Is Studying Behavioural Science Worthwhile in Light of Job Opportunities?

The question of whether to study behavioural science often hinges on the potential career rewards and opportunities. These opportunities can be highly variable, both in the present and into the future. To explore this, it's crucial to understand the unpredictable nature of career landscapes and the value of certain skills.

Uncertainty in Career Forecasting

Forecasting future job opportunities is extremely challenging, as historical examples can illustrate. For instance, Simon Lovett, a figure at a renowned record company in the early 1960s, famously (though no documentation exists for this quote) predicted that Beatles music was not to their liking and that guitars were “on the way out.” Similarly, Thomas J. Watson, the CEO of IBM, once famously (again, based on unverified quotes) claimed that a “world market for five computers” would be sufficient. And, of course, the much-quoted statement by Bill Gates that “640K ought to be enough for anyone” underscores the unpredictability of technological and market shifts.

Personal Experience and Lessons from the Past

Looking closer to home, my high school experience offers a compelling parallel. During my secondary education, I was deeply interested and passionate about metalwork, which many schools today refer to as ‘shop’ classes. Despite being a student on the academic track, I pursued metalwork for my O-levels, defying my teachers' advice. I found immense enjoyment and used the knowledge and skills acquired from this course to great advantage. The experience proved to be incredibly valuable. My doctoral research involved a lab with a small machine tool workshop that required an approved internal course for unsupervised access. I completed the course quickly and used the lab time efficiently to fabricate some necessary equipment and components, bypassing the long queue of requests.

Reflections on the Value of Negotiable Interests

These instances highlight the importance of nurturing interests that align with your passions, even if they seem unconventional or discouraged in certain educational settings. Skills and knowledge acquired from such courses can often be applied in unexpected ways, proving invaluable in personal or professional endeavors. In my case, the ability to fabricate equipment and components was a significant advantage, demonstrating the tangible benefits of following one’s interests.

Current and Future Job Opportunities in Behavioural Science

At present, the job market for behavioural scientists is broad and promising. The field encompasses a range of areas, including market research, healthcare, technology, and human resources, among others. The role of behavioural science is increasingly recognized in understanding and shaping human behavior, which has direct applications in various industries.

However, future job opportunities are equally uncertain and can be influenced by technological advancements, societal changes, and evolving industries. As with the early 1960s predictions about the music industry and computers, it’s impossible to predict the exact landscape decades into the future. But staying adaptable and attuned to emerging trends in the field can position oneself well for any future developments.

Conclusion

Despite the uncertainty in predicting future job opportunities, studying behavioural science can provide a genuinely rewarding and valuable educational experience. The skills and knowledge gained can have wide-ranging applications, whether in the current job market or in the unpredictable future. Embracing interests and passions can lead to paths not easily foreseen, as demonstrated by my own experience with metalwork.

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