A postgraduate qualification in science can open doors in enterprise as well as academia.
Areas of study
A growing number of options are now available, spanning a variety of areas: pharmacy and biotechnology; health sciences and sport; education and research; manufacturing and production; technology and computing. There are many new, interdisciplinary areas such as nanotechnology, which links physics and engineering, and health sciences, which links biotechnology, engineering and medical areas. This is a growing trend.
Most scientists looking at postgraduate study will opt for a research degree but taught courses are also available, particularly in new areas such as science communication (which combines science and journalism), bioinformatics (linking computing and life sciences) or science education (linking science with education).
Job prospects
Science postgraduates can find jobs in industry/enterprise, government bodies, research centres of excellence, and education. There are many opportunities both in academic and non-academic routes. If choosing the academic route, you could be carrying out research in a university environment and lecturing, teaching at second level or colleges of further education, or working in university administration.
Many postgraduates go into the enterprise sector, helping companies to drive innovation. But you need to be aware that having a doctorate isn’t enough: personality is also important. Alongside academic excellence, you need to be self-driven, with good communication skills, able to influence people and to market your research to others in the company. You must always be aware of the application of your research. In a field where collaboration and co-operation is increasingly important – both across institutions and across national frontiers – you also need the ability to see the big picture and to work as part of a team.
During your postgraduate study you should take every opportunity to develop your career: become familiar with how to draft funding proposals, think about developing patents, attend conferences, and publish as early and as often as you can. Opportunities for teaching can help you develop presentation skills, and joining a postgraduate student society can help you to meet a broad range of people.
Issues to consider
It is possible to do a PhD in science without doing a masters first, and as a careers adviser I would recommend this route as the best use of your time. You will need to register for an MSc by research; at the end of first year when your work is assessed it is normally possible to be promoted to the PhD register. This means you will be able to complete a PhD in around three to four years (a masters would take two years).
Your choice of course may depend on the time and funding available. A taught programme, which tends to combine lectures and a short dissertation, is normally shorter. This is also more likely to be available on a part-time basis, so could be a good option if you are already working in industry and wanting to top up your qualifications.
If choosing a research degree, you should be happy with your area of research and happy that where you’re taking it is a centre of excellence for that area. You need to develop a good rapport with your supervisor. You also need to use every opportunity to develop your transferable skills. Look at the practical steps you can take to develop these skills: for example, some universities allow you a two- or three-month sabbatical working in other institutions, which will help broaden your experience, provide an opportunity to network and conduct some of your research abroad.
Written by Muireann Ni Dhuigneain, Head of Careers Service, DCU. This article appeared in postgradireland 2007.
