If you aspire to a profession in sci-tech, before you start applying for jobs make sure you have as many of these skills as you can fit on your CV.
Sci-tech careers, that is jobs in the science and technology fields, can open up a world of opportunity for ambitious people looking to make their mark. The sky is the limit, but to ensure that you get what you are aiming for, it can help to have a range of hard and soft skills at your disposal.
Coding
You are starting off strong with an education in this area, as more and more employers in sci-tech appreciate someone with more than one programming language to their name. And while vibe-coding is becoming increasingly popular, there will always be a need for professionals with the skills to work with or without access to AI tools and technologies. If you don’t know where to start, consider an OG but always popular language like python, or if you want a real challenge, look outside the box.
Lab technique
Not every sci-tech role will involve a stint in a laboratory, but quite a few do and you may be required to commit some time to lab work, even if your long-term objectives are not likely to be in a lab. Handy skills to ensure a seamless experience include an understanding of regulation and compliance policy, general know-how in regards to equipment, microscopy, biology, chemistry and sterilisation techniques, among others.
Cybersecurity
Unlike lab work which you may or may not use in your future career, it is extraordinarily unlikely that you could move into any career that doesn’t demand at the very least a rudimentary understanding of how an organisation might implement cybersecurity policies and processes. To best prepare, read up on your region’s compliance laws, research ways to stay safe and commit to online activity that promotes best practice.
Cloud computing
More and more organisations are moving online, especially as they go all in on remote and flexible working arrangements. With that in mind, much of what an employee does in their home office ends up in an organisation’s cloud network, so before joining a sci-tech role applicants should ensure that they know how to navigate cloud tools, as well as the risks and benefits. Knowing how to use Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive and Dropbox is a really good start.
Research and academics
So much of what a sci-tech employee does depends on research, be it their own or someone else’s, but if you want to be the person driving new information and exploring new topics you will need to brush up on your research skills, as well as your ability to analyse, communicate, present, negotiate (for funding and resources), problem-solve and work ethically. Despite its technical nature, sci-tech careers demand a battery of soft skills, so don’t ignore them.
Data visualisation
It isn’t only people in the typically creative fields that need to be able to tell a story. Sci-tech professionals often find themselves in the role of storyteller, as they develop, present and defend often complex findings in a manner that anyone, regardless of the level of knowledge, could understand. Data visualisation skills enable those in the sci-tech field to better read, interpret and display important information, to decipher patterns and show potential impact.
ESG/CSR
We should all work towards being more aware of ESG and CSR requirements, not only what we are entitled to, but how we can give back. By their very nature, they promote a fairer, more sustainable working atmosphere and planet for us all.
By going into your new sci-tech role armed with foundational knowledge in this area, as well as the skills to research, suggest, promote and put into action ESG and CSR policies and initiatives, you ensure that you are doing your bit. Furthermore, it has the benefit of empowering you to develop a whole range of other skills and capabilities.
For example, it can broaden your network as you work with others, it can enable you to become more involved in the local community, you may further develop project management skills and overall, it can empower not just professional, but personal growth.
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