Research-based career exploration during high school can be life-changing and can give students an opportunity to see the world of science, inquiry, critical thinking, and innovation hands-on! There are opportunities to shadow a professional or simulate shadowing a professional within the context of a project and internship. When students explore a research-based career path by shadowing a professional or simulating their work, they are provided a better understanding of their career interests and future aspirations on top of developing skills to help them perform in school and future work. This text elaborates on ten research-based careers high school students can potentially shadow or simulate, providing a foundational understanding of each field and options for doing so.
1. Biomedical Researcher
Biomedical scientists are at the forefront of medical breakthroughs that improve people's lives and shape our society, and, in this time of unprecedented challenges, scientists have stepped up to take on some of the world's greatest problems. High school students might become introduced to the process of biomedical research as they watch research professionals in action in university research laboratories and hospital and biotechnology company settings. There are a variety of summer programs and internships through universities and research institutions, for example, available to high school students.
When shadowing biomedical researchers, you observe experimentation; learn about lab safety procedures; and learn about the scientific method through observation. Students may see how researchers develop experimental project designs, collect and analyze data for interpretation, or present their conclusions to selected audiences. If students do not have access to an in-person opportunity there are now virtual laboratories and online simulation experiences that can facilitate aspects of experimental work, including culturing cells or assessing pharmaceutical efficacy. Participating in science fairs with projects that touch upon gene editing, microbiology, or pharmacology would also simulate most aspects of a biomedical research career and instill critical thinking in the guise of the scientific approach to laboratory skills.
2. Environmental Scientist
Environmental scientists study the natural environment and how human activity influences ecosystems. High school students can shadow people working in environmental fields like conservation, environmental consulting, or local and state government agencies. Programs such as the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Secondary School Field Research Program and the Student Conservation Association provides hands-on activities related to fieldwork and lab research by allowing students to work on genuine environmental problems. After following an environmental scientist, students’ shadowing activities may also involve going with an environmental scientist on a field survey and collecting water or soil samples, showing them the use of scientific equipment, etc.
Students can also replicate the activities of environmental scientists by conducting assessments of their local environment, such as testing the quality of water in their local streams or assessing biodiversity in their local park. All of these activities provide the students’ experiences of collecting and analyzing data, or reports, and the elements of sustainability and give students relevant skills in scientific observation and reporting in a project.
3. Data Scientist
Data scientists work with large datasets to identify patterns and facilitate decision-making in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and finance. You can experience data analytics or data science as high school students or competition participants who shadow or intern with data analysts or data scientists in a company or through online internships.
During a shadowing experience, students may observe data scientists cleaning and organizing data, utilizing programming languages such as Python or R, and developing data visualizations. To simulate or experience this career, students could pursue their projects, sign up for online competitions (e.g., Kaggle), and analyze any publicly available datasets. Students will experience critical skill-building opportunities in statistics, coding, and problem-solving, which are all required in data science.
4. Psychologist (Research Focus)
Researchers in psychology study human conduct and mental activity through experimentation, surveys, and naturalistic observation. While high school students cannot "job shadow" a psychologist for careers such as industrial-organizational psychology where there are restrictions against practicing psychology as a minor, students can "job shadow" in university or research institution psychology departments, clinics, and labs. Many universities have practicum opportunities for high school students to act as interns or volunteers so that they can assist with experiments and administer data and data analysis under supervision.
For example, students shadowing an experimental study with a researcher would likely observe how an experiment is developed, discuss consent and ethical issues, and then discuss data and results from previous studies. Although students cannot legally be paid to work as research assistants, they can replicate this line of work by creating surveys or experiments on their own that pertain to psychology, such as memory, perception, or social aspects of psychology, and then analyze the findings statistically. In this way, a student would learn more about experimental design, the ethics of research, appropriate data representation, more about communication, and analytical skills.
5. Chemist
Chemists investigate a variety of properties and chemical reactions to create new materials, medicines, or even products. High school students can do this by shadowing a chemist in an industrial lab, an academic lab, or through a program such as Stanford’s Inspiring Future Scientists Through Shadowing (IFSS). These programs allow students to see state-of-the-art research as well as gain authentic ways of experience in laboratory techniques.
