I am planning ChemCareers this year and wanted your input…..

We will be running ChemCareers as an online event with a programme to be decided in the next couple of weeks. I am hoping it will include as many of the 46,000 members worldwide and it will allow us to offer all of the things the physical event did but enable you to participate wherever you are globally and at a time that is convenient for you. more...

I thought on this sunny day that I would blog about an interesting career and today I have chosen biomedical engineering. more...

Sometimes it can be really difficult to know what a specific job entails. The question is, if you don’t know anyone who does it, how do you find out about it? more...

When it comes to writing fluffy stuff I think that scientists struggle. I know I do. I sometimes find myself writing lists and bullet pointing everything in sight. So if you need to write something how do you make it sound like you? more...

Today I am pleased to announce that the RSC is running a summer placement in our Publishing dept, more details available here
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During the careers surgeries this year I am seeing more and more people over the age of 50. Many members are being ‘forced’ to retire early and this is not something that everyone wants. more...

You’ve done all the work and hopefully everything has gone to plan and you’ve got some great results. Now all you have to do is write up your thesis, hand it in and have your viva. more...

I’m back bright and fresh from the bank holiday weekend and on opening my emails came across this, written by Ruth Winden which follows on nicely from my blog last week: http://www.careerthoughtleaders.com/blog/its-not-all-bleak-four-uk-job-search-tools-that-match-working-parents-with-progressive-employers/
 

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I think there comes a point when people start to think about having children, or not. For some women (and men) they know that it is something they definitely want and for others it’s definitely not. For the rest of us it can be daunting to think about having children, especially juggling a new baby with your career. more...

As we get into June many of you are beginning to think about what you will do when you graduate. It can be a very daunting time but there is hope.
 
This report by the Association of Graduate Recruiters talks about having a positive attitude: http://www.graduatecareer.com/agr-graduate-report.aspx
 
Along with being positive there are practical things you can do too, including:
 

• Go and see your university careers service – they can put you in touch with local and/or national employers who may be looking for graduates; they can also help you with your CV and covering letters to make sure that you are selling yourself in the most competitive way; they can listen, advise or guide you if you are concerned about your results or what you want to do.

 

• Research jobs that you might like to do, online, in newspapers and magazines. Try www.prospects.ac.uk and www.milkround.com

 

• Talk to people who work for a company or in a job you might want to find out more about. You can find contacts through professional bodies (like us), social/professional networking sites (LinkedIn, MyRSC) or your university alumni. You can also look at friends and family for ideas, contacts and support.

 

• Join some recruitment agencies, there are plenty out there and many of them specialise in a specific area e.g. science. They can help you find jobs in companies of all sizes, are free and will save you time in trawling through jobs; but should be used as well as other methods.

 

• Get some experience. Whether it is paid or unpaid, long or short try and find some if you can. There is this fantastic site that may be able to help you find volunteering opportunities: http://www.do-it.org.uk/ Many companies also have specific work experience sections e.g. https://jobs.bbc.co.uk/fe/tpl_bbc03.asp?newms=info06 and http://targetjobs.co.uk/work-experience

 
Prepare, research and be positive and you will increase your chances….good luck!
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