SCIENCE, ENGINEERING & IT
This is the field for you if you enjoy finding solutions to complex problems, inventing new things or working with data.
SOFTWARE ENGINEER
The people in this field are the professionals whose work makes the digital world possible. They design the inner workings of social media programs, apps and webpages, as well as the programs that make computers and smartphones work.
Like software developers, they write the code that makes systems and applications run, but they focus on more than just one part of the programming and need to consider the entire code and entire program during the design process to ensure everything works smoothly.
››EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Mathematics and computer science are essential matric subjects if you’re going into this field.
Software engineers must have a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree in computer science, mathematics, software engineering, information technology or a similar field.
Practical experience is important too, so graduates should complete an internship and, once employed, will have to attend seminars and courses to stay up to date with rapidly changing technology.
››STARTING SALARY
R510 000 a year
CIVIL ENGINEER
Civil engineers plan, design and manage construction projects that can range from small-scale projects such as bridge repairs to building an Olympic stadium, airport or multilane highway.
They can be employed in the private sector or by government departments and will usually specialise in a particular branch of the profession such as transportation engineering, structural engineering or geotechnical engineering.
››EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Mathematics is an essential matric subject if you plan to study for this career.
You’ll need a Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science (Engineering) degree, followed by three years of practical training under a registered professional civil engineer before registering as a professional engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa.
››STARTING SALARY
R562 000 a year
BIOTECHNOLOGIST
This is a general term for a large grouping of jobs in which scientists use biological processes for medical, industrial and other applications, including in the fields of agriculture and cosmetics.
Biotechnologists work on human, plant and animal cells, yeasts, bacteria, fungi and viruses to develop disease-free plants, new medicines or enzymes useful in various industries.
››EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Key matric subjects are mathematics, physical sciences and life sciences.
You’ll need a degree in a relevant scientific subject such as biotechnology, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, microbiology, environmental biology or chemical engineering.
A postgraduate qualification such as a master’s degree or PhD may be required, depending on the area in which you intend to specialise.
››STARTING SALARY
R276 000 a year
ANALYTICAL CHEMIST
These scientists assess the chemical structure and nature of substances.
Their skills are used in a variety of fields, including development of medical drugs, the mining industry, forensic analysis and toxicology, pharmaceutical development and quality control.
They can also develop processes and products, design instruments used in scientific analysis, teach and carry out research.
››EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Key matric subjects are mathematics, physical sciences and life sciences.
Several South African institutions offer a national diploma as well as degree qualifications in analytical chemistry.
Another study option is a Bachelor of Science in chemistry, which qualifies graduates to follow related careers, including pharmacology, forensic toxicology or chemical engineering.
››STARTING SALARY
R390 000 a year
LASER PHYSICIST
Laser physics is the study of the theory and application of lasers and optic light for the development of all kinds of technology, from communications and energy efficiency to satellites and space travel.
Laser physicists can work in many fields, including the engineering and automotive industries, medicine, the entertainment industry and event management.
››EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Mathematics and physical sciences are vital matric subjects.
You’ll have to study for a Bachelor of Science degree with physics as a major, followed by an honours or master’s degree.
To work in a research post with a company or university, graduates usually need additional postgraduate qualifications or to be working towards a PhD and have several years’ experience in the field.
››STARTING SALARY
R580 000 a year