Careers in science and healthcare - Q1 2021

Q1 / 2021 AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT FROM MEDIAPLANET WHO TAKE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS CONTENT

Careers in Science and Healthcare Full campaign on www.yourfuturecareer.co.uk

Science isn’t just about knowing stuff; it’s actually a way of thinking.

We must now commit to building greater diversity and inclusion.

Jo Cox, Schools Engagement Manager, The Royal Society

Ruth Blanco, Communications Director, WISE, The campaign for greater gender balance in STEM

Page 2

Page 4

The best innovations incorporate inclusivity and ensure that there are dynamic solutions for the world we live in.

Maria Rossini, Head of Education, British Science Association

Page 6

Engineering an economic recovery with apprentices

An independent supplement from Mediaplanet who take sole responsibility for its content | MEDIAPLANET ©FANDSRABUTAN

2 | Read more at yourfuturecareer.co.uk

In the UK alone, there is an annual shortfall of 59,000 new engineers and technicians¹, which presents a huge opportunity to develop the skills of young people to fill emerging roles and critical skills gaps.

T

he lack of new engineers means we should strive to create the next generation.

Engineers will be the key to recovering our economy in the post-pandemic world. Even within engineering currently, there are some strong growth sectors including climate change and sustainability. To fill their potential, we must act now to create skills for the future.

According to the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s Skills for net zero and a green recovery, employers are divided as to what type of skills their organisation will need in order to deliver their sustainability strategy. Equal proportions cited the need for innovative thinking (62%), management strategic skills (60%), and agility skills (60%).2 Identifying skills needed within businesses In response to how these businesses will create these skills, 32% said they would recruit apprentices and provide training.3 Of these, 45% of larger companies said they would hire an apprentice to engage in the UK education system, with 23% of SMEs stating the same.4 The value of an apprenticeship in engineering is important.

According to the survey, businesses feel university graduates are less likely to understand the realities of work in their industry than apprentices. This is because of the ‘on-the-job’ work experience apprenticeships gain whilst completing their courses.

Apprenticeships are the key to cutting our annual shortfall and create the key skills for the future economy.

Science is about critical, creative problem solving Science isn’t just the technology in our pocket. From making sense of information online to solving problems in our daily lives, it gives us tools to understand the world.

I Jo Cox Schools Engagement Manager, The Royal Society

Journalist, paramedic or games designer If we look at science in its broadest sense, it gives students key transferable skills that are applicable to all types of careers – from those that are not related to science at all, to those that are.

There are many scientific careers beyond those that we can readily recall and a career in science gives you the opportunity to make a difference to our society.

Consider a paramedic, who needs to critically assess the situation in front of them, make accurate observations and consider the evidence – skills you learn in the science classroom.

Games designers use logic and data skills to build fun and realistic virtual worlds. Imagine a journalist – regardless of the subject matter, they need to be able to critically assess the facts in

References 1.https://www.theiet.org/media/4812/skills-survey2019.pdf 2.https://www.theiet.org/media/7605/iet-skills-for-netzero-and-a-green-recovery.pdf 3. Ibid 4. Ibid

Find out more at theiet.org/skills

Dr Graham Herries Co-Chair, The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Education and Skills Policy Panel

Paid for by the IET

t is easy to see that studying maths makes you numerate, and studying English makes you literate…but what does studying science make you?

This is a question asked by many secondary school students who suddenly find (in England at least) that they cannot simply drop science in Year 10. Why is science a core subject?

Surely science is for those students who want to go on to be doctors, or vets, or work in a lab?

This couldn’t be further from the truth because science isn’t just about knowing stuff; it’s actually a way of thinking.

If we look at science in its broadest sense, it gives students key transferable skills that are applicable to all types of careers. front of them, to analyse the data and look at the evidence before they write up their copy – all skills you learn from studying science.

Problem solving and creativity Many careers rely on problemsolving and creative thinking skills that are taught in the science classroom. Students should be encouraged to think less about scientific knowledge and more about the scientific way of thinking – ask a question, form a hypothesis, test ideas, make mistakes, learn from them and start over.

