Non-Traditional Paths Into Science

For many careers, but especially science, there’s an assumption that the "real" path into science involves strong high school grades, a four-year university straight out of high school, and a steady, linear march toward a research career without any detours. Contrary to popular belief, plenty of excellent scientists never followed that path at all!

Some scientists are largely self-taught in a specific skill, especially common in fields like computer science and data science, where free online courses, open documentation, and personal projects can build skills outside of a classroom. Some others may start at a community college before transferring to a four-year university to finish their degree. This is a very common route, especially since education is increasingly becoming more expensive. 

There are still other versions of this same story. Some scientists come to research after military service, using education benefits to fund a degree years after high school, often bringing an unusual level of discipline with them. Others return to school as adults with families or full-time jobs already in place, studying part-time over a much longer stretch than the typical four years. 

If you're a student who doesn't have a research position lined up yet, who transferred schools, who's taking a slower or less conventional route, or who's simply unsure about what’s next to come: that’s okay! There is no single ‘correct’ way to get involved in science. As with anything, the field benefits from having people who come from incredibly diverse backgrounds and pathways. Starting later or at a different orientation is just another way to enter, and it certainly produces scientists with a more grounded perspective.