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Science, engineering and technology interest fields

How do my career interests link with this field?

Science, Engineering and Technology may be a good fit if you are curious about how things work, enjoy solving problems, like working with numbers, data or technology, or are interested in designing, building, analysing or improving systems.

People working in these fields help solve many of society's challenges. They develop new technologies, improve healthcare, protect the environment, build infrastructure, analyse data, create software, improve manufacturing processes and contribute to scientific discovery. Some careers focus on scientific research, while others involve designing products, analysing information, developing software, managing technology or improving systems.

Science, engineering and technology
(main motivation: finding solutions to complex problems)

You may enjoy this field if you are interested in:

  • mathematics and science
  • computers and technology
  • designing or building things
  • solving practical problems
  • analysing data and information
  • understanding how systems work
  • research and innovation
  • engineering and infrastructure
  • artificial intelligence and digital technologies
  • environmental sustainability
  • logical thinking
  • experimenting and discovering new ideasd

Career fields, possible job titles and work environments

The science, engineering and technology fields offer a range of career options. Click on the career fields below to read more about each field, possible job titles and work environments.

Careers marked with an * are listed on the National List of Occupations in High Demand: 2024.

This information is a starting point for exploring options related to specific career fields. Be sure to expand your research by downloading our Career Research document and exploring additional resources.

Applied mathematics and mathematics

Mathematical Sciences focuses on creating, investigating and analysing mathematical structures to solve and understand mathematical problems. Mathematicians' work encompasses two primary domains: Theoretical Mathematics, which explores abstract concepts and proofs, and Applied Mathematics, which utilises mathematical principles to address practical challenges in fields ranging from engineering and economics to biology and computer science. Astronomy, another significant area, applies mathematical methods to study celestial phenomena and understand the universe's vast complexities.

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Chemical engineering

Chemical Engineering is mainly concerned with industrial processes for converting raw materials into products with a higher economic or social value through physical and chemical changes.

A person considering a career in the field of engineering should have the following qualities: an aptitude for mathematics and sciences, who also enjoys working with people, an analytical mind, a problem solver, likes to take on challenges, a good decision maker, enjoys exploring possible improvements to existing systems, coupled with the ability for creative and practical work.


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Chemistry

Chemistry studies the composition, structure, properties and change of matter. This diverse field encompasses several branches: analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, environmental chemistry and polymer chemistry.


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Civil engineering

Civil Engineering prepares graduates to perform one or more of the following duties: planning, investigations, design, detailing, analysis, bill of quantities, cost estimates, specifications, tender documentation, project management, work inspections, testing of materials and payment certificates.

A person considering a career in the field of engineering should have the following qualities: an aptitude for mathematics and sciences, who also enjoys working with people, an analytical mind, a problem solver, likes to take on challenges, a good decision maker, enjoys exploring possible improvements to existing systems, coupled with the ability for creative and practical work.


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Computer science and information systems

Computer science and information systems focus on developing software, solving computational problems and designing digital systems that improve how people live and work.


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Electrical engineering

Electrical Engineering and electronics are exciting and dynamic fields. Electrical engineers and technologists are responsible for the generation, transfer and conversion of electrical power, while electronic engineers and technologists are concerned with the transfer of information using radio waves, the design of electronic circuits, the design of computer systems and the development of control systems such as aircraft autopilots.

A person considering a career in the field of engineering should have the following qualities: an aptitude for mathematics and sciences, who also enjoys working with people, an analytical mind, a problem solver, likes to take on challenges, a good decision maker, enjoys exploring possible improvements to existing systems, coupled with the ability for creative and practical work.


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Industrial engineering

Industrial Engineering focuses on the design, improvement, and installation of integrated systems involving people, materials, information, equipment, and energy. Industrial engineers play a crucial role in analysing and refining systems to minimise waste, reduce costs, and maximise output, making significant contributions to organisational success and competitiveness. Additionally, they often collaborate with professionals from diverse disciplines to innovate and implement solutions that drive continuous improvement and sustainable development.

A person considering a career in the field of engineering should have the following qualities: an aptitude for mathematics and sciences, who also enjoys working with people, an analytical mind, a problem solver, likes to take on challenges, a good decision maker, enjoys exploring possible improvements to existing systems, coupled with the ability for creative and practical work.


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Mechanical engineering

Mechanical Engineering is concerned with the design, development, installation, operation and maintenance of just about anything that has movable parts. It involves the production, transmission and use of mechanical power.

A person considering a career in the field of engineering should have the following qualities: an aptitude for mathematics and sciences, who also enjoys working with people, an analytical mind, a problem solver, likes to take on challenges, a good decision maker, enjoys exploring possible improvements to existing systems, coupled with the ability for creative and practical work.

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Mining engineering

Mining Engineering includes aspects of geological, civil, mechanical and materials engineering. Experts in the field of Mining engineering are in charge of planning, designing, organising, and supervising the development of mines and much of the related facilities, equipment and infrastructure.

A person considering a career in the field of engineering should have the following qualities: an aptitude for mathematics and sciences, who also enjoys working with people, an analytical mind, a problem solver, likes to take on challenges, a good decision maker, enjoys exploring possible improvements to existing systems, coupled with the ability for creative and practical work.


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Physics

Physics is mainly concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy. The subject matter of physics includes heat, light and other radiation, sound, electricity, magnetism, and the structure of atoms. Physics expertise is used in education, the automotive industry, the defence industry, healthcare, energy, materials, technology, and computing.

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Statistics

Statistics is concerned with designing experiments and other data collection, summarising information to aid understanding, drawing conclusions from data and estimating the present or predicting the future.

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Further career information

Last modified: Thu Aug 06 09:23:13 SAST 2026