Industry Exploration
Western Science students work in a broad range of positions during their internship. Be flexible, often the technical skills that you have acquired have prepared you for a variety of careers in multiple fields. Throughout the preparatory phase of the program, you will become aware of the diverse opportunities that are open to you and how to leverage them. If you have any questions, we are here to guide you and help you take that first step toward a successful career.
Scan some snapshots of the positions our interns and graduates have gone on to pursue and remember that these are a few examples of the many jobs our student
Biological Sciences
The breadth of courses within the Biology curriculum develop practical laboratory skills as well as the knowledge that prepares graduates for a wide range of research careers in the public and private sectors. Many of our graduates also go on to professional programs in medicine, dentistry, law, and teaching.
Our graduates have gone on to pursue careers in:
Consultant in Environmental conservation
Health care administrator
Laboratory technician
Biotechnologist
Microbiologist
Geneticist
Chemistry
Chemistry at Western Science gives students hands-on access to instrumentation (e.g., UV/VIS, FTIR, AA, IC, GC, and NMR spectrometers), develops their skills in report writing, and by their third year ensures they spend 12 hours per week in the lab.
In addition to professional areas such as finance, law, medicine, business and teaching, career options for Chemistry graduates also includes:
Government Research
Environmental Chemist
Laboratory technician
Quality Control Chemistry
Laboratory Administrator
Technical Sales and Service
Computer Science
Computer science at Western is responsive to the ever-changing computational and analytics challenges facing businesses in the Information Age.
Our flagship programs in Computer Science grant degrees that are accredited by the Computer Science Accreditation Council (CSAC) and the Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS), facilitating subsequent professional certification as an Information Systems Professional and Information Technology Certified Professional.
Computer Science graduates at Western are prepared for careers in the following fields:
Database Administrator
E-Commerce Analyst
Multi-media Programmer
Programmer Analyst
Software Engineer
Technology Manager
Data Modeller
Game Developer
Network Administrator
Researcher
System Analyst
User Interface Designer
Data Scientist
Mobile Developer
Network Analyst
Security Analyst
Systems Engineer
Web Developer
Earth Sciences
At Western, we recognize the major demand for geoscientists worldwide. Our Professional Programs in Earth Sciences are designed to meet the academic requirements for professional licensing in Canada to work as a Professional Geoscientist.
Examples of jobs our students have pursued include:
Exploration and Development (Petroleum Industry)
Natural Hazards Research
Metal and Industrial Mining and Exploration
Satellite and land-based imaging
Resource evaluation for private and public sector organisations
Management of water resources and remediation of contaminated sites
Environmental Sciences
The Environmental Science program at Western is an interdepartmental program that combines components from the departments of Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, and Geography. Emphasis is placed on understanding the scientific basis underlying environmental problems and their potential solutions by examining how physical, chemical and biological processes at local to global scales interact with the influence and interests of humans in these processes.
Our students go on to careers in resource industries, sustainability positions in businesses of all kinds including:
Consultant in Environmental conservation
Environmental Monitor
Laboratory technician
Sustainability Researcher
Environmental policy
Sustainability Educator
Mathematics & Applied Mathematics
The acquired skills of our mathematics and applied mathematics are aligned with demand seen in almost every area of science and industry. Our graduates' go on to use matrix algebra and calculus to develop mathematical and computational models for pure scientific research and industrial process innovation, including cancer therapy treatment design, liquid crystals development to tracking evolutionary resistance, and drug therapy.
Due to the increased importance placed on technology, big data, and economic efficiency our students find opportunities in organizations across the globe, taking on positions that include:
| Financial Analyst | Systems Analyst | Geophysical Analyst | Intelligence Analyst |
| Information technology | Cryptologist | Information security | Statistical research |
| Management Consultant | Data Scientist | Operations research | Market research |
Medical Sciences
Employers should be aware that our basic medical science program is a unique opportunity for students wishing to pursue medicine in Canada. This program focuses on the application of science to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of human disease.
Medicine and Dentistry
Nursing
Pharmacy Technician
Optometrist
Audiologist
Physiotherapist
Physics & Astronomy
Our undergraduates acquire proficiency in problem-solving, mathematics, experimental design, computer simulation, and data analysis while experiencing the tools and techniques of modern high technology.
Our graduates are employed worldwide in fields as diverse as:
| Academic and Industrial Scientist | Entrepreneur Tech Start-Up |
Government Scientist in Weather Forecasting and Climate Prediction | Radiation oncologist | University/College Professor |
| Science Educator | Financial Analyst | Imaging Medical Physicist | Data Scientist |
Recent graduates have also gone on to work as industry scientists at medical imaging companies, software specialists working with Big Data and completing MD degrees at Ontario medical schools.
Statistical & Actuarial Sciences
The Department of Statistical and Actuarial Sciences at Western is the only department of its kind in Canada to focus on interpersonal, leadership, and communications skill development by offering a dedicated business skills course. Our students focus on one of four main areas of study:
- Statistical Sciences- collection, analysis, and interpretation of data using probability and other mathematical tools.
- Actuarial Sciences- models and methods used in the analysis and management of financial risk.
- Financial Modelling- application of statistics, mathematics, and computing skills used in understanding financial markets and business.
- Data Science- methodologies for inspecting, cleaning, managing, transform, visualizing and
modeling data.
Career Positions
| Statistical Sciences | Actuarial Sciences | Financial Modelling | Data Science |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acquiring expertise in statistical methods positions our graduates to pursue careers in engineering, politics, financial management, insurance, marketing, medicine and social science. | Actuarial graduates apply their knowledge of mathematics, probability, and statistics to financial" problems in the insurance pensions employee benefits fields | Financial modelling graduates go onto careers pricing and hedging of portfolios of stocks, bonds, and their derivative securities as well as in the analysis and quantification of financial risk in large financial institutions. | Data science graduates generate and analyze digital information for a broad range of industries |
