Source: http://targetjobs.co.uk
BEYOND SCIENCE:
Alternative graduate careers for
scientists
Whether you leave science completely, or choose to stay in the science
arena, but not in the lab, there are many graduate career options for
scientists to consider.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Introduction...........................................................................................1
Environment...........................................................................................2
Healthcare operations and management..................................................3
Management..........................................................................................5
IT and telecommunications......................................................................5
Management consulting........................................................................10
Media and publishing............................................................................12
Nursing and allied healthcare professions..............................................13
Patent work and intellectual property....................................................16
1
Introduction
It's one of graduate recruitment's more badly-kept secrets that 40 per
cent of graduate jobs are open to students with any degree. This means
that, as a science graduate, you can work in career sectors as different to
your first degree as law, IT and management consulting.
It's your chance to swap the lab coat and chromatography for a slinky
suit and a large decaff with foam. All that time spent poring over stat
tables or writing reports with a partner will give you a head start in a
world in which dedication and attention to detail, as well as numeracy
and teamworking skills, are sometimes more important than sector
knowledge. With a good CV and plenty of enthusiasm, you'll be the
recruiters' top pick when the graduate milkround comes around.
But don't be too hasty to leave your degree subject behind. After all,
you've spend three or four years studying science - wouldn't it be nice to
use some of that knowledge in your working life? And don't be put off
with the idea that your options will be limited - graduate careers in
science offer almost as much variety as non-science ones and whatever
your tastes, you'll be bound to find something to suit.
For example, as a microbiologist or biochemist you can work as (deep
breath) a research scientist, a quality control technician, a dietician, a
civil service administrator, a technical sales executive, a teacher, a
forensic scientist, a conservation officer or a meteorologist, amongst
other science careers. You can work in a classroom, a lab, an office, outof-doors or on television. You can work anywhere in the UK or abroad, for
a large multi-national film or for a local authority.
So how can you choose which is best for you? Remember that it's not just
a case of your technical skills; your soft skills, tastes, personality and
where you want to work should all be taken into account as well. So how
can you measure your soft skills (such as communication, teamwork,
etc)?
Look at what you've done on your course and how its particular
components have helped you hone certain skills. For example, if you're a
chemist, you will have developed great communication and analytical
skills. A physicist will have excellent problem-solving skills, as well as the
ability to research and evaluate collected data.
As a scientist it's more than likely that you will have undertaken a large
research project that will have stretched your teamwork, managing and
organisational skills. So when a graduate employer asks you about an
example of solving a problem or persuading others, you can refer to your
project.
What about the other factors? Think carefully about what you want from
a graduate job. It's not just a case of your skills, it also involves what the
job can offer you. Would you pine in an office or would it be your ideal
2
environment? Do you feel most at home in a lab? Do you work well on
your own or do you thrive in presenting in front of other people? Do you
prefer the outdoors?
And finally, don't worry if you find it hard to decide. In science as in all
sectors, transferable skills are key. Shop around a bit, ensuring you pick
up lots of diverse skills on the way. You may find yourself ending up
somewhere completely different from where you first started.
Environment
It pays to be green: graduate starting salaries in the environment sector
can be as high as £28,000 thanks to an influx of new-look jobs.
Environmental careers no longer have to be a labour of love. Green-collar jobs
belong to the booming area of energy efficiency and the term labels the roles
that pay a substantial salary. Competition for these new-look jobs is fierce as
they are open to graduates from a variety of degree disciplines.
80,000 green-collar jobs are predicted across Europe by 2030, with 16,000 of
these at UK off-shore wind farms by 2010. If you are an undergraduate in any
of the design or engineering subjects, you may want to jump on the band
wagon.
This is a lucrative path to pursue if you have the skills to design, manufacture,
install, operate, or maintain renewable energy and energy efficiency
technologies. Graduate engineering salaries are in line with other engineering
specialisms at around £23,000-£28,000. As a principal engineer 5-10 years up
the career ladder you could earn in excess of £40,000.