Typically, when shadowing a chemist, students would spend their time watching experiments, learning about lab safety, as well as learning how the chemist would study a set of chemical reactions. Students have a variety of ways to simulate this career by doing safe experiments in school or at home, using virtual chemistry labs, or competing in organized chemistry competitions. All of the steps will develop focus and attention to detail, as well as being able to solve and learn the principles of chemical experimentation which are all extremely important as a competent chemist.
6. Anthropologist
Anthropologists study human societies, cultures, and evolution. High school students with an interest in history, sociology, or biology can accomplish a "shadow" experience of anthropologists working in museums, at universities, or in the field. Many universities will have pre-college or summer programs in anthropology where students will be able to apply anthropological methods through hands-on learning, fieldwork, and contact with experts.
If you're shadowing an anthropologist, you might watch them dig in an archaeological site, analyze material culture, or perhaps participate in ethnographic research. The student might do an application of this occupation by doing thein research project, for example, by interviewing community members about cultural customs, or even studying the history of humanity by digging through fossilized remains. These experiences will give the student abilities in qualitative research, critical thinking, and cultural study, but they will also emphasize the ethical considerations in studying human societies.
7. Astronomer
Astronomers study celestial objects and phenomena for a greater understanding of the universe for people living on Earth. High school students can shadow astronomers in observatories, research institutions, or NASA’s High School Shadowing Day. In those programs, students get to see the daily work astronomers do performing jobs that include observing data, operating telescopes, and communicating science.
To shadow an astronomer, a student might attend public lectures, use a telescope to view the night sky or take advantage of various citizen science activities, such as tracking meteor showers. In simulating this career, students could analyze astronomical data sets, build simple telescopes, or participate in an astronomy club. All of these pursuits can spark curiosity about space, and of course, build their skills in the fields of physics and mathematics while practicing data analysis that are foundations of any path to pursuing astronomy.
8. Social Science Researcher
Social science researchers study social behavior and human societies as well as aspects of human behavior. They will conduct either qualitative or quantitative research studies. If you are in high school, you will have the chance to shadow a researcher in social science in an area that may include economics, political science, or sociology (or the majority of social sciences). There are several forms of programs offered through specific universities or research organizations. Shadowing will typically involve the observation of social issues being studied through interviews, surveys, or experiments, and may also involve participating in the analysis of the data and writing a report.
One way to simulate this career is by making a design and performing a series of surveys on topics of interest, analyzing the results, and reporting the findings either in a written report or a presentation. Each of the components of this activity will improve your research design capabilities, statistical understanding, and societal awareness while also facilitating the development of both communication and creative/critical thinking skills.
9. Agricultural Scientist
Agricultural researchers utilize their expertise and experience to help improve crop harvests, soil health, and sustainable agricultural activities. These programs allow students to see the real-world applications of any scientific research in agriculture and they also gets to see where agriculture research begins, back to the lab for analysis, and of course back out to the field.
If students had a chance to shadow an agricultural scientist, they might observe them conducting an experiment on plant growth or plant growth, or soil testing, or pest control methods. More realistically, to simulate this profession, the student can mirror their plant experiment, and choose multiple fertilizers so that they determine what fertilizer works with a certain plant's growth rhythm, or if they were really researchers, they could investigate the science of crop rotation, and its benefits. These opportunities will not only build students' knowledge of biology or ecology or environmental science, it will also help them build essential real-world research skills, such as experimentation and analysis of data.
10. Computer Scientist (Research-Oriented)
Computer scientists create algorithms, software, and technologies through research and experimentation. High school students can collaborate and follow the work done by researchers in academic institutions or tech companies, or by taking part in coding internships or hackathons. Many non-profits have programs for high school students to work on real projects, with support and mentoring.
When students shadow a computer scientist, they might participate in software development, learn about designing algorithms, and even attend meetings with their research team. Students can try a DIY version of this career path with coding projects, developing simple algorithms, or participating in online coding competitions. Whether the student is learning the logic they need to move from an abstract problem to a solution, practicing their programming skills, or being creative about a problem, they are developing skills to enter the field of computer science.
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Research offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE Research helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Research’s official website and take your college preparation to the next level!
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