Beyond science: alternative graduate careers for scientists

Whether you leave science completely, or choose to stay in the science arena, but not in the lab, there are many graduate career options for scientists to consider.

It's one of graduate recruitment's more badly-kept secrets that 40 per cent of graduate jobs are open to students with any degree. This means that, as a science graduate, you can work in career sectors as different to your first degree as law, IT and management consulting.

It's your chance to swap the lab coat and chromatography for a slinky suit and a large decaff with foam. All that time spent poring over stat tables or writing reports with a partner will give you a head start in a world in which dedication and attention to detail, as well as numeracy and teamworking skills, are sometimes more important than sector knowledge. With a good CV and plenty of enthusiasm, you'll be the recruiters' top pick when the graduate milkround comes around.

Graduate jobs out of the lab, but still in science sector

But don't be too hasty to leave your degree subject behind. After all, you've spend three or four years studying science - wouldn't it be nice to use some of that knowledge in your working life? And don't be put off with the idea that your options will be limited - graduate careers in science offer almost as much variety as non-science ones and whatever your tastes, you'll be bound to find something to suit.

For example, as a microbiologist or biochemist you can work as (deep breath) a research scientist, a quality control technician, a dietician, a civil service administrator, a technical sales executive, a teacher, a forensic scientist, a conservation officer or a meteorologist, amongst other science careers. You can work in a classroom, a lab, an office, out-of-doors or on television. You can work anywhere in the UK or abroad, for a large multi-national film or for a local authority.

Going into a completely different graduate career

So how can you choose which is best for you? Remember that it's not just a case of your technical skills; your soft skills, tastes, personality and where you want to work should all be taken into account as well. So how can you measure your soft skills (such as communication, teamwork, etc)?

Look at what you've done on your course and how its particular components have helped you hone certain skills. For example, if you're a chemist, you will have developed great communication and analytical skills. A physicist will have excellent problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to research and evaluate collected data.

As a scientist it's more than likely that you will have undertaken a large research project that will have stretched your teamwork, managing and organisational skills. So when a graduate employer asks you about an example of solving a problem or persuading others, you can refer to your project.

Know what you want

What about the other factors? Think carefully about what you want from a graduate job. It's not just a case of your skills, it also involves what the job can offer you. Would you pine in an office or would it be your ideal environment? Do you feel most at home in a lab? Do you work well on your own or do you thrive in presenting in front of other people? Do you prefer the outdoors?

And finally, don't worry if you find it hard to decide. In science as in all sectors, transferable skills are key. Shop around a bit, ensuring you pick up lots of diverse skills on the way. You may find yourself ending up somewhere completely different from where you first started.

Advice on graduate career options inside and outside the science sector

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