Jobs & Career Choices After a Biomedical Science Degree
TLDRIn this insightful video, Kenji interviews Caroline, a biomedical science graduate turned research integrity specialist, about her career journey and the diverse opportunities available to those with a biomedical science degree. They discuss the importance of work experience, networking, and the value of a broad education in making informed career decisions. Caroline shares her transition from lab work to her current role, emphasizing the skills and experiences gained along the way. The conversation offers practical advice for students and job-seekers, highlighting the benefits of exploring various paths and leveraging resources to secure a fulfilling career in the biomedical field.
Takeaways
- 🎓 Biomedical science offers a variety of career paths beyond just lab work, including research, teaching, medical writing, and industry roles.
- 👩🔬 Caroline's journey from a biomedical science graduate to a research integrity specialist highlights the importance of exploring different roles to find the right fit.
- 🧬 Lab work experience, even if not enjoyed, provides valuable insights and can be a stepping stone to future opportunities.
- 📈 The importance of networking and using platforms like LinkedIn to connect with potential employers and stay updated with job opportunities.
- 💼 Tailoring your CV and LinkedIn profile to highlight relevant skills and experiences is crucial for job hunting in the biomedical field.
- 🏢 Gaining work experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering can significantly boost your employability.
- 🎓 Further education like a Master's degree or a PhD can open up specialized career paths and increase job prospects.
- 🤝 Reaching out to university supervisors and leveraging existing connections can provide valuable guidance and job leads.
- 📆 Starting the job application process early, around nine months before graduation, can reduce stress and increase the chances of securing a job post-graduation.
- 🌟 Being open to various job opportunities, even those outside of your preferred field, can help you gain a broader perspective and discover your true career passion.
- 🚀 Taking advantage of diverse experiences, both in and out of the lab, can enrich your career trajectory and make you a more versatile candidate in the job market.
Q & A
What is the main topic of discussion in the video?
-The main topic of discussion in the video is biomedical science and the career opportunities available after graduating with a degree in this field.
What is Caroline's current profession and how does it relate to biomedical science?
-Caroline is a research integrity specialist working for an oncology journal, where she reviews scientific articles to ensure they meet ethical requirements and data accuracy before publication. This role is related to biomedical science as it involves the evaluation of research findings in cancer biology.
Why did Caroline choose not to pursue lab work as a career?
-Caroline chose not to pursue lab work because she found the work ethic inside the lab unsuitable for her personality. She experienced high pressure and stress during her time in a COVID lab, which led to mistakes and an unfavorable working environment.
What are some alternative career paths for someone with a biomedical science degree?
-Alternative career paths for a biomedical science graduate include further study (masters or PhD), teaching, medical writing, bioinformatics, data analysis, and working as a biomedical scientist in a hospital.
How did Kenji and Caroline enhance their employability during their studies?
-Kenji and Caroline enhanced their employability by gaining diverse experiences such as lab work, attending conferences, tutoring, and participating in extracurricular activities. They also emphasized the importance of building a strong CV and an active LinkedIn profile.
What is the process of applying for jobs according to the video?
-The process of applying for jobs as discussed in the video involves working on one's CV and LinkedIn profile, attending workshops to learn about job applications, using job search websites like Indeed, and reaching out to supervisors and professors for advice and recommendations.
When should a student start applying for jobs according to Caroline?
-Caroline recommends starting to apply for jobs nine months before finishing the degree to ensure a smooth transition into the job market and to avoid the stress of unemployment after graduation.
How did Kenji's experience in the lab influence his career path?
-Kenji's experience in the lab, although he enjoyed it, made him realize that he did not want to be a lab scientist long-term. This realization led him to pursue further studies and eventually become a doctor, integrating his biomedical science background into his medical practice.
What advice does Kenji give to someone who is unsure about their career path after studying biomedical science?
-Kenji advises individuals to explore various opportunities, take on different jobs, and gain a wide range of experiences. He emphasizes the importance of making decisions and taking actions, even if they might not lead to the desired outcome, as these experiences will guide them towards their true career path.
How does Caroline's current job as a research integrity specialist contribute to the scientific community?
-Caroline's role as a research integrity specialist contributes to the scientific community by ensuring the quality and integrity of scientific articles published in the oncology journal. Her work helps maintain high standards of research and prevents the dissemination of incorrect or unethically obtained information.
What are the key takeaways from the video for students studying biomedical science or considering the field?