These skills, which underpin many a scientific investigation, are just as relevant to our everyday lives. It’s all too easy to be persuaded by posts on social media, in newspapers and on television but students must develop the correct skills to look at the evidence and ask the right questions before making important decisions.

As DNA pioneer Rosalind Franklin said, ‘science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated’.

Science is for everyone.

The Royal Society, the UK’s national science academy, aimed at 11-16 year olds, has created the animation - Why Science is for me.

You can find more resources and animations on the Royal Society website royalsociety.org/ why-science

Project Manager: Tilly Morley tilly.morley@mediaplanet.com Business Development Manager: Josie Mason Managing Director: Alex Williams Head of Business Development: Ellie McGregor Head of Production: Kirsty Elliott Designer: Thomas Kent Digital Manager: Harvey O’Donnell Paid Social Strategist: Jonni Asfaha Production Assistant: Henry Phillips Mediaplanet contact information: Phone: +44 (0) 203 642 0737 E-mail: uk.info@mediaplanet.com All images supplied by Gettyimages, unless otherwise specified @YourfuturecareerUK

@MediaplanetUK

@MediaplanetUK

Please recycle

MEDIAPLANET | An independent supplement from Mediaplanet who take sole responsibility for its content

Read more at yourfuturecareer.co.uk | 3

Paid for by Johnson Matthey

Q&A We want to help save the planet.

How about you? ©GLENN PETTERSEN

Three graduates reveal why sustainability is such a big issue for them — and how they are committed to using science to make the world cleaner and healthier.

What’s the attraction of a science career for you?

One of its strengths is its collaborative nature. Science isn’t something you can or should do in isolation. The thing that gets me excited is looking at a problem, brainstorming with the people around me, and tracking a path through to the solution.

Also, solving a real problem that people have struggled with is such a satisfying feeling.

Louise Todd Customer & Product Support Scientist, Johnson Matthey

How can scientists build engagement around sustainability issues?

We must prioritise sustainability in our decision-making processes, and then utilise our skills in, for example, data manipulation and good communication to extract a simple, meaningful story from an extremely complex picture.

We also have to add value with our solutions.

Were you looking for a career with a company with a sustainable agenda?

As someone who’s long been interested in science, I felt I had a social responsibility to tackle the big problems we face, such as climate change. It’s why I took science subjects at A Level and studied chemistry at uni. It’s also why I joined Johnson Matthey, because these problems will only be solved with big action, innovation and responsibility from large corporations.

Joe Staddon Science Graduate, Johnson Matthey

What might surprise people about science careers?

They’re creative! Scientists do things that have never been done before in order to find solutions that don’t yet exist. If that’s not the definition of creativity, then what is? Also, scientific innovation shapes our lives. We use things every day that were made or optimised by scientists.

Why is sustainability so important to you?

I became interested in sustainability when I was a poor PhD student! I had to be frugal which meant looking for reusable solutions, such as buying from charity shops and doing clothes swaps with other students. And with maturity I came to realise that a lot of challenges around sustainability need to be solved with science and technology, which is a subject I love.

Fiona Porter Commercial Graduate, Johnson Matthey

As a scientist, what skills do you need to develop sustainable solutions?

You need to be open-minded, creative and determined, because new things aren’t invented by following the rules. Of course, the people around you have to engage with your ideas, too, because some really big changes need to happen if we’re to solve the sustainability challenges we face.

What’s the main challenge we face in reaching net zero?

Net zero is always going to be a balance between financial cost and ultimate reward. But everyone — individuals, companies — has to pull in the same direction, otherwise we’re going to end up cancelling each other out.

What one thing would you do to make the world cleaner and healthier?

All the actions we take involve energy, and the source of that energy contributes to climate change. That’s our biggest emergency. To be able to ensure that our energy source is renewable, replenishable or carbon zero is so important. As a scientist, I want to help find the solution.

