international and opportunities to work abroad are fairly common. Job titles can be confusing as they are not consistent across the industry and multiskilling means job functions can overlap. Many people work on a freelance or contract basis, or set up a consultancy.

source: Jobs 4 u website

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