Upcoming Events and Tips for Planning Your Career In Science

Employability & Placements Officer for the Division of Natural Sciences, Anna Rye, shares her top tips for making the most of events to help you prepare for your career after Kent

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Female student working in a lab

Hello again, I hope that the beginning of term has gone well for you and that you are all settling in.

For those of you who attended the Virtual Careers and Employability Fair on the 20 October, well done and apologies for the absence of the usual opportunities to fill up your stationary supplies that you would normally get during a face to face fair.

Remember what I said last month about setting aside an hour each week devoted to your career development. This could take the form of some Sector or Employer research and Gradcracker is excellent for resources to enable you to research the STEM sectors. There is also an excellent Gradcracker Podcast to listen to; it is a mere 30 minutes in length and contains some excellent careers advice that will be useful to all of you, regardless of your stage of study. 

Please also remember to keep an eye on your emails. If more Juicy Jobs come up that miss this regular newsletter, then I will email them out to you as they come in.

Careers and Employability Service (CES) 

Enhancement Week Events 

Monday 9 November

Tuesday 10 November

Wednesday 11 November

Thursday 12 November

Friday 13 November

The Scientific Technology and Facilities Council (STFC)

STFC is one of seven publicly funded UK Research Councils. Thanks to an unrivalled combination of expertise, facilities and resources, they are in a unique position to drive knowledge and innovation in the UK and throughout the world. The work they do helps to shape societies, strengthen economies, build industries, create jobs and transform lives. So just imagine what they can do for your career. They are based across Britain and collaborate with partners around the globe. You can find out more details about the STFC UK sites including ‘Information Sheets’ and some examples of the work that they do. There are options for undergraduates and graduates too – go check them out!

IBM 

IBM have the following 12 month placement roles going live on their website for 2021 start dates 
Candidates are strongly encouraged to ‘register their interest’ on their website, against the role they are most interested in between now and the opening date(s) to ensure they will be notified in advance of their chosen role going live and being available to apply to. 

Please note students can only apply to one role.

Once the role is live the initial application is very short and straightforward and should take candidates no longer than 5 minutes to complete. 

Please be aware that these dates can change, so please submit applications ASAP.

As you will see some roles (Business and Technology) will open more than once. Others, such as HR, Marketing and Finance will only open once. 

Business Placement: opening 18th November – closing either on, or before, 23rd November
HR Placement: opening 18th November – closing either on, or before, 23rd November
Marketing Placement: opening 18th January – closing either on, or before, 21st January
Technology Placement: opening 18th January – closing either on, or before, 21st January
Business Placement: opening 24th February – closing either on, or before, 26th February
Finance Placement: opening 24th February – closing either on, or before, 26th February

TARGETjobs Digital Guides 

The University of Kent – ASPIRE Team

Enhancement Week – An Introduction to Freelancing 

Freelancing and the gig-economy contributes £199 billion to the UK economy with one in seven people working day self-employed.

Join the ASPIRE Team for an Introduction to Freelancing workshop and find out if freelancing could be for you.

You’ll understand the positives and negatives of being your own boss as well as get practical advice on everything from how to set up a business, finances and budgeting, building networks, finding work and getting paid for it. Email ASPIRE@kent.ac.uk for further details. 

November 2020

Micro-Tyco Month

Given just £1, how much money can your team make in just four weeks to help fund micro-loans for people starting businesses in the poorest parts of the world?

Join fellow students to develop your entrepreneurial skills in the WildHearts Micro-Tyco challenge. Part of our Global Entrepreneurship Week celebrations.

Wednesday 4 November

Workshop: Spotting Trends, Using The Market 

Business success lies in studying emerging trends and learning how to use market information to stay ahead of the curve and spot the next big thing.

In a 50-minute group challenge, develop a business proposition using market information and forecasts.

Wednesday 11 November 

Enhancement Week Experience Day

Join ASPIRE for inspiration as we work with industry experts to unlock the design process and see how we can create innovation in start-up using sustainable practices.

Wednesday 18 November

Inspiring Entrepreneurs: Global Entrepreneurship Week Young Entrepreneurs Panel Discussion 

Join three young entrepreneurs to hear how they started their businesses, what drives them and their tips for start-up success. On the panel are:

Nadia Simpson – Accounting and Finance final year student and founder the Nadia Esi Labs beauty brand.

