• Question: How old were you when you realised you wanted to be a scientist?

    Asked by anon-217988 to Shannah, Richard, Matthew (known as Kaan by, johnpaterson, Emma, Anna on 8 Jun 2019. This question was also asked by anon-217991, anon-218017, anon-217980, anon-217981, anon-217986, anon-218036, anon-217985, anon-217973, anon-218331.
    • Photo: Emma Markham

      Emma Markham answered on 8 Jun 2019:


      I only considered I wanted to be a scientist during my A-Levels, as I originally left school at 16 and worked full-time in a shoe shop and part time in a DIY store, while studying a night course in tailoring. However, once I qualified I couldn’t find work as a tailor, and so I went back to school to do my A-levels. I enjoyed science but it wasn’t until my second year that I realised I could be a scientist, so I was 18. I wish I had realised sooner, as I could have done things differently or done some relevant work experience or volunteering, but I’m still glad I became a scientist. I have met people who have working in one job for decades and then realised they wanted to be a scientist in their 30s or 40s or even when they retire, so it’s never to late to become a scientists (although it is much easier if you gain experience and qualifications when you are in school).

    • Photo: John Paterson

      John Paterson answered on 10 Jun 2019:


      I have always had an interest in science from a young age, even since before I was 10. However having an interest in something and realising you want to do it as a job are two different things! I guess I didn’t properly realise I wanted to be a scientist until I left my old job for it 3 years ago, so when I was 30 years old. If that shows anything I guess it’s that it’s never too late to change and do something you love.

    • Photo: Shannah Gates

      Shannah Gates answered on 11 Jun 2019:


      When I finished university. I studied biology and really enjoyed it. So when I finished university and had to decide what job I wanted I knew I didnt want to do any other job and that I wanted to keep doing science.

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