1. Scottish Biotech Industry
The Scottish Biotech industry is undoubtedly amongst the most dynamic employment sectors at present, it's profile boosted by the work and support of Scottish Enterprise and the ever increasing levels of press coverage that scientific breakthroughs attract. Increasingly, Biotechnology and Scientific opportunities are no longer purely the home of the intellectual, with talented individuals from various backgrounds being attracted to what can be a challenging and rewarding career.
Despite this, it is common for ambitious young science graduates to become disheartened after a couple of years in the world of work, often feeling frustrated with their salary and concerned that they are stuck in a rut. However, as employment prospects continue to improve and more Biotech companies emerge and expand, this needn't be the case. A dynamic marketplace and growing organisations should offer those with the motivation the chance to develop with them.
Two key factors are critical in making the most of such opportunities
1. Identifying the skills that are in demand and analysing them in relation to areas that interest you. How can you develop your career in a way that will allow you to progress and be motivated?
2. Identifying the correct time to make your move
2. Skills
Unless you have completed a PhD or an advanced degree and go straight into continued research, most graduates begin their career in fairly routine lab based roles. Although such positions can initially this seem mundane, they can be a critical part of your career - especially in the private sector.
Your work experience will allow you pick up the key skills that can catapult your value as an employee way above that of a fresh graduate. An excellent example is the experience gained in to working to essential quality standards (GMP/GLP/FDA), knowledge which can be very difficult to pick up in an academic environment. Equally important are the skills that allow you to work as an effective member of a commercial organisation, such as the necessity of working within a team to tight deadlines, communication and project management experience.
With such valuable work experience under your belt, you can look at how you want to develop your career… perhaps to manage staff within the lab, or if you are keen to move out of a lab environment, QA/QC could represent an excellent opportunity. This can be a route into Quality Management or Regulatory Affairs, positions with broad remits, where senior staff can be liaising with all departments within a company, keeping up to date on the latest regulations and for the lucky ones, travelling to international conferences.
3. Making the Move
After an initial six months in a lab assistant role you will be equipped to move on if you are genuinely unhappy in your current role or see no room for development at all. Talk to a recruitment company, look at Monster's advice on creating your CV and keep your eye on the web to give you an idea of positions that are available and an indication of current market conditions in your field. While such an early move may not involve a promotion, if you have been in your first role for 2/3 years and still see no scope for promotion or increased responsibilities, then it is almost certainly the time to move. While employers tend to steer clear of perpetual 'job hoppers' a well timed move will often be looked upon positively, as an indication that you have ambition, rather than remaining loyal to a role which isn't challenging you. As the Biotech & Scientific market evolves, it is not uncommon for employees to move positions every 2/3 years, allowing them to develop a steady career path, take advantage of new opportunities and offer potential employers fresh ideas and a wide range of relevant experience.
The chance to carve yourself an exciting, well paid job in the Biotech industry is certainly there and the keys to success are clear. Work hard, discover what motivates you and don't be afraid to take the plunge to get what you want.
