Biology - using your degree
From CareersWiki
Contents |
Introduction
A degree from Scotland's first university is an excellent start to any future career. St Andrews has a reputation for excellence and the ability to attract the brightest students world wide. With this as a starting point you are well on the way to impressing future employers.
Biology graduates have characteristics many employers seek (see Employability Profile) and Bioscience graduates are employed in a range of posts which may, or may not, be related to the discipline they studied. They include accountancy and other related financial professions, teaching, forensic scientist, higher education lecturer, immunologist, scientist, industrial research scientist, process development, research scientist (medical), toxicologist and commercial,industrial and public sector management.
Well known Biologists:
- Jane Goodall
- Richard Dawkins (Balliol College, Oxford)
- Alexander Fleming
- Robert Koch
- Hans Adolf Kreb
- Gregor Mendel
The Careers Centre can provide information on a comprehensive range of careers including those detailed above. There are specialist advisers for different occupational areas. We offer 20 minute drop-in sessions on a first come, first served basis. Drop-in is available for all students and recent graduates of the University of St Andrews on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 2.00pm - 4.00pm.
Students who are in their penultimate or final year and those studying for a Masters or Phd, can book an appointment with a careers adviser. Booked appointments generally last up to 30 minutes. Visit Careers advice for further details.
Student / Alumni Profiles
Lianne graduated in 2009. In the summer of 2007, she undertook summer voluntary work at The Millennium Elephant Foundation, Sri Lanka. Read her profile.
Where Our Graduates Go
| Year | Organisation/Company | Position | Biology Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Rodney Fex Shark | Great White Shark Diving Crew | Yes |
| 2011 | Army | Trainee Officer | Not directly |
| 2011 | Bangor University | MSc Marine Biology | Yes |
| 2011 | Assumption Grammar | Primary Science Teacher | Yes |
| 2011 | Oxford University | PGCE Secondary Biology | Yes |
| 2011 | Norbrook Laboratories Limited | Validation Analyst | Yes |
| 2010 | Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust | Conservation Field Worker | Yes |
| 2010 | Teach First | Teacher | Yes |
| 2010 | All Response Media | Media Executive | Not directly |
| 2010 | Schneiders | Floor Trader | Not directly |
| 2010 | TechFest-SetPoint | STEM Brokerage and Ambassador Co-ordinator for NE Scotland | Yes |
| 2010 | BBC Scotland | Researcher and Contributor | Not directly |
| 2009 | James Cook University | Research Assistant | Yes |
| 2009 | Edinburgh Royal Infirmary | Clinical Assistant | Yes |
| 2009 | Mad Science North West | Science Presenter | Yes |
| 2009 | Edinburgh Napier University | MSc Drug Design & Biomedical Science | Yes |
| 2009 | Scottish Youth Parliament | Fundraising Assistant | Not directly |
| 2009 | University of Dundee | Molecular Biology Assistant | Yes |
| 2009 | Byre Theatre | Assistant Manager | Not directly |
| 2009 | Medicines Evaluation Unit | Clinical Project Manager | Yes |
| 2009 | City University London | Science Journalism Course | Yes |
| 2008 | Big Earth Productions | PA case study | Not directly |
| 2007 | Source MDx | Research Associate - case study | Yes |
| 2007 | British Antarctic Survey | Fieldwork Assistant/Biologist - case study | |
| 2002 (CAN) | Moray Council | Biology Teacher | Yes |
| 1999 (CAN) | DEFRA | Fisheries Programme Manager | Yes |
| 1999 (CAN) | Ministry of Defence | Civil Servant | Not directly |
- Careers Alumni Network (CAN) indicates these alumni are willing and keen to be contacted to help St Andrews students with their careers search.
- The School of Biology has a page of Graduate Destinations of biology graduates.
