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Science careers outside the lab

Many careers are open to science graduates who would prefer to use their science knowledge and skills outside a lab setting. Across the public, private and voluntary sector from business, health, communications, to research, policy work and teaching there will be a role to suit you. 

Read the Science Council article on the 10 types of scientists working today. And take their quiz to discover which type of scientist you are. 

You can hear from graduates working in a range of science-related careers, including science writing, recruitment, medical sales and meteorology in Beyond the lab (YouTube) – a series of short videos produced by the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS 2016). 

Taken from Exeter University LinkedIn Find Alumni tool are here  some other examples of science graduates who have moved into careers such as: 

  • medical writer
  • data analyst
  • innovation manager
  • business intelligence analyst
  • secondary science teacher
  • science recruitment specialist
  • trainee project manager
  • risk analyst
  • science explainer
  • ecological consultant
  • clinical trials specialist
  • business development manager
  • statistician
  • policy advisor. 

If you are interested in these roles, you might also be curious to read more from Prospects and target jobs on alternative graduate careers for scientists.  

Skills employers look for

Every employer is different so there are is no definitive here. Prospects: What can I do with my degree? lists the skills specific to your degree. This may include: 

  • critical and analytical skills
  • problem-solving
  • teamwork
  • verbal and written communication
  • project management
  • planning, organising and time management
  • attention to detail.

We recommend you fully explore role requirements outlined in the person specification, job description and advert for each role you consider before applying. 

In order to develop these skills, remember Career Zone also offers a range of Personal and Professional Development sessions which are available to book on Handshake and run at least once per term.  Please also read through the sections about Gaining Experience and Further Study and Professional Development to discover how you can develop your skills through experience and by gaining further knowledge or qualifications.    

Areas of work and job profiles

Finding advertised graduate roles, placements and internships

Competition can be strong, especially for entry-level positions. Use the following resources to find advertised vacancies along with those detailed in the relevant section above ‘Areas of Work & Job Profiles’. 

  • Find organisations & employers on Handshake - click ‘Search' then 'Organisations’ to find companies the Careers Zone has worked with. You can filter by keyword, sector and region.
  • Visit guidance on researching employers.
  • Search on LinkedIn to find companies in your region and sector. You can also use the Exeter LinkedIn's Alumni tool, for inspiration.
  • GoinGlobal - worldwide country guides with job search resources and CV guidelines. Also includes an employer directory where you can search by location and industry, e.g. pharmaceutical manufacturers. 

Suggested sources 

Specialist recruitment agencies 

Recruitment agencies can be a useful source of vacancies, particularly in the science industry. They also have a wealth of industry knowledge. 

Graduate schemes and internships 

Many large employers, such as Unilever, Pfizer, AstraZeneca and GSK, recruit at the start of the autumn term, while others (particularly small and medium sized companies) recruit all year round.  

Source other  internships  on Handshake 

Placements  

If you are interested in finding out more about work placements, you can also access the Work Placements SharePoint via Single Sign-On. This resource covers all aspects of credit-bearing work experiences as part of your degree, including what a placement is, how to apply for them, and bespoke information for international students or those interested in working abroad.  

Further sources of support 

For further advice on finding graduate opportunities, visit at our finding a graduate job page. 

If you are an international student, visit our international webpages for help finding opportunities both in the UK and globally. 

Further study and professional development

If you have studied a related degree, check if your course is accredited by one of the professional bodies Science & Scientific Services | Directory of the Professions 

Being a member of a professional body is voluntary; however, it can be valuable for developing networks, continuing your professional development, and keeping up to date with what's happening in the sector  

Advice 

If you would like to pursue postgraduate study before entering your chosen sector, please visit our Postgraduate Study page for more information about choosing further study. If you are unsure whether further study is for you, you may wish to attend our ‘Postgraduate study: is it right for you?’ session which runs termly. Find these advertised on Handshake.