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Posted on 2010-10-21 in Careers

Science - A World of Opportunity

Jargon is often a means of concealing the truth, or the product of eager, but not particularly well informed types seeking to push the latest fad on an unsuspecting public. However there are times when the jargon is in fact describing something which is real, momentous and of critical importance to public policy, and indeed to every citizen of the country. The term ‘the Smart Economy’ is such a term. It is not a simply a piece of rhetoric, rather it is describing something which is real and of profound importance to all our futures.

The ‘Smart Economy’ is shorthand for describing an economy which makes full use of information technology and communications to drive innovation, research and development in a world where economic growth must be environmentally sustainable. The Smart Economy is a ‘Green Economy’ in that it recognises the inter-related challenges of climate change and energy security. It involves the transition to a low-carbon economy and recognises the opportunities for investment and jobs in clean industry. The core of this ‘Green New Deal’ is a move away from fossil-fuel based energy production through investment in renewable energy and increased energy efficiency to reduce demand, wastage and costs.

It is no exaggeration to say that Ireland facing some immense challenges. The nations is now at a critical nexus point and the decisions we take today will decide whether we see a return to real prosperity or whether we enter a period of prolonged and painful decline. The career choices, indeed the subject choices young people make today, will decide whether they have the opportunity to share in this new future or not.

Make no mistake there are a wealth of opportunities out there. Even in these remarkably tough times there are shortages of people with skills in high calibre niche areas including R&D scientists (chemists, biologists), managers (clinical trials, supply chain animal nutritionists, science technicians (prototyping/development), regulation experts and multidisciplinary experts (bio-convergence - blend of science and business.) There are jobs out there for people with the right skills and new jobs are being created all the time. For example IBM announced the establishment of a Global Centre of Excellence for Water Management through the development of green data-centre technologies. Alcon, a leading eye care company announced a €21.14 million expansion at its Cork operation increasing employment by 186 jobs; Microsoft expanded its Irish operations with a €360 million investment in a strategic data centre. The demand for skilled graduates with science engineering and technology skills are set to increase.

Young people should look at a career in science engineering and technology and carefully chose the subjects that allow them to study these areas in college. Parents should remind young people of the need to keep their career option by choosing the right subjects. For those studying these disciplines there is far more than a job available when they complete their education - there are fulfilling and meaningful careers and the opportunity to contribute to a brighter and better future for Ireland.

This article was written by Peter Brabazon, Programme Director, Discover Science and Engineering (www.discover-science.ie).