Improving young researchers’ employment prospects
For young researchers making the transition from academia to industry and finding the right job isn’t always easy. The formal interview process can be daunting for anyone with little or no experience of the ‘corporate world’, whilst communicating the skills and achievements gained in a research environment to a non-scientific audience can be a challenge.
To help early stage researchers (ESRs) from the University of Birmingham’s PIMMS* project to fulfil their career goals, Minerva delivered a tailor-made professional skills and recruitment workshop at the University in November 2014.
The full day’s training was packed with practical advice and activities; topics covered included the ‘dos and don’ts’ of CV writing, effective preparation for interviews, thinking under pressure and identifying key personal unique selling points.
In attendance were 13 ESRs working across a range of research topics in the PIMMS project, from food and health to atmospheric environment and homeland security. They gained experience of the challenges and benefits of teamwork, alongside an understanding of project management theory and how it can be applied effectively in a business setting.
Feedback after the event was overwhelmingly positive, with over 90% of delegates rating the course ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’. One ESR said: “I learnt a lot. In particular, I am more secure about what to expect from a job interview.”
Another added: “I expected to get a basic understanding and concept of project management; I got that, as well as good suggestions for a job interview. I was very impressed.”
The Minerva team wishes all the ESRs luck on the next step of their professional journey!
*PIMMS – Proton Ionization Molecular Mass Spectrometry
The Minerva team wishes all the ESRs luck on the next step of their professional journey!
*PIMMS – Proton Ionization Molecular Mass Spectrometry