8. Stage 1: How involved in science do you want to be? ‘hands-on science’ using your scientific knowledge using the skills from your degree or PhD
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Editor's Notes
Opening slide – used to provide impact. My name is Charlie and I am a careers adviser at the RSC. Has anyone heard of the RSC? A bit about the RSC first 47,000 members worldwide - 60% of members are based in industry Professional Body and Learned Society Registered Charity UK, US, India, China and Japan RSC Reps
The good news is that having a degree, whether it’s a first degree, i.e. an undergraduate degree or a second degree i.e. a post graduate degree, will open up a number of doors for you. The even better news is that a chemistry degree is very flexible with regards to where it can take you……as the first slide showed – To infinity and beyond…..
When we have asked people why they are studying chemistry, these are some of the answers we have had. The most important is enjoyment. If you enjoy something, you are good at it….it’s human nature
I am here today to talk to you a little bit about jobs that you can do with a chemistry degree – this would include medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical, straight chemistry, chemistry with computers, some degrees have chemistry in the title, some don’t but they all give you invaluable skills to take you into your career. As I have already mentioned, chemistry provides a very flexible and interesting path…..I have some information to give you later on. (Options with chemistry handout – prospects; photocopied employee profiles) But for now: Can anyone think of a job that a chemist might do? – 2/3 mins for them to think then go to next slide
Here are some obvious ones and most of them involve a lab, a white coat and a geeky chemist…… But are all chemists geeky? Does anyone here know any chemists? What are they like? Can you think of some other areas where chemistry might be useful? 2/3/ mins then next slides
Did anyone come up with any of these? Culture Museum/gallery curator , Restorer, Educational work (Natural history museum, science museums), TV – scientific documentaries Science Writing Publishing, Books / journals, Press writing – pharmaceuticals etc , PR , Newspapers – scientific columns , New Scientist / Chemistry World, Professional bodies publications - RSC News Government MP – parliamentary & scientific affairs committee [POST], Pesticides safety directorate , Central Science Lab, Veterinary medicines directorate, Centre for environment, fisheries & agriculture science DTI , Research councils , Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) Law Intellectual property solicitors , Patents – both in companies, UK & Europe Patent Office, Forensics , Expert witnesses ,Parliamentary office for science and technology (POST) – advising for legislation The RSC Press office ,Promotion – local events, RSC News, Chemistry World ,Sales – membership, journals, books ,Network management ,LIC – information specialists, Campaigns Careers service ,Science policy, awards & funding ,Education – higher education policy, supporting students (UG & PG), schools and colleges (curriculum issues/promoting chemistry as a career) Work in the HE sector – PhD can be an advantage, Management, research bid support, technical support Sales / Marketing – technical sales, scientific equipment, specialist/bulk chemicals, pharmaceutical products Finance sector
60% graduates leave their first job within 3 years academic career path closes to up to 90% of those who start on it Whatever your career path: analyse the selection criteria provide evidence that you meet the standards What type of company do you want to work for? Type of company Scope of the role that you are in Work-life balance
IFEAT – International federation of essential oils and aroma trades How professional bodies can help Sector knowledge Professional development Developing contacts Raising your personal profile in the area
You also have a personal network Family Friends Colleagues from research group Other contacts They all have a wide range of their own contacts that you could tap into.
Also professional networking sites like MyRSC and LinkedIn Review what we have covered: Identifying factors in your ideal job Alternative careers with a chemical science background How professional bodies can help
