If you have decided against medical or other professional health programs; graduate school and a traditional research/teaching job in the sciences, then you might want to consider a non-traditional career in the sciences.  For most of these careers, a broad interest in the sciences is a prerequisite.  Here we list just some of the options that are available.  

If you like to write...

The best sign that you might enjoy science writing is that you love to know all about many aspects of science, can quickly learn the basics about many topics and can describe complex subjects in clear, exciting prose.  Science writers are hired by newspapers, magazines, and journals and for web site development.   Many science writers are freelance authors and so need to have some “business skills” as well as writing skills.  While some science writers have also completed a degree in journalism, many do not.  A good site for you to explore is the National Association of Science Writers web site.  The American Association for the Advancement of Science has a fellowship for students interested in becoming a science writer. 

A site for those interested in environmental journalism is the Society of Environmental Journalists.  If you are interested in writing about medical topics, check out the American Medical Writers Association. For those more interested in conveying technical information, visit the Society for Technical Communication.

If you like computers and math...

Bioinformatics and computational biology are increasingly popular careers.  Workers in these professions combine computer sciences and the biological sciences to model and analyze vast amounts of biological data .  The International Society for Computational Biology has a Bioinformatics graduate program search.

If you like management or developing new ideas...

If you are interested in management or helping to develop technology, you might want to consider a Master of Science degree in a technical field.  While some of these degrees are for bioinformatics, others are for applied biosciences, environmental monitoring, remote sensing and spatial information management, biomedical informatics, and more.  Many of these programs are described at Professional Professional Science Masters.  

If you like to work with children or young adults...

Science education might be the place for you.  If you have ever wanted to work in a science and technology museum or a zoo, you should check out the Association of Science-Technology Centers, the American Alliance of Museums, and he American Zoo and Aquarium Association.  Often environmental or conservation societies hire environmental educators.  There are several local science centers here in Missoula; check out our Exploring Local Jobs and Internships for place you might volunteer.  If you want to teach science to middle or high school students, consider our teacher preparation options in biology; more information may be found at our Education - Teacher Preparation site.  

If you like drawing or photography...

You might want to consider science illustration or medical illustration as a career.  The Guild of Natural Science Illustrators has a career and education/training page.  The web site for the Association of Medical Illustrators includes some of the schools that currently offer training for this career.