How do my career interests link with this field?
Read the statements below and select the statements that apply to you. The more statements that apply, the stronger your interest in this career field.
Science, engineering and technology
(main motivation: finding solutions to complex problems)
- designing things
- inventing new things
- knowing how things work
- mathematics
- problem-solving
- sciences (chemistry and physics)
- technology
- working with computers
- working with data
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.
Related job titles
- Actuary *
- Business intelligence developer
- Data analyst
- Data quality officer
- Data scientist *
- Decision modeller
- Decision support analyst
- Derivatives trader
- Financial analyst
- Investment analyst
- Lecturer (university)
- Market research analyst
- Mathematical assistant
- Mathematician *
- Mathematics educator
- Process analyst
- Quantitative analyst
- Research analyst
Possible work environments related to applied mathematics and mathematics
- Banking industry
- Higher education institutions (public and private universities, universities of technology & colleges)
- Insurance and investment companies
- Market research organisations
- Medical research institutes
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Public sector (eg StatsSA)
- Schools
- Self-employed (as a consultant)
Find out more about careers in this field
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.
Related job titles
- Chemical engineering technologist
- Chemical engineering technician
- Engineering consultant
- Engineering supervisor *
- Engineering manager *
- Pulp and paper technologist
Find out more about careers in this field
Chemistry
In Chemistry we study 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.
Possible job titles related to chemistry
- Analytical chemist
- Chemist
- Chemistry technician *
- Environmental chemist
- Forensic analyst
- Laboratory analyst or technician
- Lecturer (university) *
- Manufacturing research chemist
- Quality Control chemist/officer
- Researcher
- Scientific equipment sales consultant
- Teacher
- Water Treatment consultant/chemist
Possible work environments related to chemistry
- Government (research and development, quality, law enforcement, environment and health)
- Higher education institutions (public and private universities, universities of technology & colleges)
- Industry (research and development, quality control, manufacturing, sales/ marketing)
- Own employment
Find out more about careers in this field
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.
Related job titles
- Civil engineering technician
- Civil engineering technologist
- Engineering consultant
- Engineering manager *
- Engineering supervisor *
- Environmental impact and restoration analyst
- Production engineering technologist
Possible work environments related to civil engineering
- Construction
- Design engineering
- Environmental engineering
- International development organisations
- Occupational health and safety
- Public service (local or provincial government)
- Steel and mining industries
- Structural engineering
- Water resources engineering
- Urban and regional planning
Find out more about careers in this field
Computer science and information systems
A subject in computing is all about computer systems, networks, software and information storage, processing, and distribution. The IT sector and careers related to this field can be found in all industries. The vision of the school is to serve students and community through excellent Open Distance Learning programmes, by conducting relevant and effective research and community engagement projects.
Related job titles
- Application development manager
- Applications (APP) programmer
- Business systems analyst
- Business intelligence analyst
- Chief Information Officer (CIO) *
- Computer network and systems engineer *
- Data management manager *
- Data scientist *
- Database administrator
- Database architect
- Database designer and systems administrator *
- Database developer
- Developer programmer *
- Human-computer interaction specialist
- ICT communications assistant
- ICT manager *
- ICT project manager *
- ICT risk specialist
- ICT security specialist *
- ICT support services manager *
- ICT support specialist
- ICT systems analyst *
- ICT trainer *
- Information security specialist
- IT manager *
- IT service manager
- Lecturer (university)
- Network analyst
- Programmer analyst *
- Quality assurance analyst (computers)
- Security specialist (ICT)
- Software developer *
- System administrator *
- Systems analyst (ICT) *
- Systems designer
- Systems developer
- Technical support technician
- Technical (ICT) support services manager
- Technical writer *
- Trainer (IT) *
- Web developer *
Possible work environments related to computer and information systems
- Any organisation using computer systems and networks
- Computer manufacturers
- Government departments
- Higher education institutions (public and private universities, universities of technology & colleges)
- Self-employed as a contractor and consultant
- Software development companies
Find out more about careers in this field
- Download the IT @ Unisa brochure to learn more about preparing yourself for career opportunities in this field.
- Career Guide (Media, Information and Communication Technologies SETA)
- Download the Career research document to learn more about how you could find information related to your career and study choices.
Electrical engineering
Electrical Engineering and electronics are exciting and dynamic fields. Electrical engineers and technologists are responsible for 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's 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.