Nathaniel Usherwood – MSc Computing and Entrepreneurship graduate, a serial entrepreneur running design and development company, Marzo Studio.

Sam Darby – Computing and Business Administration graduate and co-founder of Growth, a company helping small businesses generate customer leads.

Workshop: New Technology, New Ideas 

What inspiration can new technologies provide us with when starting a business? How can we create sustainable start-ups using cutting edge apps and other tech.

Explore the opportunities of the circular economy to deliver innovation in your business and create a positive impact on the planet.

Wednesday 25 November 

Workshop: How To Be Ready For Anything In Business

Join Julie Flower, Founder of Specialist Generalist for a fun interactive masterclass workshop exploring how we can use improvisation and drama techniques to prepare for various challenges in business.

Workshop: Who Is Your Customer? 

Learn how to build and use customer personas to refine your idea, define your marketing strategy and develop your business idea to meet your customers’ needs. In groups or individually, create a customer survey to generate feedback.

Wednesday 2 December 

Workshop: Creating A Prototype 

Understand how to create a Minimum Viable Product to test your idea.

In our 50-minute challenge, work in a group to take raw materials and create your own prototype.

Wednesday 9 December 

Workshop: Build Your Pop-Up Website 

A simple website is a low-cost way to showcase your business idea and get feedback from users.

In this hands-on workshop led by the Kent IT Consultancy (KITC) you’ll be guided through creating the perfect platform to test your ideas and reach your customers.

Foundation Stage Students All Subjects

Last month I advised that as foundation students, you all have  unique opportunity to “front load” your careers, employability and skills development. Hopefully, some of you got to the virtual fair on the 20th of October, if you did then well done. These events only happen once a year so you need to make the most of them. 

Do remember the Professional Societies. For Physics this is the IoP, for Chemistry the RSC and for Forensic Science the CSFS. They can be useful sources of information and networking opportunities.

Remember to contact me if you have any concerns – a.rye@kent.ac.uk 

Chemistry

Keep applying for summer internships and the year in industry, employers continue to advertise throughout the year. The RSC produces an online magazine called Chemistry World. You can register for free and it is a great publication!

Chemistry Stage 1

Summer placements open to stage one students.Visit Gradcracker for more information on Work Placements and Internships.

Chemistry Stage 2 – Juicy Jobs. It is time to apply for placements!

As per last month’s newsletter, I have included some Juicy Jobs for you to apply for. They are all year in industry placements but you can look for summer internships too if that is your preference.

Prioritise the development of your application and interview skills too, this will really count when it comes to those interviews! Make sure that you are saving copies of all of your applications, many companies will shut down their portals after the deadlines and you will need to refer to those applications when you get those interviews. Gradcracker advertise summer roles suitable for students at the end of Stage 1. Register with Gradcracker and have a look.

MSD

Student Placement – Pharmaceutical Packaging Integrated Process Team and Technical Operations Team – Start Date: Summer 2021 DEADLINE ONGOING

We offer exciting 12-month placement opportunities for university students approaching their penultimate study year and who are looking for an industry placement as part of their degree.

CGG

Environmental Scientist Internship – DEADLINE ONGOING

CGG is a pioneering Technology Company providing world class fully integrated Geoscience services globally. We employ in excess of 4,000 people worldwide, who bring a unique blend of talent and energy through working together to deliver unrivalled innovative solutions to our customers.

BAT

Analytical Science (Undergraduate) Internship 2021 – DEADLINE NOVEMBER 14TH 

In the UK, we offer 12-months placement – starting 1st September 2021 – opportunities to undergraduate students looking to gain practical experience within a vibrant and innovative industrial setting. As part of the scheme, you will be partnered with a mentor, have regular reviews with your Line Manager and work on projects that impact the business.

Chemistry Stage 3 Continuing Students 

Remember that those of you on four year programmes can still apply for summer internships. Currently many being advertised are in FinTech and technology roles in business. Do not be put off by this, the experience alone is valuable, paid and not too much of a time commitment. Gradcracker is a great place to start.