The traditional environmental employers (such as wildlife and nature trusts)
continue to be demanding of new recruits. This is a popular entry-level choice
amongst geography and ecology graduates. It is common for a research role
requiring a PhD in environmental science, biology, or ecology to pay just
£25,000. A role that demands a specific skill (such as familiarity with mapping
programmes) will shell out about £14,000. Gain solid voluntary experience at
uni and you will have a degree and experience for a higher salary upon
graduation.
Career progression in traditional roles remains slow yet steady. You can expect
to start on £9,000 to £15,000 as an assistant officer at a trust, go up a rung to
officer level and earn around £19,000 to £23,000, and bring in £30,000 as a
manager.
For a well-paid traditional role in an area such as conservation or ecology, you’ll
need to live on a student budget to afford postgraduate study before starting
out. If you want to fast-track your pay packet, apply for a green-collar role.
Design, engineering, and science degrees are desirable for these roles, but
specialist degrees such as hydrology and hazard management are also
considered.
There are countless graduate roles that fall under the environmental umbrella,
that are difficult to categorise as either 'green-collar' or 'traditional'. Some of
the most popular are in the fields of environmental consultancy, open spaces
3
and environmental education.
Healthcare operations and management
There are two main ways to start your healthcare management career:
through a graduate scheme or by applying directly for an entry-level job
with a healthcare employer.
Graduate schemes are the most obvious route into the healthcare sector for
graduates aspiring to a high-level management career. There are several
established training schemes to choose from – both in the NHS and the private
sector – and they're all looking to recruit the cream of the graduate crop.
However, this isn't the only option when it comes to building a successful
healthcare operations and management career. The NHS and private
healthcare providers have hundreds of job roles to offer, so it's well worth
considering applying for individual entry-level job vacancies in your chosen
area of work.
The NHS' graduate schemes aim to develop future leaders and because of this
they offer thorough management training and education. The schemes give
graduates the opportunity to study for a professional or postgraduate
qualification and provide comprehensive study assistance including additional
leave and the payment of all fees. Graduates also have access to support and
professional development, and start work with a generous salary.
NHS graduate management training scheme
The NHS graduate management training scheme in England is split into two
stages, each two years long (two and a half years for the finance route). During
the first two years you will concentrate on the specialism you chose on
application – finance, HR, informatics or general management.
• If you choose finance you’ll cover NHS financing, financial systems and
management accounting, and have up to two-and-a-half years to
complete your CIMA or CIPFA qualification.
• Those choosing general management will look at healthcare policy and
management, health planning, priority setting, public patients
partnerships and ethics.
• HR specialists will concentrate on the role and function of HR within an
organisation; the management of human resources; HR policies,
principles and practices; and HR strategy and business strategy.
Graduates on this scheme are supported to achieve the diploma in
human resource management and to gain graduate membership of CIPD.
• The informatics pathway focuses on the collection, storage and
management of data; the development of IT systems essential to the
infrastructure of the health service; and knowledge management – the
transformation of information into useful intelligence.
No matter which specialism you choose, the scheme will cover service
improvement, commissioning, change management and general management
4
skills. On each specialism there are two work placements and one 'flexi'
placement for you to experience an alternative organisation. You will undertake
your first management post in years three and four.
NHS Scotland management training scheme
NHS Scotland offers a two-year training scheme, during which you will go on a
number of placements and study for a masters qualification. The scheme
includes management education, skill development and access to an online
learning centre. The training period begins with three months of orientation,
followed by a nine-month work placement in a healthcare setting. You will then
have the opportunity to develop your dissertation in a chosen elective within
the public sector. The final placement is a strategic management post, lasting
around nine months.
Other NHS graduate schemes
There is also an individual graduate scheme in Wales called Gateway to
NHS Wales, that recruits on an as-needed basis. It aims to develop future
healthcare leaders across six fields: general management; finance; HR; health
informatics; and estates and procurement.
Private sector healthcare organisations also offer graduate training schemes.
BUPA, one of the largest private sector healthcare employers, offers three
schemes – the general graduate entry programme, the information systems
programme and the finance graduate entry programme. Each programme
offers a variety of experiences and graduates will receive support and training
from the organisation to develop their abilities.