We use things every day that were made or optimised by scientists.

Why is achieving net zero carbon emissions so important?

If we fail to meet the net zero target, the impact on the planet will be horrific. So net zero isn’t an aspiration — it’s a necessity.

Thankfully, we now have the social and political will... and we have the technology. We just have to work out how we get there.

What one thing would you do to make the world cleaner and healthier?

We still have to solve the issue of large-scale energy storage. One way forward is developing cheaper and earth-abundant catalysts for green hydrogen production.

What’s the best thing about working in your industry?

I like change. I find it exciting. In science there’s a lot of opportunity for change, plus so much technology to get your claws into and so many problems to tackle.

What one thing would you do to make the world cleaner and healthier?

I would love there to be better infrastructure to support the growth of the second-hand market. Perhaps having some sort of quality control in place, so people were happier to buy second-hand rather than new.

Written by Tony Greenway

Read more at matthey.com/careers

4 | Read more at yourfuturecareer.co.uk

Does diversity matter when entering healthcare?

An independent supplement from Mediaplanet who take sole responsibility for its content | MEDIAPLANET

Diversity and inclusion have never been so important

Today we are privileged to engage, learn and experience differing cultures and backgrounds both in our everyday lives and in our places of work.

We must look at how employers can create diversity and inclusivity in their workplaces.

H

ealthcare is at the heart of every community both locally and globally. As an industry it responds to and represents a plethora of cultures, identities, backgrounds and perspectives and works as the heartbeat of humanity and global society.

As global communities unite to combat COVID-19, what is clear is diversity of perspective and thought is at the forefront of every decision, of every interpretation of medical and scientific data, that will shape the outcomes of humanity.

Previously deemed a nice-tohave within organisational culture, diversity today holds great value in all aspects of technological advancement and innovation.

D Ruth Blanco Communications Director, WISE, the campaign for greater gender balance in STEM

uring the COVID-19 pandemic we have relied on our scientists, technologists and engineers to come up with fast solutions. They have helped to improve health and survival rates, support businesses, organisations and the economy as well as to enable virtual social connection. They are essential contributors, key workers and among them are many, many women.

With research showing that women have lost many of the hard-won gains of the last few decades towards equality in the workplace and home, we must now commit to building greater diversity and inclusion.

Small steps start at the top To make a real difference, you need a systematic approach applied across the business which is led from the top. Treat it like any other business project, with a nominated board director responsible and accountable for the transformation. Visible commitment by leaders is absolutely critical to making a real and sustained difference.

Understand your starting point and use data such as your gender pay gap reporting to help identify problem areas.

Create a practical plan of action that has timelines and targets. We would like to see women represent 30% of STEM roles. This percentage represents a recognised tipping point; once any minority is a third or more of a group, they no longer feel like they are the odd ones out.

As global communities unite to combat COVID-19, what is clear is diversity of perspective and thought is at the forefront of every decision.

Finding representative role models Long before the pandemic it was clear that the healthcare and science professions afforded an individual a career that would bring the opportunity to learn and provide rewarding, challenging experiences.

But what has stopped so many in their tracks is sometimes the lack of visible role models in senior positions that represent their diverse backgrounds, including the communities they serve.

Representation needs to exist in an authentic way for opinions to be shared openly, insights to be exchanged and for ideas to be listened to and heard. For many, entering a new role is the first footstep of opportunity for a longstanding career.

Therefore it is important that workplace cultures embrace the diverse perspectives represented in their workforce, to allow for new best practices, improved services to communities and an inclusive experience for all.

Recruit, retain, retrain Review recruitment processes to ensure you are attracting women. Research shows that women are more incentivised to apply for a role where they can see the difference a role makes, so paint a picture that will attract women in your adverts.

Dr Rashada Harry Founder, Your Future, Your Ambition ©GORODENKOFF

Whatever solution an employer adopts, it needs to be transparent and on offer to all.

Be an employer who supports your existing employees in their career progression. You may well find that you already have the talent you need in your organisation if you offer the opportunity to retrain or to gain experience by working on specific projects.

