Which Science, Engineering & Lab Career Is Right for Me?

How it works

Rate how much you’d enjoy each activity, then answer four preference questions. We’ll rank the 47 science and engineering careers we profile by how well they fit you.

Question 1 of 22Fixing or building things with tools

Question 2 of 22Figuring out why something isn’t working

Question 3 of 22Designing, writing or creating things

Question 4 of 22Helping people who are sick, stressed or struggling

Question 5 of 22Taking charge of a group or a crisis

Question 6 of 22Keeping records, schedules or files organized

Question 7 of 22Working outdoors or on a job site

Question 8 of 22Analyzing data or evidence to answer a question

Question 9 of 22Coming up with new ideas or better ways to do things

Question 10 of 22Teaching or explaining things to others

Question 11 of 22Persuading or negotiating with people

Question 12 of 22Following clear procedures and checklists

Question 13 of 22Operating machines, vehicles or heavy equipment

Question 14 of 22Learning how systems work: the body, a network, an engine

Question 15 of 22Working on projects without a fixed routine

Question 16 of 22Working closely as part of a team

Question 17 of 22Setting goals and competing to hit them

Question 18 of 22Working with numbers and details accurately

Question 19 of 22How much more education or training are you willing to do?

A few weeks to a few monthsUp to a year or twoTwo to four yearsWhatever it takes for the right career

Question 20 of 22Where would you rather spend most of your workday?

Indoors: clinic, office, shop or plantOutdoors or on job sitesA mix of bothAt a computer, possibly remote

Question 21 of 22What pace suits you best?

Fast-paced. I like constant actionSteady and predictableNo strong preference

Question 22 of 22What matters most in your next job?

Higher payHelping peoplePlenty of job openings and securityStarting work quickly

Careers included, with fit quizzes and practice tests

Aerospace Engineer: Design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites and missiles. (fit quiz · practice test)
Aerospace Engineering Technician: Build, test and maintain aircraft and spacecraft systems alongside engineers. (fit quiz · practice test)
Archaeologist: Uncover and study artifacts and sites to learn about past human life. (fit quiz · practice test)
Architect: Design buildings that are safe, useful and beautiful. (fit quiz · practice test)
Astronomer: Study stars, planets and the universe using telescopes and data. (fit quiz · practice test)
Biochemist: Study the chemistry of living things to develop medicines and new technologies. (fit quiz · practice test)
Biological Technician: Run experiments and lab work that power biology and biotech research. (fit quiz · practice test)
Biomedical Engineer: Design medical devices, implants and technology that improve patient care. (fit quiz · practice test)
CAD Drafter: Turn engineers’ and architects’ designs into detailed technical drawings. (fit quiz · practice test)
Calibration Technician: Make sure gauges and instruments measure accurately. (fit quiz · practice test)
Cartographer: Make maps and analyze geographic data. (fit quiz · practice test)
Chemical Engineer: Design processes that turn raw materials into fuels, medicines, food and chemicals. (fit quiz · practice test)
Chemical Technician: Run chemical tests and experiments that support research and production. (fit quiz · practice test)
Chemist: Study substances and create new materials, medicines and products. (fit quiz · practice test)
Civil Engineer: Design and build roads, bridges, water systems and the infrastructure we rely on. (fit quiz · practice test)
Civil Engineering Technician: Help civil engineers plan, design and test roads, bridges and infrastructure. (fit quiz · practice test)
Electrical Drafter: Draw wiring diagrams and electrical plans for buildings and equipment. (fit quiz · practice test)
Electrical Engineer: Design power systems, electronics and controls that run modern life. (fit quiz · practice test)
Electronics Engineer: Design circuits and electronic systems for devices, vehicles and communications. (fit quiz · practice test)
Engineering Manager: Lead teams of engineers who design products, systems and structures. (fit quiz · practice test)
Epidemiologist: Track diseases and find out what causes them to protect public health. (fit quiz · practice test)
Food Science Technician: Test food and ingredients to keep products safe, consistent and tasty. (fit quiz · practice test)
Food Scientist: Develop new foods and make sure food is safe and tasty. (fit quiz · practice test)
Forensic Science Technician: Collect and analyze evidence that helps solve crimes. (fit quiz · practice test)
Geographer: Study places, people and the environment using maps and spatial data. (fit quiz · practice test)
Geoscientist: Study the Earth’s rocks, water and processes to find resources and reduce hazards. (fit quiz · practice test)
Historian: Research and interpret the past for governments, museums and the public. (fit quiz · practice test)
Marine Engineer: Design ships, submarines and offshore structures. (fit quiz · practice test)
Materials Engineer: Develop and test metals, plastics, ceramics and composites. (fit quiz · practice test)
Materials Scientist: Research new materials for batteries, electronics and medicine. (fit quiz · practice test)
Mathematician: Develop math theories and models to solve problems in science, business and security. (fit quiz · practice test)
Mechanical Drafter: Create detailed drawings of machines, parts and mechanical systems. (fit quiz · practice test)
Mechanical Engineer: Design machines, engines, tools and products that move and work. (fit quiz · practice test)
Mechanical Engineering Technician: Build, test and improve machines and mechanical products with engineers. (fit quiz · practice test)
Mechatronics Technician: Install and fix automated systems that combine mechanics, electronics and controls. (fit quiz · practice test)
Medical Laboratory Technician: Run the lab tests doctors use to diagnose and treat patients. (fit quiz · practice test)
Medical Scientist: Research diseases and develop treatments to improve human health. (fit quiz · practice test)
Meteorologist: Forecast weather and study the atmosphere. (fit quiz · practice test)
Microbiologist: Study bacteria, viruses and microbes to protect health and make products. (fit quiz · practice test)
Natural Sciences Manager: Lead scientists and labs doing research and testing. (fit quiz · practice test)
Physicist: Study matter, energy and forces to discover how the universe works. (fit quiz · practice test)
Semiconductor Processing Technician: Run the clean-room tools that make computer chips. (fit quiz · practice test)
Social Science Research Assistant: Help researchers collect and analyze data on people and society. (fit quiz · practice test)
Sociologist: Study how groups, institutions and societies shape people’s lives. (fit quiz · practice test)
Statistician: Design studies and analyze data to answer questions in health, business and science. (fit quiz · practice test)
Surveying Technician: Collect measurements in the field and help surveyors map land. (fit quiz · practice test)
Surveyor: Measure land and set official property boundaries. (fit quiz · practice test)

Want to compare across all fields? Take the full Career Match Quiz.