Signup date: 22 Oct 2013 at 4:25pm
Last login: 17 Oct 2016 at 9:08pm
Post count: 48
Further to the linked post. I've been trying to get a job in science for 18 months. I have about 18 months/2 years experience and Msc in Genetics. I've had over 20 interviews, I've not gotten a job offer. I'm currently doing voluntary research at the local university to boost my CV. The feedback I usually receive is "You were good, there was someone better." I don't know if they're fobbing me off. The custom feedback I get sometimes is far more complimentary and definitely makes me feel better.
I'm looking for information on how to best apply for industry jobs. I'm good at academic applications, but I rarely get ANY reply from industry. rejection or no. I can't find any contact details to get feedback, nor do I know many people in industry to get information on what I'm doing wrong.
I'm not that ambitious, I just want an entry level lab job in genetics that I feel I'm qualified for. A PhD student recently explained that almost EVERY job in industry or academia requires a PhD now, whether entry level or otherwise. I was passed over for a job a few months ago for a completely fresh undergraduate [not from the same uni, she applied just like me]. I really don't want to do a PhD JUST to get an entry level job, I feel forced into it and a PhD is tough enough without hating every second.
Frankly I'm getting disillusioned. I've spent 2 years doing everything I possibly can, and feel I haven't moved forward. Anyone who has experience of industry, can they please help with advice on applications, job requirements, or even places to apply? I know about the major companions [Pfizer, Roche, GSK, Astro, Isogenica] and I check Newscientist etc for other jobs.
Sorry for rambling, but help would be appreciated.
I'm a masters genetics graduate and have spent about a year in various labs as a technician and assistant [mostly voluntary work]. I'm really trying to get a job as a technician or assistant in genetics or biosciences, but I'm debating whether to aim for a PhD now, or after I have a few more years experience.
I'm concerned that since it will take me many applications to get a PhD position, I might get one that I'm only partially interested in, and that will in turn lock me into a field that I might not be interested in by the end. As a rule I only apply for jobs that I can do and I have interest in, but it still concerns me making such a life-changing decision.
My plan was to find a technician/assistant job and then get a better idea of what I'm getting into, but am I being too hesitant? Should I just get on with it, or am I making the right decision to get more familiar with the process and field? I'd hate to waste my time, because I honestly enjoy lab work as a technician or assistant, I'm not that interested in fighting for grants or running my own group.
Any advice would be appreciated, even if its just a kick up the ass.
I guess I should have mentioned this before, but I've already done a research masters. Loved the project, but my supervisor was pretty poor. Of the 7 months to do a project, I spent 3 months doing something completely unrelated, 3 months fighting with the dataset I was given in order to analyse it properly, and 3 weeks to get all the labwork done.
As for isolation, self motivation etc, I can do all that, its not a problem. I'm still not sure whether its the right thing to do, but I guess sometimes there's nothing ventured. If its just 3 years of the same stuff with my masters, if I have a decent supervisor this time then I'll love it.
Ganesha, thankyou very much: find a decent supervisor [good relationship and good support], treat it like a job [9-5 etc, I can do that]. Very much appreciated.
Ian, I've seen that game before, my GF sent it too me some time ago. Made me facedesk then, makes me facedesk now. But thanks, good for a laugh.
And thanks for the blog, it was extremely informative.
I guess my issue is not knowing right now whether its the right thing for me. I enjoy scientific research in my field, but a 3 year commitment is alot to ask. I think I could handle it, but right now I'm still not sure what is actually involved, even with your blog. I can handle just doing research, writing and planning it all for a few years, but it seems like a huge obstacle without clear structure.
How did you know it was the right thing to do?
What TreeofLife said. Try another school. Speak to the supervisors, and explain the situation, they can and often do bend the rules for candidates they feel are worth the trouble. Alternatively, they can also introduce you to other prospective supervisors that might be interested, both within and outside their own respective institutions.
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