So you want a job in science?

Posted on by Madeleine Tickell

So, you’re completing, or have completed, a science degree, and you’ve decided to focus on a science-related grad job? Great! It’s now time to put those dreams into action and plan out how you’ll reach your goals.

 

There’s just one problem: with science graduates in such high demand, banking or finance opportunities can crowd out the science-related jobs.

 

So we’re sharing our favourite places to go searching for science opportunities. Get reading and get one step closer to that dream job.

 

Row of microscopes
Photo by Ousa Chea on Unsplash

 

  1. Advertised jobs

 

The first thing that probably springs to mind when you’re thinking about applying for jobs is to look on job sites – we’ve got our own King’s CareerConnect which is constantly updated with new jobs, there’s LinkedIn, Indeed, Monster, Reed and many, many more.

 

But, useful as these sites are, it can be more fruitful to look at science-specific job sites. General ones we recommend for a broad, global search are:

 

BUT you might also know which specific area of science you want to go into, in which case you’re going to need more specific job sites. We’ve collected hundreds of specialist job sites, organised by science sector and they’re all available on our Keats pages – so whether you’re interested in outreach, research, pharmaceuticals, or anything else, we’ve got you covered.

The King’s Careers Take: hunting on job sites is not just about finding something great to apply for – it’s also invaluable research into the kinds of jobs available, and what appeals to you. For example, which job adverts reel you in, and why? Use this to advance your knowledge of yourself, and discover what you really want.

However, there are some problems with applying for advertised jobs – you have little control over what is “out there” to apply to, and competition is fierce because everyone else is also applying for the same jobs. So you should also consider…

 

 

  1. Applying for unadvertised jobs

 

Up to 70% of jobs are found through networking and applying for unadvertised jobs, and the bonus is that you won’t be in competition with other applicants. Start by reading our networking advice on our blog and our Keats pages and get to know people in your own circle. You can also join professional bodies or trade associations, and get to know new contacts. Don’t be afraid to send speculative applications of CVs to employers – just make sure it’s tailored to the company and as polished as possible. We’ve got specialist advice on our Keats pages about speculative applications and creating CVs.

 

When you’re talking with your contacts, new or old, let them know you’re looking for work – you might just get introduced to a future employer!

 

 

  1. Your online profile

 

A key part of applying for any job – advertised or unadvertised – is having a professional online presence. LinkedIn is a great place to start (and it can also be used for networking, so it’s a win-win). For advice on how to curate your profile, check out our Keats pages, and think about making your personal social media private.

 

 

  1. Attend events

King’s Careers & Employability runs hundreds of events across the year, from workshops, to employer presentations, to networking nights – look through our King’s CareerConnect site for upcoming opportunities to meet employers and access science jobs.

Feeling more confident? There’s one final crucial bit of advice: Just make sure not to trust atoms, because they make up everything…