If you don’t want to enter the health service through one of these training
schemes, why not look into the huge range of entry-level positions on offer in
both public and private sector healthcare employers? Start your job hunt by
looking in the local, regional and national press and on the websites of your
local healthcare centres, private healthcare providers and NHS Careers.
A successful manager will have an in-depth knowledge of how their
organisation works, and the healthcare sector is no exception. Working your
way up to management level, even from a junior position or administrative
role, will give you the opportunity to gain an insider perspective of the health
system, develop a feel for the areas you're interested in moving into and a
network of professional contacts.
Management
Managers are based in many different types of working environments.
You’ll need to show commitment to the job, including working overtime
when necessary, but even fresh graduates can expect fairly generous
salaries.
In most cases, you will be based in an office but this will vary depending on
your chosen area of work – an investment bank, for example, will be quite
different from a manufacturing facility. You’re likely to spend quite a lot of time
5
in meetings, both internal and external. Some of these will require formal dress
as you’ll be representing your organisation and it’s important to make a good
impression. As a more senior manager you might attend meetings throughout
the country and abroad.
Responsibility requires commitment, so a manager is unlikely to be able to
follow a strict nine-to-five schedule. If there’s an important project then you
may need to stay late make sure it’s completed in time. Still, good organisation
and the ability to delegate should let you have a reasonable social life! Career
progression will bring more responsibility but this doesn’t mean that as a senior
manager you’ll be working 24 hours a day, since you’ll be able to delegate
tasks to junior managers.
Starting salaries for graduate managers tend to be quite generous – a recent
survey put the figure at £24,200 in the first year – but this varies according to
your employer. Wages can increase rapidly, and may reach £40,000 after ten
years. Large organisations tend to offer their managers generous benefits,
often including a company car, bonus opportunities, health insurance, a
pension scheme and health insurance. You may also be eligible for stocks or
shares in the organisation.
Managers have great responsibility: this may be stressful as you will be under
pressure to succeed but success will bring rewards. Managers are highly visible
so your hard work will certainly be appreciated and the rewards may be
tangible.
IT and telecommunications
The IT industry is host to a whole raft of job titles. To help you, we've
deciphered ten of the top IT job titles you might encounter when
searching for graduate jobs.
The IT industry is well known for its wide range of job titles which can make it
hard for graduates interested in this sector to pin down exactly what people do.
As a job-hunting graduate, chances are you’ve got a lot on your plate so we’ve
decoded some of the more common job titles you may come across during your
graduate job search. However, pay close attention to the job description of
particular positions you apply for. Make note of the key skills and competences
wanted, and ask questions at interviews to find out more specific information
about what the role will involve day to day. This will ensure that you find the
right graduate job in IT with the right employer.
To make sure you find the right graduate IT job with the right
employer, always check job descriptions carefully when applying so
that you understand the skills and responsibilities of the role.
Also known as: application
programmer/engineer.
programmer,
software
architect,
system
This job in brief: The work of a software engineer typically includes designing
and programming system-level software: operating systems, database
6
systems, embedded systems and so on. They understand how both software
and hardware function. The work can involve talking to clients and colleagues
to assess and define what solution or system is needed, which means there’s a
lot of interaction as well as full-on technical work. Software engineers are often
found in electronics and telecommunications companies. A computing,
software engineering or related degree is needed.
Key skills include:
•
•
•
•
analysis,
logical thinking,
teamwork
attention to detail.
Also known as: product specialist, systems engineer, solutions specialist,
technical designer.
This job in brief: Systems analysts investigate and analyse business
problems and then design information systems that provide a feasible solution,
typically in response to requests from their business or a customer. They gather
requirements and identify the costs and the time needed to implement the
project. The job needs a mix of business and technical knowledge, and a good
understanding of people. It’s a role for analyst programmers to move into and
typically requires a few years’ experience from graduation.
Key skills include:
•
•
•
•
ability to extract and analyse information,
good communication
persuasion
sensitivity.
Also known as: business architect, enterprise-wide information specialist.
This job in brief: Business analysts are true midfielders, equally happy talking
with technology people, business managers and end users. They identify
opportunities for improvement to processes and business operations using
information technology. The role is project based and begins with analysing a
customer’s needs, gathering and documenting requirements and creating a
project plan to design the resulting technology solution. Business analysts need
technology understanding, but don’t necessarily need a technical degree.
