Career Compass: General Science

The three‐year General program is intended to provide diversified training in Science. The program provides students with broad exposure to the major areas of Science at the introductory level with a requirement for more advanced studies in one or more areas of Science. This program is not intended for students who desire to practice in some field of specialization in the Sciences. Students with that intent are recommended to pursue the Honours or the four‐year Major program

Skills you will gain by studying GENERAL SCIENCES

• The ability to safely operate complex equipment, and follow technical manuals with accuracy and proficiency
• The ability to collect, analyze and interpret data using statistical analysis, and make reasoned judgements on the basis of the available data
• The ability to think critically and apply both scientific and mathematical theories to solve complex problems
• The ability to communicate effectively both verbally, by giving effective presentations, and in writing, by preparing technical reports

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:

• 9 credit hours from COMP, MATH, or STAT
• 6 credit hours from ASTR, CHEM, or PHYS
• 6 credit hours from BIOL, or MBIO

See the Academic Calendar for a list of acceptable options to fulfill these requirements.

To do this year:

1. If you are deciding between a 3-year or 4-year degree, choose courses from the Balanced or Focused Approach course lists in the First Year Planning Guide.
2. When selecting introductory level courses, choose courses that will provide you with the prerequisites for advanced level course work.
3. Use UM Achieve to explore different options & corresponding requirements.
4. If you need academic support, visit one of the Help Centres, or attend a Supplementary Instruction session through the Academic Learning Centre.

CAREER TIPS

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
4. Set up your Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Student groups including UMSU and Science Students' Association.
2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience.
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as Community Engaged Learning programs and the Student Leadership Development Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Considering international opportunities? Visit the International Centre website to learn about international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit Migizii Agamik, the International Centre or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements: Complete 36 credit hours of 2000-4000 level Faculty of Science courses.

To do this year:

1. Consider focusing your education by selecting advanced level courses in areas of interest. Please note pre-requisite courses fulfill first year requirements. Plan ahead.
2. Use UM Achieve to prepare a plan for registration.
3. Considering a professional program? Refer to the Applicant Information Bulletin and meet with a science advisor to familiarize yourself with the pre-professional requirements of your intended program.

CAREER TIPS

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
3. Develop professional connections with professors by applying for an Undergraduate Research Award.

Investigate your career options:

1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
3. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Explore student research opportunities: Apply for a research assistant position, Undergraduate Research Award or NSERC grant.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out Let's Talk Science, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, WISH Clinic or environmental conservation and ecological organizations (e.g. Ducks Unlimited).

Check out student job opportunities with: City of Winnipeg, Mini U, Office of Rural and Northern Health and WISE Kid-Netic Energy.

Earn while you learn: Consider applying to the General Science Internship Program (GSIP) once you have completed 24 credit hours.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange, a Community Engaged Learning program,  Wetland Ecology Field Course at Delta Waterfowl Station, My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday".

Staying local? Check out the Wildlife Project in Churchill or the Leaf Rapids: Northern Community Engagement. Consider enhancing language and culture knowledge through the Language Partner Volunteer Program.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements: Complete advanced level course work and any outstanding program requirements.

To do this year: 

1. Use UM Achieve to check eligibility to graduate.
2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with a science advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

CAREER TIPS

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

Start job search 9 months in advanced: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing to a professional program: Finalize your application materials and search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Science.ca, Job Bank, Find My Job, Indeed or other search engines.

Use your network and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying to a professional program.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as the Post-Secondary Recruitment Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program, volunteer for the International Student Mentorship Program or take part in Graduation Pow Wow.

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus and register for the Intercultural Leaders program through the International Centre.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

• Academic Advisor
• Administrative Officer
• Biological Technologist
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency Inspector
• Chemical Technologist
• Crime Scene Investigator (Police Officer)
• Environmental Project Manager
• Financial Planner
• Fish and Wildlife Officer
• Insurance Underwriter
• Laboratory Assistant
• Occupational Health and Safety Officer
• Market Research Analyst 
• Park Interpreter
• Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
• Research Assistant
• Systems Support Technician
• Water Quality Technician

Options requiring other education

• Chiropractor
• Dentist
• Lawyer
• Medical Doctor
• Medical Laboratory Technologist
• Occupational Therapist
• Optometrist
• Pharmacist
• Physiotherapist
• Registered Nurse
• Respiratory Therapist
• Science/Math Teacher
• Veterinarian

Industries such as business, education, pharmaceutical development, public health and medicine would value a general science degree in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

• Oral and written communication
• Numeracy and data use
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Teamwork
• Digital technology
• Industry specific knowledge
• Continuous learning

Attain skills through your classroom education by taking advantage of experiential education opportunities.

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000⁺ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.