Where Our Postgraduates Go
| Year | Organisation/Company | Position | Biology Required
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Met Office | Trainee Forecaster | Yes |
| 2010 | Royal Society of Chemistry | Publishing Editor | Yes |
| 2010 | Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew | Postgraduate Researcher | Yes |
| 2010 | RPS Group | Principle Ecologist | Yes |
| 2009 | STMicroelectronics | Optical and Test Engineer | Yes |
| 2009 | Thistle Seafoods | Laboratory Manager | Yes |
| 2009 | University of Cape Town | Research Assistant | Yes |
| 2009 | ECON | Research Ornithologist | Yes |
| 2009 | Keele University | Postdoctoral Research Associate | Yes |
Popular Jobs for Biology Graduates Nationally
In 2010, six months after graduation, around 48% of biology graduates were in paid employment in the UK or overseas. Of these, 8.9% entered scientific research, analysis and development roles. Visit Prospects for a breakdown of the types of work biology graduates went into.
nextsteps: options after a bioscience degree This booklet gives you advice on where to go after your biology degree
Scientist Training Programme (STP)
From 2011, in England the new graduate entry Healthcare Scientist Training Programme (STP) will replace the Clinical Scientist Training Scheme. As part of the new modernised national training scheme, NHS trusts have been funded to offer approximately 190 salaried training posts in life sciences, physics and clinical engineering or physiological sciences throughout England.
Applications for the 2012 intake to the NHS Healthcare Scientist Training Programme are now closed. The closing date was 27 February 2012. Further details.
Summer Internships & Work Experience
It can be very valuable to gain experience of work in various areas, but particularly in those areas that you are considering as a future career.
- The University Careers Centre has information on vacation jobs and internships in the US
- If you'd like to stay in St Andrews over the summer, you might want to apply for the St Andrews Summer Internship Scheme.
- Remember to network with students in more senior years, tutors, family and friends they may have suggestions and contacts.
- The Undergraduate Research Internship Programme (URIP) was launched in 2008 by the University of St Andrews. Under the URIP scheme, the University funds 20 undergraduates to carry out research over ten weeks during the summer vacation. The students work on independent projects under the guidance and supervision of a member of academic staff. Look out on the website for application forms which normally have to be returned by the end of April.
- Several penultimate year students have been successful in getting a paid summer internship with the Saltire Foundation. These are global experiences in USA, Japan, Cayman Islands and others.
- If you are interested in teaching or other work with children the University runs schemes in partnerships with local education authorities which give students access to school pupils. To find out more contact the staff involved by e-mail, schools.access@st-andrews.ac.uk .More Schools are offering the UK Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme, which requires students to spend up to 25 hours working within a Primary or Secondary school or Science centre. The module is assessed and contributes towards the final degree outcome.
- Get involved in the St Andrews iGEM Team, an international competition in synthetic biology. Student teams from around the world undertake 10-week summer research projects.
- The Isle of May Nature Reserve often has voluntary positions.
- Read a case study of a recent St Andrews graduate.
- Katey Whyte volunteered on the Isle of May over the summer. Read her blog.
- The Institute of Biology occasionally offers some placements.
- Natural Power - this company often offer summer placements in areas such as hydrology and ecology
- Summer Research Schools are also funded by organisations such as Nuffield and IAESTE.
- The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare - this organisation has offered student scholarships to complete research on animal welfare up to the value of £1600
- Cancer Research Internship Scheme- past interns have worked in areas as diverse as brand guardianship, event logistics, health promotion, business development and human resources.
- National Trust - offer a variety of seasonal roles from working as a ranger to working in marketing
- The Society for General Microbiology has produced an information sheet on microbiology related work experience. Click here to download pdf.
- Volunteer on a nature reserve in the Seychelles you get £375 towards your flight and free accommodation. Contact Adrian Skerret (pangaea@sky.com) for more information.
- Bright Business Partnership are an organisation which provides paid summer placements to 2nd and 3rd year students. They have two main programmes
- Step - which is nationwide and places students in small businesses in a variety of roles - marketing, PR, etc
- Environmental Placement Programme - this places students in Scottish businesses where they have a professional supervisor and covers areas such as waste minimisation, energy efficiency and product development. Community Recycling Networking for Scotland offer placements in 3rd sector Social Enterprises
- Lucy, a St Andrews student, shares her experiences of a Step internship
- The Internships in the US - Science wiki lists a number of internships, fellowships, and summer research opportunities in the United States.
Awards and scholarships
- P1 Marine Foundationoffers annual student awards of up to £2000 to fund projects that will have a positive and sustainable impact on teh marine environment.
Societies
- Joining a society and particularly taking on a role of responsibility can impress future employers and also enhance employability skills such as - team working, negotiation, event management, controlling budgets, leadership etc. Have a look at the case study from a student who made the most of his time at St Andrews through involvement in societies. At St Andrews you have a wealth of societies to choose from. Here are a few relevant examples:
- Biological Society - Aims to provide a social life within the school of Biology whilst integrating it with academic aspects that can broaden your biological knowledge.
