Careers
To get you thinking about careers, we have entered into a partnership with AllAboutCareers. Here's a few words from them:"There's no question about it, the graduate job market has got a lot tougher in recent years. Unfortunately, just having a degree isn't enough to secure that graduate job. Yes, biology graduates have traditionally enjoyed higher level of employment than other subjects (pity the media student) but that doesn't mean you should rest on your laurels. Really, you should start thinking about your career from day one of university (or preferably before). That means attending those career fairs, getting involved in extracurricular activities and doing plenty of work experience.
Whether you lust after a lab-based science job or something quite different, the beauty of studying biology is that you can work in a huge number of different sectors. There are exciting science careers to be had in areas such as medicine, environment, conservation, agriculture or engineering. You might even want to flex those verbal muscles pursuing a career in science publishing, or become the new David Attenborough or... er... Bill Oddie and work in science broadcasting. Of course, it isn't all about science, plenty of other sectors value the many skills of biology graduates, such as the I.T. and finance industries.
We aim to make this whole daunting careers business easier to stomach, offering comprehensive guides to 24 different job sectors (science included), information about job and internships opportunities and plenty of other useful careers advice. You can create a profile on our website and have sector specific careers information and news fed into your own personal careers newsfeed. How's that for service!"
Maudie Powell-Tuck
Each month, we'll be sending out a newsletter to get you thinking about careers early, so it doesn't become a panic in your final year!
Here are some other links you should also consider checking out with regards to careers:
| What to do in the summer of first year? |
Maybe consider some volunteering with Operation Wallacea, STA Travel or another route by doing some internet searching. Volunteering is a great opportunity to make you look like a lovely person who is willing to give up their time for the greater good. It's also gives you the excuse to go travelling.
There's also the opportunity to go on the Gatsby Summer School, if you're interested in plants, which can give you the chance to get a summer placement in second year more easily, which is funded. |
| What about after second year? |
The John Innes Centre offer a paid summer placement for students who have just completed their second year, although make sure you keep on top of deadlines so you don't miss out.
Other summer placements are advertised here and through lecturers emailing you. |
| Searching for Jobs in general | Check out the Prospects and Jobs websites |
| Searching for Jobs in science | The websites of Nature and New Scientist advertise jobs more relevant to scientists |
| Postgraduate Opportunities | Websites such as Find a PhD and New Route PhD are great resources if you're considering further study |
| Teach First | Our sponsor Teach First offers a graduate scheme where you go into schools which are in deprived areas with the aim of tackling educational disadvantage. You earn a PGCE and a salary as well as the chance to make a difference to people's lives. |
Always check your email for other opportunities lecturers send around.