Information for all Chemistry Finalists, Stage 3 and 4

As finalists, you have a lot on in the run up to your final exams and graduation. It is really important that you are thinking about and taking action with respect to your next steps now. The Careers and Employability Service can provide Guidance Interviews, CV Help and Mock Interviews.

The Science Technology and Facilities Council, has a graduate scheme, graduate internships and also PhD 

BAT

Graduate Scientist – Toxicology – Ongoing Deadline

Excellent opportunity for a graduate or mid-career toxicologist to join an FMCG FTSE 100 company, looking to contribute to building and shaping the toxicological approaches for new product categories.

QINETIQ

Applied Science Graduate 2021

Closing 13 November 2020: Supply Chain Graduate 2021 Scheme with P&G, apply through Gradcracker.

 

Forensic Science 

Forensics students wanting lab experience should really focus on lab based roles advertised to both chemists and forensic scientists.  Applications for summer internships and the year in industry are still being advertised and will continue to be advertised in the coming year. If you do end up being disappointed over a particular role, keep trying and don’t become despondent. Your resilience will count for a lot.

Forensic Science Stage 1

Summer placements open to stage one students!!!!! Check this link on Gradcracker

Forensic Science Stage 2

BAE

Radiation Physics and Shielding Engineer Industrial Placement (Barrow) 2021 – DEADLINE ONGOING

Our Engineers within the Radiation Physics & Shielding team are responsible for the design and testing of the radiation shields that protect the team.

SELLAFIELD LTD

Safety Support Industrial Placement 2021– DEADLINE ONGOING

At Sellafield, we’re true pioneers. We led the world in nuclear power production, now we’re the world’s first movers into environmental remediation. Building on our rich history, we’re striding into an era where we’ll transform the environment, local society, the regional economy and the global nuclear industry.

Internships at HSBC

HSBC are looking for new students who are collaborative and curious thinkers, with the courage to challenge the status quo and the motivation to make a positive impact for customers worldwide. There are many business focused roles available please click here to view the on RateMyPlacement. Deadline for applications January the 5th 2021

Forensic Science Stage 3 Continuing Students 

Teach First – STEM Online Experience, Finalists and stage 3 continuing students

Try out teaching on our online experience for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) students. Duration – Five days. We hold four experiences: one in June, two in July and one in September. Applications are open now!

Forensic Science Stage 3 and 4 Finalists 

As finalists, you have a lot on in the run up to your final exams and graduation. It is really important that you are thinking about and taking action with respect to your next steps now. The Careers and Employability Service can provide Guidance Interviews, CV Help and Mock Interviews. 

Physics, Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics (PHASSA)

SEPnet Career Development Webinar 

Business awareness for physics and maths students – a crash course

Tuesday 15 December, 13.00 – 14.00

 Now is a great time to focus on identifying your employability skills and developing your knowledge of how businesses work. This session will help you understand more about working in a business environment and how companies operate.

 This webinar for physics and maths undergraduate and postgraduate students will cover:

  • the bigger picture – a company’s mission and vision – having sight of the end product
  • understanding the customer’s needs
  • why perfection can be the enemy of good 
  • what skills companies are really looking for 
  • the importance of networking.

Presented by Riham Satti, CEO of MeVitae. Riham is a keynote international speaker, business leader and entrepreneur. She co-founded MeVitae in 2014 – a deep tech company aimed at solving the biggest recruitment challenges – removing algorithmic and unconscious biases from the hiring process. Riham has expertise in the business-technology ecosystem, including natural language processing and artificial intelligence. She is a business mentor including the London Business School entrepreneurship course and holds a Master of Research in Clinical Neuroscience from the University of Oxford and a First-Class Honours Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering from Imperial College London.  

Also from SEPnet there is this initiative for women in physics to access mentors, see here for further information.  Details can also be found on the Moodle. If you are an ambitious woman student (undergraduate or postgraduate) in Physics who would like to achieve her full potential with the help of internationally established mentors, please apply as a mentee!

As mentioned last month, Physics World, the publication by the IoP has made its 2020 Careers in Physics Guide available here. It is well worth taking the time to read

Physics, Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics Stage 1 

Summer placements are open for Stage 1 students. Visit Gradcracker for further details.

