Navigating a career in the science sector
Understand your options with our panel of experts
Believe it or not, careers in science don’t always involve test tubes, microscopes, and petri dishes — there’s a whole breadth of career paths you can venture on. But there’s no denying it, the word of science is huge and can be really quite daunting for anyone trying to weigh up their career options. To give you a helping hand, we brought together a friendly panel of science professionals to share their experiences. Here’s what we found;
Meet the panel
Jon Wood, Freelance Science Presenter
After completing a Biomedical Science degree, Jon had a varied career ranging from lab work through to teaching. Whilst teaching, he quickly learned that presenting and talking about science is what he loves most, and a chance encounter at the Think Tank in Birmingham introduced him to the world of science communication. Through networking and experimentation, Jon now delivers inspirational demonstrations which include interactive workshops, public lectures, performances, training sessions, event compering, science festivals, and has even delivered live experiences for the BBC Learning and Science Teams.
Maria Sharif, Research Scientist, University of Birmingham
Maria completed a Medical Science degree but was often tempted by a career in medicine. A lab-based placement is what cemented her passion for cancer science, going on to complete various research projects. Currently, Maria works part-time as a Research Scientist alongside her PhD. On completion, Maria plans to stay in a lab-based role, either in academia or the pharmaceutical industry.
Dr. Jemma Walker, Reproductive Science (Embryology) STP Trainee, National School of Healthcare Science
Ever since she was 6, Jemma knew she wanted to pursue a career in reproductive science. On her journey, she quickly learned that competition was fierce, which meant that she has had to gain a breadth of experiences. After some lab work, she interviewed for a role but was offered a PhD opportunity instead. By taking on this opportunity, it allowed Jemma to enrol on the NHS which has enabled her to enrol on the NHS Scientist Training Programme, which is a three-year program of work-based learning.
James Windridge, Life Sciences Recruitment Consultant, SRG
After graduating with a degree in Biological Sciences, James returned home trying out roles in the lab. before completing a teaching qualification. James decided teaching wasn’t for him and moved around the country working in various lab/technician based roles. After moving to Birmingham, James secured a role in science recruitment and has worked his way up the ranks, where he now manages a team of recruiters.
Jamie Dunn, Toxicology and Regulatory Adviser, Penman Consulting
Jamie graduated in Pharmacology, and after a decision not to follow a dream of completing a PhD, he spent some time working investigating different organisations and industries. He now works for a small family-run consultancy business, specialising in regulation, technical and scientific services in chemical, petrochemical and fine chemical industries. The company pushed Jamie to take on projects, later asking whether he’d like to be supported with a Masters in Toxicology, which he recently completed part-time alongside his current role.
Opportunities
Whether you want to don your lab coat each day or fancy something a little more adventurous, the possibilities are endless where the science sector is concerned. What’s important, is that you research, network and gain key experiences that will allow you to work out your likes and dislikes. Here are some great ways you can do that;
Network
Networking will allow you to find out more about someone’s role, what opportunities are out there, and what you need to do to get there. Consider reaching out on LinkedIn, emailing an academic who inspires you, connecting with a mentor ( our mentoring scheme will pair you with a professional working in your area of interest), attend a networking event, or consider joining a forum (maybe even start your own!).
Research
Don’t limit your options by looking at career options you’re familiar with, really explore what’s out there. Have a look at what roles people are working in on LinkedIn and then do some research behind it (google really is your best friend here). Don’t forget to explore advertisements, either through Careers Connect, or on job boards.
Internships and Work Experience
This was a recurring theme throughout the event because it will give your valuable hands-on experience, helping you decide what you do and don’t want in a career further down the line. It also builds your skills, CV and gears you up for the world of work (such as the world of office politics).
It can include anything from volunteering, paid internships, summer research projects or summer schools. Even if you’re doing just a day a week here and there, it’s still valuable experience.
Tip: Struggling to take on unpaid work experience? Check out our work experience or internship bursaries.
Company Treks/Day Trips
Don’t pass on opportunities to visit organisations for the day as these can be really valuable. They’ll give you a quick behind-the-scenes insight, and can also add weight to your application because you’ve gone to the effort of finding out more. It also provides you with the opportunity to start building up your network.
Tip: Careers Network organise a series of company treks each semester which you can enrol on for free.
The Application Process
Although there are endless options, the science sector is still very competitive, but our panel provided some great tips which will get you on the right track;
Employers don’t like vanilla
Employers will receive hundreds, even thousands, of applications for roles and recruiters will quickly reject those that don’t stand out. So you need to think about any hobbies or activities that would pique someone’s interest.
Don’t forget to also include details of your research project, as this could be a great talking point in the next stage of the application.
James (a Recruitment Consultant) explained that a friend who he knows through his ‘Live Action Role Play’ (LARP) hobby swears that he was offered a role purely because it was a really interesting fact that sparked up some great conversation.
But they do like CAKE
When you’re writing your application/covering letter/personal statement, remember to think Capabilities, Attitude, Knowledge, and Experience (CAKE). Don’t just say you have team-work skills, go into the details and remember you have more experience than you know. It’s important that you spend that time preparing and breaking down your experiences as it will be the key to getting the interview.
For example, Maria does Karate in her spare time and teaches students, which demonstrates public-speaking, communication skills, and classroom management.
Words of Wisdom
Persistence is Key
Sent an email to an academic for some work experience over the summer but the didn’t get back to you? Send another email. Tried to connect over LinkedIn but they declined? Try the next one. Didn’t get shortlisted for an interview? Submit another application for the next round.
Whatever it is, if you want it enough, don’t give up.
Maria (Research Scientist and PhD Student) was certain she wanted to work with a particular academic on her PhD rather than accepting other offers. So she persisted, worked hard, and they finally got the funding needed to complete her PhD.
Step outside of your comfort zone
Say ‘yes’ to as many opportunities as you can. If an opportunity comes your way, don’t let the question be ‘can I do it’, let it be ‘do have I time to do this?’. If the answer is yes, then pursue it.
You never know what doors opportunities will open up for you, and even if it doesn’t, you’re still developing crucial skills and experiences.
Jon (Science Communicator) is currently working on a new theatre production. He has no prior experience working in theatre but is currently learning about lighting design. Although it’s not within his expertise, he’s grasped the opportunity and his developing new skills and networks that will open many new doors later in his career.
Always deliver your best
It can be very easy to only put in the bare minimum, particularly if you’re working in a junior role and carrying out more mundane tasks. But it’s important to always put in 100%. By always producing your best you’re building trust amongst your team and managers, and also any clients you’re working with, which means that you’ll be trusted to take on more interesting and challenging work later down the line.
You’re never stuck
Whether you’re just starting out in your career or if you’ve been in the same role for a number of years, don’t ever feel like you’re stuck. If you’re uninspired or just dread going to work each morning, it’s completely fine to explore new options. You still have a number of skills and experiences that you can take with you to another role/industry — so go and find something that you are passionate about.
Stay up to date
The world of science is ever-changing, with new research, methods and regulations coming out each and every day. It’s important to try and keep as up to date with this as you can, particularly in your area of expertise.
Here are just a few examples;
- The Conversation
Keep up to date with the latest research with stories written by academics and researchers with no media bias. - New Scientist
The leading platform for peer-reviewed articles. - IFLS
A website dedicated to promoting science in various ways. - ResearchGate
Access millions of publications and connect with over 15+ million researchers worldwide. - Meet-Ups
If you don’t know of any groups that meet up to discuss science, start your own. Group together colleagues and friends with similar interests and talk all things science.
Don’t forget to visit our website, connect with a careers adviser, and explore other employer events.