By introducing retraining programmes, you can widen your talent pool and attract experienced women who have taken a career break and want to return to the workplace.

Make flexible the new normal The way we work has already changed thanks to the pandemic and now employers are looking at their long-term options. We need to ensure that part-time or flexible working options are available in STEM roles, particularly in senior roles.

Employers need to consider what will work best to ensure that hybrid working, four-day weeks or just greater flexibility works equally well for everyone, with opportunities to capitalise on networking, joint project work and access to different people within the organisation. Whatever solution an employer adopts, it needs to be transparent and on offer to all.

MEDIAPLANET | An independent supplement from Mediaplanet who take sole responsibility for its content

Read more at yourfuturecareer.co.uk | 5

Paid for by Arm

Arm as a global technology company creates intellectual property, whether it’s a silicon chip or a processor unit, writing the software for our partners to use in their products. 70% of the world’s population uses Arm technology. By 2035 we’re expecting there to be one trillion Arm powered devices – do you want to join the fifth wave of computing?

Q&A

©IMAGE PROVIDED BY ARM

Why we need more women in technology Katie Worton

Nadia Noormohamed

Graduate Engineer, Cambridge

Graduate Software Engineer, Manchester

Q1 Why did you choose a degree in computer science?

I really enjoy problem solving and thinking outside the box. A computer science degree gives you the skill set to solve difficult problems creatively, so it was the perfect choice for me!

Q1 What do you most enjoy about your role as a software engineer?

I am always solving problems, researching and learning new things. It’s an exciting feeling for me when getting closer to a solution and even more so, when it’s found.

Usually, problems can be solved in more than one way, allowing me to have the freedom to be creative and have a sense of ownership over the solution.

Q2 What are your key responsibilities?

Writing test code and debugging CPU (central processing unit) designs. Since I am still learning my way around, I’ve learnt not to be afraid to ask for help when I am stuck. I am surrounded by many clever people, so this is a great hands-on way for me to learn.

Q3 Would you recommend a career in engineering and technology?

Yes, I would recommend a career in engineering and technology – it is an extremely rewarding career path, with many different areas to learn and explore!

Q4 How are you helping to shape the future?

In my job, I test and debug new CPU designs, helping the designers fix problems. This ensures the CPUs that surround us in our day-to-day lives are both reliable and secure.

Outside of work, I take part in volunteering opportunities such as Code First: Girls - a not-forprofit group who teach women programming skills.

Here I can give back, teaching and inspiring the next generation of women in tech!

Yes, I would recommend a career in engineering and technology – it is an extremely rewarding career path.

Q2 How did your computer science degree help with your career path?

I was introduced to many different areas of computer science during my degree, which helped me to figure out my interests.

I opted to study modules that sounded novel to me, like quantum computing. I found that I really enjoyed programming and learning about how computers work at the lower levels of abstraction, which is why I decided to work for ARM. Q3 What advice would you give girls choosing a degree?

Choose a degree based on what interests you. Think about where your strengths lie and the job prospects that come with the degree.

If you are interested in studying a STEM degree, I fully recommend it. The job prospects are usually very good and they open up doors to many rewarding jobs – definitely look into computer science!

Q4 How are you helping to shape the future?

I like to help with events involving younger people to inspire and excite them about technology. I get the motivation to help with these sessions to make young girls realise technology is something they could be passionate about!

Find out more at arm.com/careers Check out their socials at: @LifeAtArm @arm #LifeAtArm #WeAreArm

6 | Read more at yourfuturecareer.co.uk

An independent supplement from Mediaplanet who take sole responsibility for its content | MEDIAPLANET

Innovation is important – and involves everyone The COVID-19 pandemic has raised questions around our personal and professional capacities.

The answers to those questions lie with innovation.