Related job titles
- Electrical engineering technician *
- Electrical engineering technologist
- Electronic engineering technician *
- Electronic engineering technologist
- Energy efficiency technician *
- Energy engineering technologist *
- Engineering consultant
- Engineering manager *
- Engineering supervisor *
- Telecommunication manager/technician/technologist
Possible work environments related to electrical engineering
- Fire alarm systems
- Lighting design and control, including both interior and exterior lighting
- Lighting protection
- Power conditioning and uninterruptible power supply
- Power distribution - both primary and secondary distribution
- Power generation, including co-generation and standby systems
- Programmable controllers
- Renewable energy systems
- Security and surveillance
- Telecommunications
Find out more about careers in this field
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.
Related job titles
- Engineering consultant
- Engineering manager *
- Engineering supervisor *
- Industrial engineering technician
- Industrial engineering technologist *
- Process technician
- Process technologist
Possible work environments related to industrial engineering
- Aerospace
- Aluminium and steel
- Banking
- Construction
- Consulting
- Education
- Electronics assembly
- Energy
- Forestry and logging
- Government
- Insurance
- Materials testing
- Medical services
- Military
- Mining
- Oil, coal and gas
- Plastics and forming
- Retail
- Shipbuilding
- Transportation
Find out more about careers in this field
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.
Related job titles
- Aeronautical engineering technician/ technologist
- Engineering consultant
- Engineering manager *
- Engineering supervisor *
- Factory technician/technologist/manager
- Hydraulics technician/technologist
- Mechanical designer
- Mechanical engineering technician *
- Mechanical engineering technologist
- Parts technician/technologist
- Production technician/technologist/manager
- Service and/or maintenance technician/technologist
- Sales technologist/manage
- Workshop manager
Possible work environments related to mechanical engineering
- Acoustics
- Agriculture
- Automotive industry
- Aviation and aircraft management
- Biomedical industry
- Biotechnology
- Computers and electronics
- Consulting
- Education
- Energy conversion
- Government
- Mechatronics
- Mining industry
- Organisations such as the CSIR, Eskom, NECSA, AECI, Sasol, Genmin, JCI, MINTEK, SABS
- Rail transportation
- Renewable resources and environmental sustainability
- Research and development
- Robotics
- Sound engineering
- Textile industry
Find out more about careers in this field
Mining engineering
Mining Engineering includes aspects of geological, civil, mechanical and material engineering. Experts in the field of Mining engineering are in charge of planning, designing, organizing 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.
Related job titles
- Metallurgical or materials technician *
- Mining engineering technician *
- Mining engineering technologist
- Mining production supervisor *
- Mine ventilation technician/technologist
- Rock blasting technician/technologist
- Rock engineering technician
- Mining manager *
- Mine overseer
- Junior/Senior Mine Surveyor
- Mine operator
Possible work environments related to mining engineering
- Business management (mine manager, director, chief operating officer, chief executive officer, president)
- Education
- Government (mine inspector, health and safety, environment)
- Mining industry
- Occupational health and safety organisations
- Petroleum and gas industry
- Research and consulting
- Waste management
Find out more about careers in this field
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.
Related job titles
- Laboratory analyst
- Lecturer (university) *
- Physicist
- Physical science technician
- Product developer
- Research and development (R&D) manager *
- Research and development (R&D) scientist
- Scientific researcher
- Scientist
- Teacher (with further training) *
Possible work environments related to physics
- Green jobs
- Higher education institutions (public and private universities, universities of technology & colleges)
- Research institutions such as the National Research Foundation, South African Astronomical Observatory, National Accelerator Centre, South African Institute of Physics, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, and Schonland Research Centre for Nuclear Sciences
Find out more about careers in this field
- Download the Physics @ Unisa brochure to learn more about preparing yourself for career opportunities in this field.
- Physics careers (South African Institute of Physics)
- Download the Career research document to learn more about how you could find information related to your career and study choices.
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.
Related job titles
- Actuary *
- Biostatistician
- Business analyst
- Data analyst
- Data architect
- Data miner
- Data modeller
- Data modeller specialist
- Data scientist *
- Decision modeller
- Decision support analyst
- Financial analyst
- Investment analyst
- Investigator
- Lecturer (university) *
- Market research analyst
- Project manager
- Quality analyst
- Research analyst
- Risk analyst
- Statistical analyst
- Statistical assistant
- Statistical clerk
- Statistical modeller
- Statistician *
- Survey researcher
Possible work environments related to statistics
- Banking industry
- Business analyst
- Higher education institutions (public and private universities, universities of technology & colleges)
- Insurance and investment companies
- Market research organisations
- Medical research institutes
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Public sector (eg StatsSA)
- Schools
- Self-employment (as a consultant)
Find out more about careers in this field
Further career information