Physcis, Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics Stage 2 

AWE

Applied Scientist (Physics) Year in Industry Placement 2021 – DEADLINE ONGOING

For nearly 70 years, AWE has been at the forefront of nuclear research weapons research and development. We also use our unique nuclear skills to provide wider UK government with counter-terrorism and nuclear threat reduction solutions.

BAE

Naval Architecture Industrial Placement (Barrow) 2021– DEADLINE ONGOING

Gain experience of a whole boat engineering discipline, covering all aspects of design and manufacture, right through to launch, test and commissioning. As well as computer based design work, you’ll also be involved in other activities such as computer simulation modelling and physical model tank testing.

LEONARDO

Industrial Placement Core Engineering 2021 Yeovil (Somerset) – DEADLINE 6th March 21

Our Core Engineering Industrial Placement Programme caters for enthusiastic Core Engineering Undergraduates who are interested in rotary aircraft to join Leonardo Helicopters for one year.

Our ultimate aim is to see you through your undergraduate years and hopefully offer you a place on our 2-year Graduate Development programme at an appropriate time in the future.

Physics, Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics Stage 3 Continuing Students 

Teach First – STEM Online Experience, Finalists and stage 3 continuing students

Try out teaching on our online experience for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) students. Duration – Five days. We hold four experiences: one in June, two in July and one in September. Applications are open now!

Physics, Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics Stage 3 and 4 Finalists

As finalists, you have a lot on in the run up to your final exams and graduation. It is really important that you are thinking about and taking action with respect to your next steps now. The Careers and Employability Service can provide Guidance Interviews, CV Help and Mock Interviews

LEONARDO currently has 31 Graduate jobs opening for Physics finalists.

RAYTHEON has 14 Graduate Jobs open for applications.

Internships at HSBC

HSBC are looking for new students who are collaborative and curious thinkers, with the courage to challenge the status quo and the motivation to make a positive impact for customers worldwide. There are many business focused roles available please click here to view the on RateMyPlacement. Deadline for applications January the 5th 2021.

Register with or update Gradcracker  and Target Connect to find out more about STEM specific employers and industries.

Postgraduate Students 

SEPnet Career Development Webinar 

Business awareness for physics and maths students – a crash course

Tuesday 15 December, 13.00 – 14.00

Now is a great time to focus on identifying your employability skills and developing your knowledge of how businesses work. This session will help you understand more about working in a business environment and how companies operate.

This webinar for physics and maths undergraduate and postgraduate students will cover:

  • the bigger picture – a company’s mission and vision – having sight of the end product
  • understanding the customer’s needs
  • why perfection can be the enemy of good 
  • what skills companies are really looking for 
  • the importance of networking.

Presented by Riham Satti, CEO of MeVitae. Riham is a keynote international speaker, business leader and entrepreneur. She co-founded MeVitae in 2014 – a deep tech company aimed at solving the biggest recruitment challenges – removing algorithmic and unconscious biases from the hiring process. Riham has expertise in the business-technology ecosystem, including natural language processing and artificial intelligence. She is a business mentor including the London Business School entrepreneurship course and holds a Master of Research in Clinical Neuroscience from the University of Oxford and a First-Class Honours Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering from Imperial College London.  

As mentioned last month, Physics World, the publication by the IoP has made its 2020 Careers in Physics Guide available here. It is well worth taking the time to read.

All Finalists 

Teach First – STEM Online Experience, Finalists and Stage 3 Continuing Students

Try out teaching on our online experience for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) students. Duration – Five days. We hold four experiences: one in June, two in July and one in September. Applications are open now!

Train to Teach 2021 – Register Your Interest Today

Are you looking to inspire the next generation of students? Train to Teach work with MAT’s and Schools across the country on a PGCE with QTS training programme that allows them to train aspiring teachers at no cost to the trainee.

With significant changes coming to the bursary system, this route allows graduates to train in supportive, caring and outstanding schools in their local community whilst ensuring they do not incur further student debt. Train to Teach are seeking trainees in both the primary and secondary phases. Visit their website or get in touch by emailing info@theteachertrainingpartnership.co.uk.

 

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