Research
tells us that that the three factors contributing to graduates’ success are:
- getting work
experience whilst at University
- having a career plan
on leaving University
- making focussed
applications while studying.
Start
early
Think
about your career options from the outset and reflect on your new experiences
as you progress – what are you enjoying?
What isn’t quite what you thought?
Get involved with clubs and volunteer with local conservation projects
and organisations – you will meet interesting people and start to shape your
ideas about where you might like your degree to take you.
Gain work
experience
While your degree might be the key to unlocking
employment doors, work experiences will help to push those doors open.
Work experience such as placements can boost
employment prospects as well as providing a unique opportunity to get involved
with different projects or get behind the scenes of some fascinating research
facilities, meeting new people and building professional contacts for
life. Some of the employers that our
Marine Biologists have secured placements with include:
- Argans Ltd.
Plymouth
- Australian Institute of Marine Science
- Cornish Seal Sanctuary
- Gili Shark Conservation
- Latin American Sea Turtle Association
- Marine Biological Association
- Ocean Giants Trust
- Polzeath Marine Conservation Group
- Scripps Institute of Oceanography
- Sea Turtle Protection
Society of Greece
- University of Plymouth (Marine Litter
Unit)
Volunteering in local projects will build up your field skills
and hands-on experience while potentially creating future opportunities via the
people you meet. Take a look at the University of Plymouth Students’ Union who offer a
massive range of voluntary opportunities.
Part-time work will bring in much-needed money while
you study and will also enhance your professional and transferrable skills such
as teamwork, time keeping, flexibility and customer service skills as well as
increasing commercial awareness. Consider applying to become a Student
Ambassador and get experience of events, public speaking and enjoy showcasing
your subject to members of the public at community and university outreach
events.
Don’t
leave it until the end!
Many employers advertise roles of interest before you have completed
your degree – some as early as the autumn of your final year. Aim to be at
least be ready to make applications, with your CV and LinkedIn profile
up-to-date and employer-friendly and ready to go by the beginning of your final
year.
Clubs
& Societies
Engaging in a sport or
society shows employers you are engaged and seek out opportunities as well as
enhancing your teamwork, communication and negotiation skills. Committee
members develop leadership, diplomacy and organisational skills and will gain
experience of meetings, handling funds, and society promotion
You may choose to join a society that is specifically linked to marine biology
such as MBS or take the opportunity to explore the huge range of clubs,
societies and sports, all of which can help you to broaden your horizons
and explore new interests.
Tutor
and academic support
Your
tutors and other academic staff have had extensive experience and across this
work sector and within academia and are extremely knowledgeable. They will be fully supportive of your career
development and are will-connected, so do approach them for advice and insights
into careers you are considering. Your
tutor will ultimately be writing references for your employment or further
study applications, therefore establishing a positive relationship with this
person is invaluable.