Key skills include:
•
•
•
•
communication
presentation
facilitation
project management
7
• problem solving.
Also known as: helpdesk support, operations analyst, problem manager.
This job in brief: These are the professional troubleshooters of the IT world.
Many technical support specialists work for hardware manufacturers and
suppliers solving the problems of business customers or consumers, but many
work for end-user companies supporting, monitoring and maintaining
workplace technology and responding to users’ requests for help. Some lines of
support require professionals with specific experience and knowledge, but tech
support can also be a good way into the industry for graduates.
Key skills include:
•
•
•
•
•
wide ranging tech knowledge
problem solving
communication/listening
patience
diplomacy.
Also known as: hardware engineer, network designer.
This job in brief: Network engineering is one of the more technically
demanding IT jobs. Broadly speaking the role involves setting up,
administering, maintaining and upgrading communication systems, local area
networks and wide area networks for an organisation. Network engineers are
also responsible for security, data storage and disaster recovery strategies. It is
a highly technical role and you’ll gather a hoard of specialist technical
certifications as you progress. A telecoms or computer science-related degree
is needed.
Key skills include:
•
•
•
•
•
specialist network knowledge
communication
planning
analysis
problem solving.
Also known
information
as:
IT
consultant,
application
specialist,
enterprise-wide
specialist.
This job in brief: The term ‘consultant’ can be a tagline for many IT jobs, but
typically technical consultants provide technical expertise to, and develop and
implement IT systems for, external clients. They can be involved at any or all
stages of the project lifecycle: pitching for a contract; refining a specification
8
with the client team; designing the system; managing part or all of the project;
after sales support... or even developing the code. A technical degree is
preferred, but not always necessary.
Key skills include:
•
•
•
•
•
communication
presentation
technical and business understanding
project management
teamwork.
Also known as: sales manager, account manager, sales executive.
This job in brief: Technical sales may be one of the least hands-on technical
roles, but it still requires an understanding of how IT is used in business. You
may sell hardware, or extol the business benefits of whole systems or services.
Day to day, the job could involve phone calls, meetings, conferences and
drafting proposals. There will be targets to meet and commission when you
reach them. A technology degree isn’t necessarily essential, but you will need
to have a thorough technical understanding of the product you sell.
Key skills include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
product knowledge
persuasion
interpersonal skills
drive
mobility
business awareness.
Also known as: product planner, project leader, master scheduler.
This job in brief: Project managers organise people, time and resources to
make sure information technology projects meet stated requirements and are
completed on time and on budget. They may manage a whole project from
start to finish or manage part of a larger ‘programme’. It isn’t an entry-level
role: project managers have to be pretty clued up. This requires experience and
a good foundation of technology and soft skills, which are essential for working
with tech development teams and higherlevel business managers.
Key skills include:
•
•
•
•
organisation
problem solving
communication
clear thinking
9
• ability to stay calm under pressure.
Also known as: web designer, web producer, multimedia architect, internet
engineer.
This job in brief: Web development is a broad term and covers everything to
do with building websites and all the infrastructure that sits behind them. The
job is still viewed as the trendy side of IT years after it first emerged. These
days web development is pretty technical and involves some hardcore
programming as well as the more creative side of designing the user interfaces
of new websites. The role can be found in organisations large and small.
Key skills include:
• basic understanding of web technologies (client side, server side and
databases)
• analytical thinking
• problem solving
• creativity.
Also known as: test analyst, software quality assurance tester.
This job in brief: Bugs can have a massive impact on the productivity and
reputation of an IT firm. Testers try to anticipate all the ways an application or
system might be used and how it could fail. They don’t necessarily program but
they do need a good understanding of code. Testers prepare test scripts and
macros, and analyse results, which are fed back to the project leader so that
fixes can be made. Testers can also be involved at the early stages of projects
in order to anticipate pitfalls before work begins. You can potentially get to a
high level as a tester.
Key skills include:
•
•
•
•
•
attention to detail
creativity
organisation
analytical and investigative thinking
communication.
