Are you interested in developing new innovative ways to advance scientific intelligence by applying your technical and analytical skills? Careers in science, research and development provide opportunities for scientific inquiry, conducting research, and developing new processes, products and technologies to solve complex real world problems and drive innovation. We invite you to explore this industries to determine if it is a good fit for you and utilize our resources to launch your job, internship, or graduate school search.
Make an Appointment with a Career Coach
Step One: Log into your Handshake account
Step Two: Click on Career Center in the top right, Appointments, and then Schedule a New Appointment
Step Three: Choose one of the following Appointment Categories: Resume/CV Review, Industry Research/Finding Experience, Graduation Professional School, Job Search
Step Four: Choose one of the following industries: Agriculture and Environmental Sciences OR Engineering
Step Five: Choose the appointment time and date that work for you!
Example Career Paths and Job Titles
Computer Software Engineer
Biological Technician
Medical Scientist
Chemist
Mechanical Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Industrial Engineer
Natural Science Managers
Research Assistant
Lab Technician
Career Resources
Use this section to research career paths, typical job titles, and how to start building skills to get prepared for this industry.
Student Organizations
- UTK Engineering and Technology Student Orgs
- Tickle College of Engineering Student Orgs
- UTK Research Student Orgs
Research
If you are considering a Masters or PhD, gaining research experience is very important (possibly even critical) for graduate school admissions. Explore the following resources for ideas on how and where to get started.
For specific research opportunities, students are encouraged to reach out to faculty directly by browsing the department websites to learn about research areas and sending a direct email to the faculty member. Students should make sure their email is professional and may want to consider attaching a resume.
Professional Organizations can be helpful in exploring more about certain sub-industries within Science, Research and Development, finding job opportunities, and connecting with professionals in your area of interest. Many have their own job search boards along with a way to sign up for job alerts. You can view a list of Professional Organizations associated with your area/major on What Can I Do With This Major. Below are a few examples of some professional organizations:
- American Physics Society
- Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence
- Association for Computing Machinery
- Association of Consulting Chemists and Chemical Engineers
- Association of Energy Engineers
- Association of Research Libraries
- Association for Information Science and Technology
- Biotechnology Innovation Organization
- Biotechnology Institute
- Computing Research Association
- Engineering in Medicine & Biology Society
- Institute of Biological Engineering
- Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS)
- National Organization of Research Development Professionals
- National Society of Professional Engineers
- Research and Development Society
- Search and Research Development Society
- Society of the Advancement of Material and Process
- Society for Biological Engineering
- Society for Advanced Academic Research and Development
- Society for Research Development
Use this section to search specific job and internship boards for this industry.
- Biospace.com
- Dice.com
- Engineering.com
- EngineerJobs.com
- jobrxiv.org
- National Organization of Research Development Professionals
- Researchinsociety.org
- ScienceCareers.com
- Sciencejobs.org
- USAJobs.com (Government Employers)
Graduate School Application Resources
Many graduate school resources can be found on our Prepare for Graduate School website, including deciding on graduate school, resumes, letters of recommendation, and admissions essays/personal statements. Graduate School Applications take time and will require roughly 6-9 months of preparation.
The key to applying to a graduate program within Science, Research and Development will be exploring each school and program’s process for obtaining a faculty mentor. You will likely need to research faculty associated with the program of interests and contact them to inquire about research opportunities and faculty mentorship. Below are some links you may find helpful:
- Graduate School Admissions Guide
- University of Tennessee College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Programs
- University of Tennessee Tickle College of Engineering Degrees Offered
Current Graduate Student Resources
Graduate students at the University of Tennessee have access to all of the resources offered by the Center for Career Development and Academic Exploration. Please see the “Make an Appointment with Your Career Coach” section above to explore all your professional development options.
Many international student resources can be found on our International Students website.
International students at the University of Tennessee have access to all of the resources offered by the Center for Career Development and Academic Exploration. Please see the “Make an Appointment with Your Career Coach” section above to explore all your professional development options.
Use this section to search specific job and internship information and resources for international students.