No scientist working today could fail to be aware of the anguished debate about the poor career structure and lack of basic opportunities in academic research. Nature's current debate on the situation of women in scientific careers (http://helix.nature.com/debates/women), which has attracted a huge number of contributions, provides but one example. Yet a knowledge of science provides the individual with skills far more wide-ranging than that of the practice of scientific research itself. Increasingly, science is a language, familiarity with which can enhance ones prospects in a host of non-scientific professions.
This supplement, on career choices for scientists, provides Nature's UK readers with a review of some of these opportunities. Whether at the undergraduate level or at the level of a government minister, there are numerous opportunities for those who speak science's language but who do not wish to continue in, or who wish to switch from, a career in scientific research. Many of these jobs provide far more long-term security, cover a broader span of subjects and certainly can pay better than positions at the lab bench or department's computer terminal. We hope that you will find this supplement sparks your interest in a profession which you may not previously have considered, but for which you may be eminently well qualified.
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