calling all physics/chemistry/maths grads -help please

[poppy34]

dsc is thinking of uni courses (she is due to apply next year) and is doing maths , chemistry and physics a levels. they quite like all of these (And is reasonably talented -got good gcses) at all of this but thinks that their interest/aptitude is probably not enough to see them doing etiher a pure physics or chemistry degree (dh did chemistry degree which hated as found it far too detailed ).

any thoughts on courses they could do that would allow them to study things more generally or have a more practical focus (engineering has been mentioned but I think they are concerned that this is similarly scientific).

their ultimate aim is I think to do something business/economic related (they are also doing economics) but doesnt like more arts based/essay type nature of studying for economics so has ruled this out.

Who is the "they" in your post?

its one of my dsc but I'm always a bit sensitive about giving too many specifics about them - I know that sounds a bit ott but didnt really want to name change to post

I did a chemistry degree and ended up being an accountant (via primary school teaching ).

an Accountancy degree could be an option.

I didn't enjoy chemistry but it was the subject I was worst at. Should have done physics but can't change that now.

I did maths with economics - was good as the main focus was the maths but the economics added in a bit of something less black and white.
but then I loved the maths aspects.

I did the same levels, followed by a degree in Physics and Geology. Like you, I didnlt think I coudl manage a whole Physics degree, but I was fascinated by the subject. Followed this up straightaway by an MSc (fully funded)in Engineering Geology (geology applied to developing land - contaminated land clean up, foundation deign, slope stabilisation, coastl defence, flood defences....) and have worked for civil engineering consultancies for10 years +). (Apart from when I did a PhD (also funded), although I think that this has hindered my career rather than helped.)I knwo work for a large Quango that does engineering works for flood defences. I love it

I wouldn't discount engineering as a degree for the technically minded. As well as the technical stuff, my job involves a lot of businessy stuff too. A lot of engineering is very much about finding the best solution within economic constraints; cost benefit analysis; project management; public engagement (on big things that may disrupt villages etc); business forecasting; cost control.

But for something numerate, businessy and without essays - Accountancy? Actuarial work?

biomedical sciences?

the economics/maths route might be an idea.

Accountancy degree is an option -although like you noah I'm an accountant with an unrelated degree so I know that is something she could follow up later if required (the fact I had an unrelated degree was not an issue when I was looking for a job).

Environmental sciences? That often includes some sort of economic aspect, and I think they may like you to have economics A level too.

University of East Anglia has a big department in that area, also Southampton, sure there are lots of others.

I did a chemistry degree and ended up as CEO of an engineering company. Nothing wrong with studying a very science-y subject - it shows you've got a proper brain.

My suggestions from what you describe are, irrelevant of what she actually studies:

• Make sure she gets involved in the Enterprise Club at uni - will get contact with businesses, enter student enterprise competitions etc. That will give her a much better understaning of how she wants to steer her career and use her degree in a business setting.
• Look for unis that are really good at this stuff, e.g. do they have undergraduate papers on science and business, often co-taught with management/ economics depts. Do they have really good links with science businesses and do lots of joint uni / industry projects?
• Look for courses which include real industry / business projects as part of the assessment.
• Work during the holidays in local science/ engineering based business. Unis often run schemes where these placements are subsidised, and we have hired students after graduation based on their holiday work.

Does she know people who are doing the sort of work she eventually wants to do? Can she ask:

1. How did you get here?
2. If you were hiring a new student today to possibly progress up to this job, what would you be looking for?

Thanks everyone- this is all really useful and musch appreciated.

How about Natural Sciences?

You can combine science degrees with management so this may take down the 'detail' if that is a worry. I did a chemistry degree followed by PhD and have worked in industry as a research scientist but am now a secondary school teacher. I just chose the subject I enjoyed the most (chemistry) and took things from there. Some quality work experience or a summer school may help your dc to decide.