What career path is right for you?

The fields of Life Science, Chemicals, Technology, Engineering and Clinical Research, offer a vast array of exciting and dynamic career opportunities. It can sometimes be confusing trying to figure out what career appeals to you, with so many different paths out there. If you’ve recently graduated and are looking to get started in industry, or you’re making a move into a new area, make sure it is the right decision for you.

What do you find engaging?

Consider your strengths, interests and values. Which subjects, activities or areas pique your interest? Understanding your preferences can guide you towards a field that aligns with your natural preferences. So, are you most drawn to computer programming, problem solving or even exploring the intricacies of living organisms? These are important things to consider when picking your career path, as it will ensure you enjoy your work and lead to a much more rewarding professional journey.

Your educational background

Assess your educational background and identify the subjects that resonate with you. Careers in these industries often require a strong foundation in specific disciplines. For example, if you excel in Biology and Chemistry, a career in Biochemistry, Genetics or Pharmaceuticals may be a natural fit. If you have a knack for problem-solving and logic, Computer Science or Engineering could be promising routes.

Career exploration

This industry offers a unique chance to explore many different aspects to find your niche within the broader landscape; there are always opportunities to diversify your career and options to work across multiple disciplines. Take your time to research different fields and industries, as this can provide valuable perspectives and help you make informed decisions about your career path.

Professional and skill development

Identify the skills required in potential careers and assess your current skill set. Are you proficient in the laboratory techniques, programming languages or data analysis skills needed for that specific field? Recognising your strengths and areas for improvement can guide you toward roles that utilise your existing skills or encourage you to gain new ones through education or training.

Your personal values

It is important to consider the overall impact of different fields, and how they align with your personal values. Whether you’re interested in advancing healthcare, developing sustainable technologies or getting involved with ground-breaking research, connecting your personal values and interests to your career can create a sense of purpose that could be a driving force in a fulfilling, professional life.

By understanding your interests, educational background, skillset and professional goals, you can navigate the vast landscape of opportunities to find a career that not only aligns with your abilities, but also one that you find rewarding. Whether you aspire to be a researcher, engineer, data scientist or clinician, the world of Life Science and Clinical Research is full of possibilities waiting to be explored.

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Read our job profiles detailing everything you need to know about a range of careers that we recruit for.

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Choosing a career that makes a difference

Posted in Careers Advice, News

Choosing a career that makes a difference

Working in the Life Sciences and Clinical Research industries can be a meaningful and rewarding career. It provides an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to the advancement of the sciences and make an impact on the lives of countless individuals.

In the vast landscape of career choices, individuals seeking a profession that combines intellectual stimulation with sense of purpose, often find themselves in Life Science or Clinical industries. These sectors offer a unique blend of scientific challenges, intellectual stimulation and the chance to be at the forefront of advancing healthcare; with ground-breaking discoveries that push the boundaries of medical knowledge and contribute to the betterment of human lives.

Scientific Challenge, Innovation and Discovery

Working as a researcher or clinician can be intellectually stimulating, providing an opportunity to contribute to the collective understanding of medicine and biology. These dynamic fields often have the chance to make ground-breaking discoveries and contribute to the development of new technologies, therapies and diagnostic tools; overcoming significant scientific challenges through medical innovation.

Diverse Career Opportunities and Interdisciplinary Collaboration

A career in this industry offers a diverse range of opportunities. The multidisciplinary nature of these roles can enables individuals to explore different aspects of research and find their niche within the broader landscape. Whether in academia, industry or healthcare, there are many avenues for career growth and development.

Addressing Global Health Challenges

Life Science and Clinical Research professionals play a crucial role in addressing global health challenges and the connection to the real-world application of research can be a powerful motivator. Discoveries and advancements in research can lead to better treatments, increased survival rates and improved quality of life.

Ethical Considerations

Working in Life Science and Clinical Research demands a strong commitment to ethical principles. Professionals working in these fields must uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and confidentiality. The emphasis on ethical conduct adds an additional layer of purpose to the work, reinforcing the notion that the pursuit of scientific knowledge should be guided by a moral compass that prioritises the well-being of individuals and communities.

Personal Fulfilment

Many individuals find personal fulfilment in contributing to the betterment of society. Choosing a career in this industry not only offers a rewarding career path, but also allows individuals to make a meaningful impact on global health. This sense of purpose can be highly rewarding.

For those seeking a profession that combines a passion for science with a sense of purpose, a career in the Life Science and Clinical Research sectors can be the fulfilling path they are looking for. This goes beyond the intellectual rewards, with professionals in these fields having the privilege of contributing to the advancement of research, treatments and overall healthcare.

If you would like to discuss your career in science, get in touch with one of our consultants here.

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Posted in Careers Advice, News

7 Alternative Career Paths for Scientists

What happens when you have worked so hard to get a science degree and even a Ph.D., only to realise that you don’t want to follow the expected research trajectory, and instead you want to try something new?

The good news is scientists are not confined to the lab anymore. In fact, candidates with a science degree and a science background are becoming increasingly desirable in other fields.

We’ve compiled a list of seven popular alternative career paths for scientists looking for a change.

  1. A career in scientific writing

Writing requires many of the same skills you learn whilst studying a science degree; analysing a lot of information and presenting it in a way that is easy to understand.

The best writers are the ones who know first-hand about the topics they discuss in their writing. Consequently, writers with a science background are always in high demand for scientific writing.

Writing opens up a world of opportunities including journalism and writing about science and science novelties for the general public, or technical writing and presenting science findings for patents and authority bodies.

Alternatively, if you love reading and writing, a science degree can help you get a job for a specialist publisher such as Bloomsbury Sigma or IOP, whether that be in production, editing or proof reading.

  1. Working in intellectual property law

If you are interested in the legal side of science, becoming a patent attorney could be an interesting option. Patent law is already a well-established career path for scientists, as companies recruiting trainee patent attorneys usually ask for a degree in science or another STEM subject. This is because to draft a patent, you need to understand the research and technology behind it.

  1. Turning to consultancy

Moving into consulting is another popular move for scientists looking for a more client-facing role.

Big consultancies such as BCG, Accenture and Deloitte will have a dedicated science department recruiting analytical candidates with science backgrounds, to head projects for clients in the science and clinical space. Alternatively, there are also opportunities at a number of specialist scientific consultancies like IQVIA and Alacrita.

  1. Working for a funding body

If working in an office seems more appealing than working in a lab, but you still want to stay up-to-date with the latest science news, then working in funding could be a great option. You might want to look at organisations such as Research Councils UK (for example, the BBSRC, EPSRC, MRC and the STFC) and major funding bodies like the Leverhulme Trust and the Wellcome Trust.

  1. Sales and marketing for Pharmaceutical companies

Why not explore different areas of the value chain, and look at jobs selling and promoting products, rather than creating them?

Being knowledgeable on the product you are selling is particularly useful when presenting products and answering client needs and questions. These jobs tend to be less about pure selling and more about becoming a product expert.

  1. Recruitment

If you enjoy using your people skills, then specialist recruitment companies like CK Science are always looking for recruitment consultants with science backgrounds.

Good knowledge of the science world helps recruitment consultants not only understand the jobs they are recruiting for, but also understand which skills are needed and which types of candidates would be better placed in each role.

  1. Teaching

Science teachers at all levels are in high demand right now in the UK, as great initiatives are being taken to close the current STEM skill gap. So, if you have a passion for science and sharing your knowledge, teaching might be something to consider.

Thinking of trying out something new? At CK we offer a range of different jobs for experts with a science background. Why not have a look at our jobs here or get in touch for recommendations.

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