Maria Rossini Head of Education, British Science Association

A career in pharmacy; the myths debunked

I

don’t know about you, but STEM involves everyone I’m constantly struck by how STEM subjects do not exist in many questions have been silos. Rather, they intertwine with thrown at us as we adapt to everything in the world around life during a pandemic. Questions us, and play more of a leading role around our personal and in our lives than many of us may professional capacities. Questions think. Even everyday activities on the level of trust we have in like baking a cake, repairing a bike those making critical decisions. or mixing paints to create a piece Questions on whether this is of art see us act like scientists something we can all cope with. and engineers in some way, The inequalities in access to demonstrating that each technology, skills, healthcare and and every one of us is capable resources both of connecting with within the UK and STEM subjects. globally have come Scientists, to the fore over technologists, Coming out of this the past year. As engineers and people look to new pandemic, we need mathematicians jobs, how can we should not – and to ensure that as work on improving do not – look, many individuals and systems such speak or move in as education and communities as possible a certain way, government nor do they are involved in the future have to work in to be more that we build. accessible? laboratories or offices with certain Innovation equals inclusion qualifications under their belt.

Innovation has been – and will Rather, we all have the continue to be – vital. potential to engage and succeed The best innovations incorporate in STEM – whether as a hobby, inclusivity and ensure that there through education or as a career – are dynamic solutions for the world and go on to develop innovations we live in. They allow all voices that could heal and improve our to be heard and call on diverse COVID-shaken society. communities to be part of the Whether you are a formal answers to our biggest questions educator, parent, carer or in science, technology, engineering volunteer, we hope that you will and mathematics (STEM). take the chance to support our Coming out of this pandemic, efforts to champion and widen we need to ensure that as many access to STEM subjects – and individuals and communities encourage as many young people as possible are involved in the as possible to get involved too. future that we build.

For the third largest healthcare profession in the UK, there are a surprising number of misconceptions held by the public about pharmacy. However, if you are thinking about pursuing a career in the field, you should be equipped with all the facts.

©PETER MULLER

Professor Duncan Craig Chair of the Pharmacy Schools Council and Director of the School of Pharmacy at UCL

Read more at yourfuture career.co.uk

Myth: Pharmacy is all about dispensing medicines Traditionally, dispensing has been a core role of the pharmacist. Nowadays, however, the extent to which dispensing features as part of a pharmacist’s role depends on the sector in which they practise.

In any typical day, pharmacists in patient facing roles will manage and monitor patients and review patients’ medicines; some may even contribute to the dispensing process, administer vaccinations and prescribe medicines for patients.

Myth: Pharmacists can’t specialise There are many opportunities for pharmacists in patient facing roles to specialise. Pharmacists can specialise in a range of clinical areas including diabetes, mental health, cancer care, minor ailments and urgent care. These specialist clinical roles reflect the increased complexity of medicines in the treatment of patients.

Pharmacists may also be independent prescribers, and will, like doctors, be able to prescribe for any condition within their clinical competence. Indeed, recently adopted pharmacy standards mean that in the near future, on completion of their degrees and foundation year, all new pharmacists will be independent prescribers.

Myth: Employment prospects for pharmacists are limited This couldn’t be further from the truth! When I qualified there were four main career paths for pharmacists following registration: community, hospital, industry and academia.

In recent years, the offering has expanded in line with the pharmacist’s expanding role as a science-based clinical practitioner. Pharmacists are increasingly working as part of general practice teams, and there are exciting new roles for pharmacists in settings such as urgent and emergency care.

As a pharmacist, approximately 80% of your skills are transferable, and there is flexibility to combine several pharmacy roles through a ‘portfolio career’.

Equally, pharmacists can work in other areas such as government, research, education, drug discovery, regulatory affairs, finance and the media.

Pharmacists are experts in medicines and their use. Their understanding of how to apply science to clinical situations enables them to make a unique contribution to patient care. If you want a stable career where the work is highly rewarding and you can be challenged, then pharmacy may be for you.

Don’t listen to the myths – get the facts.

