1. You'll have a lot of big decisions to make.
One brilliant thing about life sciences is that there are so many different career avenues to choose from. This may be a bit daunting, but remember to take into account your own interests and passions. Ask yourself: what made you interested in life science in the first place? What were your favourite modules or aspects of courses you've taken, or work you've completed? Is there a theme or a pattern?
Not only are there various sectors and niches within life science, but the actual method of work differs, too. Some jobs will be more hands-on and practical, whereas others are more research intensive. Ask yourself which type of work you'd rather be doing.
By thinking about these simple questions, your decision will become a lot more straightforward, and you can narrow down your options so you can be sure you'll be doing the job that makes you happy.
Here are just a few of the life science fields that you could potentially specialise in:
- Biopharmaceuticals
- Medical technology
- Genomics
- Diagnostics
2. There will always be something more to learn.
It's up to you whether you see this as a positive or a negative, but we think it's very exciting! There will always be an opportunity to extend your skillset within your chosen life science, because you'll be working in an industry that is constantly evolving.
Due to the nature of the industry, there will always be new demands for innovative individuals to keep the sector afloat and thriving - and you will be a part of that! Leading nicely onto the fact that...
3. You could be at the forefront of making history.
Scientists are integral to our everyday life and our development as a society. COVID-19 recently proved that to us all. The life sciences sector came to light as one of the (perhaps previously overlooked) industries that helps to keep our healthcare system working.
For example, biomedical engineers from a range of industry backgrounds put their everyday tasks aside to build ventilators and PPE for patients in intensive care units during the pandemic. Scientists within the industry played a huge part in guiding us through the pandemic with their expertise, extensive knowledge, and talent - you could easily become a part of that progression, and a significant part of scientific history.
4. You'll need to make use of your support systems and networks.
Networking is an incredible way of getting your capabilities known within your industry. It's also a great way to meet other people in related roles whilst continuously learning more and improving your skills. There are many ways you can do this:
- Join communities and follow industry-minded peers on Linkedin and business forums
- Network in person! Get out there and talk about your passions and the work that you love to do. Attend networking events, conferences and forums. Eventbrite is a great tool for this.
- Use your university's alumni network to make new connections and re-connect with old ones. Your alumni network is there for a reason, so don't just ignore it!
5. Your other skills will still come in handy.
When applying for a job in the life sciences, don't just talk about your formal qualifications - remember to mention any other skills that might be applicable to your chosen field. This could include software skills, knowledge of applications and operating systems, database usage and even the acquisition of different languages!
While a degree is (usually) essential, by including your other skills in each job application, you can build a strong employee profile to help your potential employer get to know you and your strengths better.