Management consulting
Everything you need to know about graduate jobs in management
consulting. With information on the various roles and perks, salary levels
and application advice, this is the ideal place to start job-hunting for
graduate management consultant schemes.
10
The role of management consultancy is to make positive change to the
organisations that employ its services. Through analysis of the marketplace
and competitors, as well as the operations and strategy of the organisation
itself, management consultants will recommend changes to improve
productivity, profitability, competitiveness and general performance.
As a career, consulting offers many benefits, from high starting salaries to
opportunities for travel nationally and internationally. The skill-set you'll acquire
is also comprehensive and transferable, opening up a range of options in the
business and management sectors. Projects can differ considerably adding to
the range of experience and making for a varied and interesting graduate
career.
The consultancy profession is open to graduates from any degree subject,
appreciating the different perspectives that a range of knowledge and
experience can bring. Knowing how to demonstrate commercial awareness,
communication, teamwork and analytical skills will give you an edge in
applications and assessments.
Some consultancies will recruit year-round but many have closing dates in
November and December so it is always worth checking. An internship can be a
real boost to your application as the sector is highly competitive so if you're in
the penultimate year of your degree it's worth noting that the closing date for
many of these programmes is in February.
Rather than requiring qualifications in a specific subject, management
consultancy recruiters require applicants to possess a particular range of skills
relevant to the sector. Being able to demonstrate these and back them up with
examples will improve your chance of selection.
Analytical skills: consultants need to be able to break down problems and
come up with well reasoned, sensible answers. Case studies and formal
examinations
will
test
these
skills.
Commercial awareness: having an understanding of the market a company
operates in, as well as an awareness of the competition can help demonstrate
your commitment to the industry. Being aware of how current affairs may affect
the business environment is also important so keep an eye on the news and
trade press.
Communication: it is important for a consultant to be able to communicate
clearly with clients in order to understand their requirements and justify their
recommendations. Being clear and concise during your assessment and giving
articulate and well structured answers can pay dividends.
Teamworking: as a consultant you'll be working as part of several teams at
once. With distance working and multi-national consultancies, you may work
with team member that you will never meet. As such, you’ll need to be able to
work well as part of a team. You can demonstrate this by asking for the views
of others as well as contributing your own.
Attention to detail: the presentation of information to clients is a vital stage
of the commissioning process. Poorly presented data will not impress, similarly,
a CV and covering letter with errors in spelling and grammar will have a
negative effect on your application.
11
Salaries for consultancy positions are just above the average starting rates for
graduates, coming in at £25,000 to £35,000. Perks and benefits are also
common, with private healthcare, pension schemes, gym memberships and
golden hellos a possibility.
The workload of a consultant can be very heavy, with working nights and
weekends a possibility when required. It is, however, a very sociable profession
with plenty of networking opportunities, as well as more casual social
occasions. Many firms have implemented flexible working practices and give
the opportunity for sabbaticals and secondments after a period of service.
Consulting is an incredibly diverse profession, with a huge variety of work and
roles. Consultants now find work in almost every sector and within each
industry various roles will exist:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Corporate finance
Customer-relations management
HR
Implementation
IT/e-business
Marketing
Operations and supply-chain management
Strategy
Some firms will specialise in a particular function while others will cover several
functions but may work predominantly in one industry area. Compare employer
profiles to get an idea of which firms cover which areas.
Management consulting offers an exciting and intellectually challenging role
with plenty of variety. With the right role, there are plenty of opportunities for
travel and the chance to work with a diverse and like-minded group of people.
The hours can be long and may require periods away from home so this needs
to be taken into consideration. Convincing clients of the need for change can
be another challenge.
The application process for consultancy roles is split between online application
forms and CV and covering letter applications either via email or post, so
always check in which method is preferred by your chosen firm. When it comes
to online forms, it is important to take your time to ensure you have filled in the
form completely and accurately. As this is likely to be your first contact with the
firm it is important to make a good impression, so check thoroughly for errors
in your spelling and grammar. Many web browsers now have an integrated
spell-checker but ensure this is set to British English before you rely on it. If you
have the opportunity, it is often better to print off the application and ask a
careers adviser, friend or family member to check it over for you. If applying by
CV and covering letter you must ensure that you have tailored it specifically to
the organisation. Different firms may require a different set of skills and your
CV is your opportunity to showcase these. Pay close attention to the job
specification and draw out skills from your portfolio to match. Being able to
back these up with examples will stand you in good stead.
