Aspiring science communicator
Initially, I had an education plan with a career progression in mind. I wanted a Diploma in Mass Communication, a Bachelor's in Philosophy, a Master's in Science Communication, and a PhD in Mathematics or Physics. I based this on the historic pathways to science communication. They usually received their bachelor's or PhD in science, and either worked in their professional field, e.g. engineering, medicine, or science, or worked as a broadcaster in traditional media, before transitioning into science communication as a media personality (precedence set by Bill Nye, David Attenborough, Neil deGrass Tyson, et al.). But the historic path doesn't reflect the current trends and demands, which is why I no longer wish to pursue a postgraduate education, and instead forge a new path.
Science communication is more relevant than ever. Sustainability and interdisciplinary careers are emerging fields worth billions of dollars (WEF, 2021). The science communicators I admire today are YouTubers in their own right (Abigail Thorn, Harry Brewis, Angela Collier, et al.), and I want to join them someday. Singapore is a business and banking hub, a maritime trading port, and so much more. We can be at the forefront of sustainability, climate action, and industry trends, if we play our cards right. This is why I want to be a science communicator in Singapore. We are under-represented on the global stage, and we have a lot to offer. Thus, I ask myself, what can I do to make a career for myself?
The essence of science communication is to convey scientific literature, advances, and news to other people. This technically happens in the classroom, but it happens in so many other places. It happens at conferences when researchers present their latest findings, when policymakers consult scientists, and when science gets popularised in mass media. These are some of the potential career opportunities for me to explore.
I am interested in the philosophy of science, mathematics, physics, metaphysics, and aesthetics. Outside philosophy, I am interested in science, sustainability, and climate action. Outside of work, I am interested in classical music, video games, sports, and societal issues (e.g. the housing crisis, queues, the future of music notation, Singapore's obsession with status). Thus, I am interested in science communication in the broadest sense; I don't strictly stick to science. Rather, I focus on what interests me, e.g. the nature of haute couture, quantum mechanics, and contemporary theories of consciousness.