- Neuroscience Society - Promotes interest in the study of structural development and functional processes involved in normal and diseased nervous systems. The society takes a multidisciplinary approach by having members from academic fields of neuroscience, psychology, computing, biology and medicine.
- Bute Medical Society - You don't have to be a medic to join this society. If you're interested in healthcare or the medical world, this society may be for you.
The table below aims to give some examples of the experiences of Biology students.
| Year | Organisation/Company | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | St Andrews iGEM Team | Work experience case study |
| 2011 | Isle of May Nature Reserve | Work experience case study |
| 2010 | Smith Veterinary Hospital | Internship case study |
| 2010 | University of St Andrews | Research Assistant (various) case study |
| 2010 | AstraZeneca | Work experience - case study |
| 2009 | The Millennium Elephant Foundation, Sri Lanka | Summer work - case study |
| 2008 | University of Barcelona | Erasmus Programme |
| 2006 | Scottish National Heritage | Researching sea birds on the Isle of May |
Employability Profile
Over the course of your degree you develop a good mix of subject specific and transferable core skills (communication, team work, time management, presentation etc). Consider these alongside your other activities, such as paid work, volunteering, family responsibilities, sport, membership of societies, leadership roles, etc. Think about how these can be used as evidence of your skills and personal attributes. Then you can start to market and sell who you really are, identify what you may be lacking and consider how to improve your profile.
Skills
The profile below identifies the skills that can be developed through the study of your discipline based on subject benchmark statements developed by UK higher education academic communities.
This table is able to help you to identify the valuable skills that you can offer to potential employers.
| A graduate in Biology typically will have the ability to: | Evidence: |
|---|---|
| demonstrate a wide knowledge of essential facts, major concepts, principles and theories associated with the chosen discipline | |
| analyse critically and assess information and data, and their setting within a theoretical framework | |
| deploy appropriate practical and presentational techniques and methodologies including data analysis and the use of statistics to communicate results | |
| engage with current developments in the biosciences and their applications, and the philosophical and ethical issues involved | |
| exercise intellectual skills including applying subject knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems and appreciating the need for ethical standards and professional codes of conduct | |
| apply practical skills including designing, planning, conducting and reporting on investigations through individual or group projects, paying due attention to risk assessment, relevant health and safety regulations, and procedures for obtaining informed consent | |
| apply numeracy, communications and information technology skills efficiently | |
| use effective interpersonal and teamworking skills including demonstrating an appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of science and of the validity of different points of view | |
| self-manage and pursue professional development and think independently, set tasks and solve problems. |
Biology Careers/Employability Link
Each School has a Careers/Employability Link who "champions" employability. Yours is Dr Iain Matthews. If you have any information you consider important for your fellow students please let him know. Alternatively you can contact the Employability Coordinator for the University, Pamela Andrew,at pea1.
Links to Useful Resources
- Destination Statistics of St Andrews graduates
- Prospects: Options with Biology
- Society of Biology - (formerly the Institute of Biology and the Biosciences Federation)
- Society of Biology - Life Sciences Jobs Board advertises the latest biosciences positions in the UK. Open to everyone, not just members of the Society.
- Society of Biology list of useful websites
- Society for General Microbiology - Career Resources
- Biosciences Federation - Careers Information and Resources
- Institute of Biomedical Science - Careers in Biomedical Science
- British Medical Jobs search for jobs across the UK within the healthcare and medical industries
- The Academy of Medical Sciences - Various links to information on Biomedical Science and Academic Medicine
- What can I do with my degree? Gives information on the types of jobs in the NHS open to you with your degree.
- Online Industry Sector Profiles - Scotland This online resource has been produced by Herriot-Watt University Careers Service to help explore Scotland's main industries. It provides industry facts and figures, significant Scottish employers, job options, vacancy sources and case studies.
- Research and postgrad. jobs in Europe
- The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) maintains this information platform on funding, training and jobs for European life scientists and those who want to come to Europe.
- Zenopa- recruitment site for jobs in healthcare, animal care, the pharmaceutical industry and other scientific sectors.
- Interconnect Interconnect is the network for women studying science, engineering, technology and the built environment in Scotland. Connect with other students, qualified women and employers to start your career before you finish your studies.
Presentations
Biology work experience workshop Feb 2011 (pdf)
