Perhaps you re on the wrong career path. Many fields are available for people with science degrees at any level. However, identifying a career path outside of academia when everyone you know is an academician can be challenging. The technical skills learned in school or at a previous job are obviously important. However, most scientists also possess excellent analytical, problem solving, and computer skills.
Some people also have good human relations or oral and written communication skills.
When considering your abilities, it is important to keep an open mind about how scientific skills can be applied in other areas. For example, the person who is the diplomat in a large laboratory, solving the group s interpersonal problems and facilitating collaborations, possesses excellent leadership skills which are highly valued in managerial positions. Once you have clearly defined your strengths, identify the ones you enjoy most, since a satisfying career is one that utilizes them on a regular basis. Because of the large number of potential career choices, identifying the one or two most interesting ones usually requires a good deal of research. If no career path is immediately appealing, then the best place to start may be with assessment tests.