Future-Proofing Your Science Career

Remain relevant in this era of automation and great change.

With Industry 4.0 bringing about a paradigm shift in business and industry, the future of work in the sciences looks unsettlingly uncertain.

But while it may be hard to tell what lies ahead for science graduates, fear not as we have some tips to help you make the most of the opportunities that will come your way!

More than ever before, it is crucial to pick up a technical skill or two to give your resume an edge. Do some research to figure out which skills are sought in your field of choice, or simply go with your passion and take the first class that catches your eye.

Think of these extra skills as new additions to your toolbox – although your job might not call for them on a daily basis, you may come across a few scenarios where they can come in handy.

More than that, some skills are universal. For instance, soft skills that make you a better employee and team player can be acquired from joining a club or society, or from taking on a part-time job. Do not forget to make the most out of university presentations and use them as practice as well; there is bound to be a time where you have to speak to a crowd for work.

And with how rapidly things are changing in our time, adaptability is a key skill to have, and it is one you can pick up by stepping out of your comfort zone and doing things you find to be challenging.

These skills will not only help you from the beginning to the end of the recruitment process, but will also see you through your career as they are essential life skills too.

1 Always keep learning

2 Conduct your own market research

Naming your salary and negotiating it right may help you land the position of your dreams. Start by doing research to find out how much you should demand in monetary benefits, and then move on to find out how much you need to live comfortably.

It is also a good idea to provide a salary range before opening negotiations, though, at the same time, you must be sure that you are not demanding an unreasonably high salary as it may put off some employers.

Take some time to read up on what other companies are offering for similar roles as well, and take stock of your own experience. This way, you can be sure that you are asking for just enough.

4 Know what employers look for

Recruiters are always looking for motivated employees; they want candidates who are genuinely interested in the job and in working for them.

Before you even apply, you should look into the company to give yourself an idea of what they do and how you can fit in. If you are invited for an interview, talk about what you read of them and ask relevant questions – it shows that you have done your research and that you are a person who puts thought into their work.

Employers love candidates who have some work experience and, as such, tend to prefer hiring their own interns for entry-level positions.

3 Consider up-andcoming careers

It would be wise to turn your attention to roles that will experience demand in time to come, rather than what is currently successful. It is also strategic to look at jobs that will be less affected by automation. Here are a few key areas that will be promising in the future: • Healthcare • Food technology • Data science

5 Hone your interview skills

There are many articles in this guide specially geared to prepare you for interviews. Head over to the “How to Get Hired” section where you can read up on how to successfully navigate technical interviews and assessments in the STEM sector.

6 Be open to advice

Seek advice from everyone you know in your field, and absorb all the information you can. Hear what they have to say as everyone has some insights into the industry, regardless of seniority or whether or not their occupation is one you are interested in. They all have something valuable, and that is their experience.

Heed someone more seasoned and take their advice on how to be a better employee; listen to a person who is quite green and learn what their experience was like as a newbie. Even talking to someone who works in HR or sales can give you an idea of what other candidates are like or how the market is currently doing.

Certainly, you can do this research online, but this makes for good practice for an important skill – being open to input from others. Moreover, the knowledge you gain from practising your listening skills might just help you in the future.