help

Interested in an Career in Astronomy

-- Adeliza | September 6, 2020

Question:

Hello! I’m Adeliza & I’m 16.
I’m on my final year of high school so it’s time for me to apply to some universities and colleges.
I wish to be an astronomer but my parents are concerned that I won’t find a job, especially in my country (The Philippines). And I know this job is very competitive but I wish to know if there may really not be a place for me? To add to my distress, the science isn’t really popular in my country. There are only 2 universities in my country that I know of who offer Astronomy as a course, and only 1 of the 2 of them offer a Master’s degree. No university in my country offers a PhD which was what I was hoping to get one day.
I would like to know the general unemployment rate of astronomers currently, how exactly I can become one, as well as how long it would take me to get there.
I’m just looking for some guidance on to where I can head in my life.
Thank you!

-- Adeliza

Answer:

We have answered quite a few questions about a career in astronomy over the years. I suggest that you use the search function in this blog by searching for “career in astronomy” to get a broad range of responses to questions about careers in science.

-- Jeff Mangum

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
	Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.
	The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."
	AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.