MEDIAPLANET | An independent supplement from Mediaplanet who take sole responsibility for its content

Read more at yourfuturecareer.co.uk | 7

BE AN RAF ENGINEER From Aerosystems Engineers to communication and electronic engineer officers, there are unrivalled engineering opportunities for engineering and computer science graduates and professionals in the Royal Air Force. Technical knowledge goes far beyond anything you would learn in a civilian industry, and will continue to grow throughout your career. You will be called on to deploy your skills in some of the world’s most high impact situations – from battle zones to humanitarian crises.

Search RAF careers online.

Students should be encouraged to think less about scientific knowledge and more about the scientific way of thinking – ask a question, form a hypothesis, test ideas, make mistakes, learn from them and start over. ~ Jo Cox, Schools Engagement Manager, The Royal Society

©LIGHTFIELDSTUDIOS

8 | Read more at yourfuturecareer.co.uk

An independent supplement from Mediaplanet who take sole responsibility for its content | MEDIAPLANET

Paid for by Charles River Laboratories

Think you know about science careers?

Think again!

Three women — all working in early-stage development and safe manufacturing of novel drugs and therapeutics — correct some popular misconceptions about science industry careers.

Kirsten Cormack Technician, Safety Pharmacology, Charles River Laboratories

Francesca Drake Supervisor, Quality Assurance, Charles River Laboratories

Jessica Knox Study Director, Chromatographic Bioanalysis, Charles River Laboratories

Written by: Tony Greenway

©YALAX

Kirsten Cormack Technician, Safety Pharmacology

Francesca Drake Supervisor, Quality Assurance

Jessica Knox Study Director, Chromatographic Bioanalysis

Kirsten returned to Charles River three years ago after time away from the company. Her current role involves compiling and studying data from animal models.

Francesca has worked at Charles River for five years. As a Quality Assurance Supervisor, she ensures that good laboratory practice (GLP) regulations are followed.

Were you good at science and maths at school?

The subjects I was good at were the hands-on ones, such as product design. But I took biology and chemistry because I’d always wanted to get into the science side of things. After starting my job here, I’ve progressed to being one of the lead technicians. It feels good to know that some of the drugs I’ve worked on are out there helping patients.

How important is good science teaching in school?

Very important! I had a science teacher who was so inspiring and made studying the subject enjoyable and fun. Before she came along, I don’t think I’d considered a science career. But if you manage to get interested and engaged in a subject it becomes easier, somehow.

Jessica has worked at Charles River for four-and-a-half years.

She is currently part of the Method Development Group in Chromatographic Bioanalysis, and her work is mainly laboratory-based.

What soft skills do you need in your role?

We have to liaise with a lot of people across the company, so good communication is important.

Are there diverse opportunities in your industry?

I don’t have a degree, but I do have the chance to progress if I get one; so, with the help of the company, I’m exploring studying a degree on day release. I could then become an Assistant Scientist or Study Director and I can always move to different departments. There are a range of options.

Do science careers suffer from unfair stereotyping?

I think so. For instance, I can go a whole month without wearing a lab coat and safety glasses! It’s also very creative. I’m always testing, exploring and looking for new ways to do things.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Towards the end of my degree, I decided that I didn’t want to work in a lab. Quality Assurance interested me because I still get to go into the lab and oversee studies, but I’m mainly office based. The best thing for me is that I get a great overview of the whole process.

Do you have to be good at maths to be a scientist?

I wasn’t! At school, I was more into drama and music, but my guidance teacher told me that for my highers I should consider taking biology and chemistry. That wasn’t where my heart was at the time but, it’s been great for me. It opened my eyes to other opportunities. Of course maths is now a big part of the day job!

What route did you take to your current role?

I studied forensic and analytical science as an undergraduate, but realised I preferred the analytical side, so went on to do a masters in analytical science. I feel I’ve gone down a different path, but it’s made me realise that opportunities are always around the corner.

You just have to take them.

What non-academic skills do you need in your role?

I agree with Kirsten: communication is a huge part of the job.

As well as organisational skills, because you need to be constantly on the ball and prioritise your time efficiently.

Read more at criver.com