If your application is accepted, it is likely you will be asked to attend an
assessment centre which provides an ideal opportunity for you to learn more
about the firm and what working for them will be like, as well as for them to get
an idea about you. Many firms also make use of case study interviews. These
12
will test your ability to process information, solve problems and work as part of
a team. Some solid preparation beforehand can help improve your chances.
Most consultancies have closing dates in the November or December of your
final year, while closing dates for work experience positions are often around
August. There are a few firms that recruit year-round so always check.
While there has been a very minor rise in consulting vacancies, management
consultancy is an increasingly popular career choice and, as such, competition
for vacancies can be fierce. Recruiters will only consider the very best
candidates for further assessment so it is important that your application is
first-rate.
Media and publishing
Everything you need to know about graduate jobs in publishing and the
media. If you're interested in working in TV, radio, newspapers, theatre,
book publishing, online publishing or magazines, read on to find out more
about graduate schemes in this creative area.
Publishing, media and the performing arts are among the most competitive
industries to break into. These areas are perennially popular with graduates:
jobs in the media are often poorly-paid but nevertheless attract huge numbers
of applicants who are keen to do creative work that they're passionate
about. And if fame and fortune beckon, then this is definitely where you should
be looking.
The opportunity for creativity and individuality is one of the most attractive
features of a job in the media. It's also a rare chance to develop skills acquired
through your degree or extracurricular activities such as creative writing or
acting. Of course, it does depend what area you go into.
Jobs in the media offer exciting possibilities, but it is important to realise that
this sector is very competitive and be prepared. Work experience is a valuable
asset as it demonstrates a hands-on interest and shows that you have what it
takes to do the job. If you do decide that a career in one of these industries is
for you, then determination is the key to success. Those who manage to break
into the media industry aren't just the most creative or talented - they're
generally the most determined, taking the attitude that 'if at first you don't
succeed, try again'.
From publishing to the performing arts, the work varies enormously in this
wide-ranging sector.
One key area is publishing, preparing and selling content to the public in
three distinct areas: books, magazines and online publishing. This industry is
particularly attractive to graduates and offers immense job satisfaction,
particularly when you see the finished product. The explosive growth of
technology and the internet means that the lines are increasingly
blurred: traditional publishing houses may now publish e-book editions and
magazines often link to a companion website.
13
Of course, television and radio are also important components of the sector:
in fact, these areas are what many people think of first when you mention the
media. Broadcast television is one of the largest parts of the media sector. In
either television or radio you could work in broadcasting (transmitting
programmes) or as a programme maker (supplying content). The film industry
is also high-profile but surprisingly small and therefore extremely competitive
to get into.
Professionals working in interactive media produce and work on a range of
different products: this area overlaps significantly with other parts of the
media, especially publishing and television. It can include computer games,
interactive television, web and internet development and off-line multimedia
such as CD-rom publishing.
The key to breaking into this industry is experience, persistence and
networking. Oh, and talent of course…
The performing arts is another part of the media industry. It is extremely
dependent on the public - the theatre can only exist if it sells tickets. This is
one of the most competitive areas to get into, but those in the industry say
that the struggle is worth it when you see your name in lights, not to mention
the job satisfaction of achieving success in a field that you're passionate about.
Last but not least, the music industry can also be included in a round-up of the
different parts of the media sector. From making music to producing
and promoting it, this industry offers a range of different career options.
Decidedly glamorous and ultra-competitive, the music business has a high
profile in the media - but there's more to this area than celebrity superstars.
Behind the scenes, the work can be highly technical or commercial.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Advertising copywriting
Book publishing: commissioning
Bookselling
Broadcast presenting
Camera operation
Information science
Journalism
Magazine publishing
Magazine publishing: features editing
Picture research
Press photography
Press sub-editing
Programme research
Publishing: entry-level editorial roles
Television: entry-level production roles
Translation and interpreting
Writing
14
Nursing and allied healthcare professions
Everything you need to know about the wide-ranging graduate job
opportunities within healthcare. With information on the various roles,
salary levels and application advice, this is the ideal place to start jobhunting for graduate careers in nursing, midwifery or the allied health
professions.
