I was apprehensive about the culture change, moving from working independently on a self-driven project to working in a team-based, client-facing service role, but I’ve received excellent training and support, and have quickly gained confidence
My main piece of advice would simply be to get that first job, and not worry too much about whether it’s your dream job or not.
In addition to the skills in electron microscopy and nanotechnology I learned during my time in academia how to give engaging presentations on complex subjects.
Think about your strengths and what you can envisage yourself doing on a daily basis. Take advantage of your careers service, talk to your peers and mentors and look at jobs pages to find out what’s out there.
People ask me how they can prepare for an editorial career at our journals. I always suggest that researchers get involved in the submission and peer review of their own papers.
There are careers in science beyond the lab! If you enjoy learning and communicating about science then Medical Writing is certainly an option to consider.
During my DPhil I also found more time to get involved in extracurricular activities compared with my undergraduate degree.
Deciding not to pursue a career in academia was hard. It was a decision I came to gradually over at least a year.
I love working in a challenging, diverse and fast-paced environment with a great team of people who make work fun and enjoyable.
The skills I acquired from the years spent in academia have been invaluable in this role and I am very grateful that I can continue to put them to good use.
When looking for jobs in my final year at Oxford, I wanted to find a position where I could both utilise my Engineering degree and work with talented people to solve complex problems.
I use the skills from both sides of my degree every day in what I do. Physics teaches you to take an exceptionally complex system and boil it down to the main factors at play.
