There is a wide range of science disciplines that contribute to a diverse set of career opportunities within this field. A career in any of the many science fields can vary from a corporate corner office to a 6-month field research project in Brazil.

Industry Insights

Check out the latest Firsthand guides on this industry:

Sample Employers in LionSHARE

  • Thermo Fisher Scientific
  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
  • National Human Genome Research Institute
  • The Rockefeller University 
  • Los Alamos National Laboratory
  • CGI

Focus Areas in Science

There are different ways in which your background and skills in science can contribute to the world of work:

  • Private Industry: work at companies such as Consumer Products, Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals, Environmental Consulting, Health Care Providers, and Research Foundations.
  • Education & Academia: opportunities in higher, secondary and primary education.
  • Federal, State, or Local Government:  work at The Food & Drug Administration, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Disease Control, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, NASA, or the National Institutes of Health.

Columbia University Resources

  • Columbia Alumni: Read profiles and get advice from Columbia alumni working in the field of science. 
Student Clubs & Professional Associations:
  • The Chandler Society of Columbia University: The Chandler Society serves as a tribute to the spirit of American chemist Charles Frederick Chandler, continuing the great tradition of bringing people together with Chemistry.
  • Columbia Neuroscience Society: The Columbia Neuroscience Society aims to create a community among students with an interest in neuroscience.
  • Columbia Science Review: The mission of the Columbia Science Review is to increase knowledge and awareness of science and technology in the Columbia community, promote scientific literacy at Columbia, and promote student activities within the sciences.
  • Columbia Undergraduate Science Journal: Professional-level, open-access science journal that is committed to publishing manuscripts of the highest scholarship resulting from significant scientific research or outstanding analysis.

Job and Internship Search Resources

JOB Boards

Life Sciences

Chemistry/Environment

Physics/Other

Associations