7. Finance

• Equity Research Equity researchers or analysts carry out in-depth and often complex analysis and research of companies and market sectors. They will then report on whether that company represents good value as an investment and what the long-term financial prospects for a firm are. Generally, researchers will work for fund managers such as pension or investment groups to determine how they invest their money. Alternatively there are independent research groups who produce reports for others to use.

• Venture Capital Venture capital is money invested in small companies that have not yet listed on the stock exchange. They offer shares in their business in return for any money invested. Usually, venture capitalists will hope that the company becomes very successful and floats on the stock exchange - allowing them to make a good return on their investment. Potentially the returns are great but so are the risks! There are only a small number of UK Venture Capital firms involved in the life sciences sector and they will frequently require potential employees to have business and science experience.

• Accountancy Accountancy does not often appeal to many people, however, there are many opportunities for qualified accountants. Some accountants become more involved in advising the business on how to raise finance or acting as business consultants and planning strategy and so on.

• Investment Banking Investment Bankers advise companies on how best to raise money in order to undergo major financial changes such as raising capital to go public, merging or acquiring other companies, funding large research projects and other financial transactions.