A career in nursing, midwifery or the allied health professions is all about
making a difference to people in a time of need. Nurses can work in one of four
areas and aim to treat the patient, not just their symptoms. Midwives support
women, their partners and families through all the stages of pregnancy, labour
and delivery, and in the first phase of postnatal care. Allied health professionals
specialise in one of several areas and work as an integral part of the healthcare
team.
Areas of nursing
There are four branches of nursing and you will need to choose which area you
want to specialise in while you are studying.
•
•
•
•
Adult nursing
Children’s nursing
Learning disability nursing
Mental health nursing
It's also possible to work in agency nursing, in which you can do shift or
contract work in a variety of environments.
Nursing qualifications
You can become a registered nurse after taking either a diploma or a degree at
a higher education institution. Both courses involve a mixture of theory and
practical work, with about half of the course spent on placements in hospitals
and the community under the supervision of qualified nurses. The first year of
either programme will be spent on the Common Foundation Programme (CFP),
an introduction that provides the skills and knowledge necessary for all
branches of nursing. After successful completion of the CFP, you will progress
to a programme in your chosen branch (adult, children, learning disability or
mental health nursing). Diploma courses last three years, while degree courses
may last three or four. It is often possible to ‘top-up’ a diploma to a degree
qualification at a later date.
Nursing skills
Perhaps the most important skills for a nurse are interpersonal skills. Nurses
need to be able to work with all kinds of patients and their families – without
judgement. It is the person, not just the body, that you nurse, so you will need
to be able to make sure each person feels supported and special.
Communication skills are essential so that you can listen to and counsel
patients, explain complex situations and work with colleagues. It’s also
important to be enthusiastic and have enough energy to keep going through
tough situations. Compassion and emotional resilience are also important, as
witnessing medical problems daily can be draining.
15
Midwifery qualifications
To become a midwife you need to study for a degree or a diploma. Courses
involve a combination of theory and practical experience. You will spend time
on placements in antenatal clinics and wards, labour wards, postnatal wards,
neonatal care and in the community. Your theoretical studies will probably
include professional practice, psychology and applied sociology. A diploma in
midwifery takes three years of full-time study, while a degree course may last
for three or four years. A diploma course can be converted to a degree later if
you choose. A qualified nurse can do a shorter, 18-month course to become a
midwife. This generally leads to a degree qualification.
Midwifery skills
Interpersonal skills are essential – you should be friendly and approachable, as
you need to be able to put women at their ease so they feel comfortable
discussing intimate matters. It’s important to have organisational skills, as you
will ‘manage’ the pregnancy and birth. Medical expertise is also necessary to
be able to identify any problems that may arise during pregnancy and then
implement appropriate measures. You should be calm and alert at all times and
able to make swift, informed decisions.
Allied health professionals are specialists who play key roles in most healthcare
teams. There are a number of options to choose from and each has different
training requirements, qualifications, and key skills.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Arts therapies
Chiropody/podiatry
Dietetics
Orthoptics
Occupational therapy
Operating department practice
Physiotherapy
Prosthetics and orthotics
Psychology
Psychotherapy
Radiography
Speech and language therapy
There aren’t any specific graduate schemes for nurses or midwives so you will
need to apply for jobs as vacancies become available. Most positions are
advertised by an NHS trust or an independent healthcare provider. You can also
find job adverts in nursing publications such as the Nursing Times, the Nursing
Standard and Community Care. Many employers will advertise in local and
national newspapers as well. Many independent providers and NHS trusts also
have their own websites. Check out the positions on this site and search
vacancies at NHS Jobs. You may also hear about vacancies when you’re on
placement through internal bulletins or by word of mouth.