-The key takeaways from the video are the variety of career options available after studying biomedical science, the importance of gaining diverse experiences during studies, the value of networking and mentorship, and the necessity of starting the job application process early. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and exploration to determine one's career path.
Outlines
🎓 Introduction to Biomedical Science and Career Paths
The video begins with Kenji, a doctor and former biomedical science graduate, welcoming viewers to his channel. He introduces his girlfriend, Caroline, who is a research integrity specialist for an oncology journal. Kenji explains that Caroline's expertise in biomedical science makes her an ideal guest to discuss career options for those who have completed a degree in the field. Caroline shares her journey, from working in a PCR lab after graduation to her current role, emphasizing the importance of understanding the various paths available after studying biomedical science.
🧪 Lab Work Experiences and Alternative Career Options
Caroline discusses her brief experience working in a lab, conducting COVID tests, and how it helped her realize that lab work wasn't for her due to the high-stress environment. She then explores alternative career paths for biomedical science graduates, such as becoming a research assistant, medical editor, teacher, or working in the scientific industry. Kenji adds that biomedical scientists can also work in hospitals, conducting specialized tests required by doctors daily.
📝 Job Search Strategies and Tips
The conversation shifts to strategies for finding jobs in the biomedical field. Caroline emphasizes the importance of having a well-crafted CV and an updated LinkedIn profile, as these are often the first points of contact for potential employers. She also recommends using job search websites like Indeed and leveraging university resources. Kenji suggests starting the job search nine months before graduation to avoid post-graduation unemployment and reduce stress.
🌟 Enhancing Job Prospects through Diverse Experiences
Both Kenji and Caroline share their personal experiences of taking on various roles, both within and outside of the biomedical field, to enhance their employability. They highlight the value of diverse experiences in building a strong CV and developing transferable skills. Kenji encourages viewers to embrace any opportunity, even if it's not their ideal job, as it could provide clarity on their career preferences and goals.
💡 Guidance for Biomedical Students in Uncertainty
Kenji and Caroline offer advice to biomedical students who are unsure about their career direction. They stress the importance of trying out different jobs and experiences to gain perspective and identify personal preferences. They also encourage embracing opportunities, even if they don't lead to the desired outcome, as these experiences contribute to personal growth and can guide future career decisions.
🎉 Reflection on the Value of Biomedical Education
In the final segment, Kenji and Caroline reflect on the value of their biomedical education and how it has shaped their current careers. Kenji, now a doctor, believes his background in biomedical science has made him a better physician, while Caroline finds satisfaction in her role as a research integrity specialist. They both agree that the knowledge and skills gained from their studies have been instrumental in their professional journeys and encourage current students to persevere and explore various opportunities.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Biomedical Science
💡Career Opportunities
💡Work Experience
💡Job Application Process
💡Research Integrity Specialist
💡Oncology Journal
💡CV and LinkedIn
💡Job Interview
💡Career Guidance
💡PhD
💡Networking
Highlights
Kenji, a doctor and biomedical science graduate, hosts a discussion on career paths after completing a biomedical science degree.
Special guest Caroline, Kenji's girlfriend and a research integrity specialist, shares her expertise on biomedical science and its applications.
Caroline's role involves reviewing scientific articles for ethical standards and accuracy in data analysis, ensuring the work is publishable.
Many biomedical science graduates assume lab work is their only option, but there are diverse career paths available.
Caroline's experience in a PCR lab conducting COVID tests provided insight into the lab environment and confirmed it wasn't the right fit for her.
Kenji's experience with lab work and research during his biomedical science studies and medical school confirmed his passion for medicine.
Exploring various jobs and experiences can help individuals determine their career preferences and paths.
Caroline emphasizes the importance of work experience in different fields to understand one's career interests.
The speakers discuss the value of a strong CV and LinkedIn profile in securing job opportunities.
Utilizing resources such as university supervisors and job search websites like Indeed can aid in finding relevant employment.
Applying for jobs nine months before graduation is recommended to ensure a smooth transition into the workforce.
The interview process may involve multiple stages, including initial screening and in-depth discussions with management.
Both Kenji and Caroline stress the importance of diverse experiences in determining one's career path and building a strong foundation for future opportunities.
Kenji shares his journey from biomedical science to becoming a doctor, highlighting the versatility and value of the degree.
Caroline's transition from biomedical science to a publishing career demonstrates the wide range of possibilities for graduates.
Both speakers agree that the skills and knowledge gained from a biomedical science degree are applicable in various professional environments.
The video concludes with encouragement for biomedical science students to embrace diverse opportunities and stay open to different career paths.
Transcripts
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