Graduates of 2022

So you’re graduating this year!

Give yourself a well deserved pat on the back, you’ve made it through university and a pandemic, you are awesome!

But what to do now?

Some well deserved traveling or straight to the ‘grindstone’ as they say? Either way , sooner or later you are going to get a job right?!

Do you know what you want to do? How much have you looked into or thought about this? No one is going to judge if your answer is more of a ‘urmmm’ or a shoulder shrug. It’s not easy at the best of times never mind in this ‘new normal’.

Let us help you take stock of it all…

Now we’re a scientific recruitment agency, set up by scientists for scientists, we get it; we’ve been there. So our first question is do you want to work in a lab? Are you a ‘yes’, ‘no’ or ‘I didn’t realise there were non-lab scientific roles’!?

Ask yourself, at Uni did I;

• enjoy being in the lab
• Conducting experiments, working to precise measurements etc
• Operating hi-tech equipment
• Preparing samples etc
• Being ‘hands-on’ at the bench?

Or actually, did I enjoy more:

• Learning about theory – how and why but from a classroom
• Organising and managing group/individual projects
• Getting top-marks/taking part in competitions
• Helping others?

If you feel more aligned to the first set of bullet points, a lab role may be the best route for you, if the latter then it may be worth exploring non-lab roles too. Just to make things more complicated, there are a few roles that blur these lines!

There are many varied roles available in scientific organisations, so even if you fall on the non-lab side of the fence it doesn’t mean you need to look outside of science. The best way to learn about all the different roles and opportunities available is look online at specialist agencies like ours, or phone and speak to a recruiter who will be happy to talk you through a variety of options.

Sort your CV - Help Us to Help You!

We understand you’ve just written a mega dissertation, but all we’re asking for is a well crafted 2 page document about you.

Contact details should be at the top of your CV, along with your location. I really hope I’m stating the obvious here.

Start with a little blurb about you and what you’re ideally looking for, this is the section you can tweak later on down the line to tailor to your applications.

Lead with your degree, for at least the last three years you invested a lot of time and money into it, so we want hear about it!

Describe your final project or any hands-on lab projects you did and which techniques or procedures you used and anything of relevance like an industry placement. This is demonstrating your ‘hard skills’.

Never assume. The first person who reviews your CV may not be a scientist or have a science background; they may not know what is likely to be covered in a Chemistry/Biomedical/Engineering degree so please don’t just put one line stating your degree title, university and grade. By not elaborating on core-modules and techniques used you will be missing out on opportunities.

These are the skills your future employer will be looking for, so ensure they are on, as each university has their own curriculum, Chemistry at one university will have different practicals to another.

Part-time/Holiday work

Get it on there – it may not look relevant to roles you’re applying for, but it demonstrates your work ethic and ‘soft skills’ - it’s never going to look bad.

Hobbies/Interests

You are a person and they are a person, not a weird company robot. It’s always nice to read a little of what makes you tick outside of studies. This section really helps highlight your ‘soft skills’ – personality traits, communication skills etc. which are also essential to being successful in the working environment.

The Grad Flex!

Oh that sounds good doesn’t it? If you, like many graduates, have the advantage of being relatively ‘commitment free’ then you can utilise a very special skill that can often fade with age - the ability to relocate!

Getting industry experience as soon as possible is vital, as in 9-12months time there will be a new round of grads looking for their first jobs too. So if you can, stay open to relocating for the right job. We’re not saying this means you have live there forever, and by all means survey your local area first, but be realistic - if you’re in a remote location, chances are it’s not going to be busy with many scientific related opportunities. Especially if you need to rely on public transport/cycling for your commute.

You can always relocate once you have some experience and be in a better position to do so.

Final Tip

Don’t put it off and you don’t need to wait until you get your final grade – you’ll have a predicted one. Write your CV whilst everything is still fresh in your mind!

Then send it to VRS Recruitment – we will never send your CV to our clients without your permission, we will always discuss the opportunity and company with you. We’re constantly on the look out for graduates seeking their first/second career move in industry. So lets talk!

Drop your CV off at hello@vrsrecruitment.com

Call VRS on 0161 976 4000

Bonus - All graduate CVs (class of 2021/2022) received between 11/4/22 - 10/6/22 automatically entered into a prize draw for goodies!

Prizes:

Set of Wireless Earbuds

£25 Amazon Voucher

Several boxes of Retro Sweets (vegan friendly)

Limited Edition VRS Mug

VRS Branded Pen and Keyring Torch Set