The application process
Many employers ask applicants to fill in online application forms but it is not
unusual to be asked to apply with a CV and covering letter instead so make
sure you read the job advert carefully and follow the instructions. Successful
applicants will then be invited for interview. Informal visits are encouraged by
16
employers and are a great opportunity for you to find out about the work
environment and what working life will be like. An informal visit may follow an
application or you could arrange a visit yourself to make the employer aware
that you’re looking for a job.
What can I expect to earn?
The pay situation is definitely improving with the introduction of the Agenda for
Change pay scales in the NHS. However, there is no national agreement on pay
in the independent sector – you will need to negotiate the best deal for you and
pay attention to the small print on your contract. Find out the current pay rates
for NHS staff here. Agency nurses tend to be paid more but have less job
security.
NHS nurses and midwives are eligible to join the NHS pension scheme, which is
definitely a worthwhile investment. The Agenda for Change has also
guaranteed a good holiday allowance and a reasonable working week.
What kind of work/life balance will I have?
There are increasing opportunities for flexible and part-time work, job shares
and term-time work. Most hospitals and care homes operate on a 24-hour
basis, so secondary care nurses are likely to work shifts. Primary care nurses
may have a more regular schedule, while agency nurses can choose when they
work. Midwives tend to work shifts in order to provide round-the-clock care. The
NHS has sensitive policies for parents and carers, and offers childcare facilities
for various ages. There may be opportunities for career breaks, whether for
further study or to raise a family.
What are the highs and lows?
Nursing and midwifery are both satisfying jobs. In a survey for Nursing
Standard magazine, 94 per cent of the nurses who took part were proud of
their profession. Most nurses and midwives find interaction with patients
rewarding – it’s good to know that you’ve made a difference in someone’s life.
You will need a thick skin, however, as you will spend time with patients and
families at difficult times and need to be able to support them. Nursing and
midwifery require hard work, particularly during the first year, so you must be
committed to your profession. Each day brings new challenges so it’s never dull
and you’re always learning something new.
Patent work and intellectual property
Jobs in patent law can be an interesting career option for science and
technology graduates. If you've got a technical degree but don't know
how to use it, take a look at what a role in intellectual property can offer.
Patent attorneys help clients protect their innovations and developments, and
advise on the intellectual property rights of others. They provide clients with a
limited right to control the exploitation of a technical or practical invention. This
could be a new chemical compound, electrical device or a mechanical process.
It must be granted by the Government's Intellectual Property Office and can
17
only be upheld in the countries where the patent has been obtained.
Patent attorneys need a good understanding of intellectual property law in
order to advise clients, create legal documents and occasionally make a case in
the Patents County Court. However, when patent agencies recruit graduates
they are not looking for a law degree – they want technical and science
graduates.
There are around 1,650 registered patent attorneys in the UK, nearly all of
whom have a background in science or engineering. So if you’re studying one
of these subjects and have an interest in intellectual property law this could be
the career for you.
It is the patent attorney’s job to put together an extensive description and
definition of the invention to ensure that others cannot infringe upon it. This is
where those technical skills from university come in. You’ll need to understand
exactly how the invention works and be able to record its ins and outs in a clear
and unambiguous way. Clients with a new pharmaceutical product, for
example, would need a patent attorney with a firm understanding of chemistry,
and a mechanical product would need an engineering expert.
You will need to master expert writing skills. Drawing up a description of an
invention is a lot harder than it sounds: it will have to be thorough yet concise
with no room for loopholes. You’ll need to highlight the invention’s uniqueness
compared to previous inventions. If you already have great technical writing
skills then you’ll have a head start in the recruitment process but your abilities
can be improved with time and practise.
A grasp of European languages will also stand you in good stead. You will need
to liaise with the European Patent Office if your client wants to protect their
invention beyond the British border. A sound reading knowledge of French and
German is an advantage.
To become a registered patent attorney you will have to qualify with the
Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA). This can take anything from two
to six years and requires on-the-job training and exams at foundation and
advanced levels. If you wish to become a European patent attorney you will
need to pass the examinations set by the European Patent Office.
You could work in a private firm that deals with a range of clients or for a
scientific or technical organisation that has an in-house intellectual property
department. It is worth researching the type of employer you would like to work
for and then writing to them speculatively to see if they’re looking for trainees.
For further information check out the CIPA website.
18