Case study

Laurence is a scientist at the Red Cross Blood Service

Job pathway

K Mart >Cutco Australia >Rebel Sport >Australian Red Cross Blood Service

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science with honours in Microbiology

How did you end up working in your current job?

I had a friend who was working at the laboratory who advised me a position might be offered in the not too distant future so I checked the relevant websites (Red Cross Blood Service and mycareer.com.au). When the position was advertised, I applied.

What skills do you use in your job?

• Knowledge of nucleic acid amplification technologies
• The ability to work efficiently as part of a team
• High level of manual dexterity
• Experience with laboratory computing

What are some alternative jobs that you would be qualified for?

I majored in microbiology, so I suppose alternative positions could be found in the microbiological field.

"Meet as many students within your course as you can. You never know, one day, those students could help you with employment...."

What do you think it was that got you the job over other applicants?

I satisfied the key or desirable requirements (as advertised) necessary to undertake the position.

What advice would you give to students who have commenced a science degree and want to get a great job in science when they graduate?

Stay committed. There will be many highs and lows during your studies. I have seen many students crash and burn, never to be seen again on campus when the situation becomes bad.

Undertake work experience (paid or unpaid). It's better that you experience the work force early in your studies and find the field of work you enjoy, than to find employment following graduation and be stuck with a job you dislike. Skills learnt during work experience can also help in gaining employment. Your curriculum vitae will also be filled with meaningful skills and information learnt during work experience and will sound really impressive.

Meet as many students within your course as you can. You never know but one day, those students could help you with employment or other matters.

Have as much fun with your newly met friends (I suggest start off at Manning then Kulettos for happy hour then the Marly but you can have fun in other ways).

What were your biggest mistakes during your life when applying for jobs? How would you have done it better?

The biggest mistake made has been to get nervous during interviews. Doesn't everyone? Preparation is the key. There is no need to become nervous with thorough preparation.

What type of activities were you involved in at university and high school, and did they give you any skills that you use in your job now?

Swimming, and going to the gym or beach, helped relieve the pressures of high school and university. I still do these activities now that I work. They help give me a relaxed and refreshed approach to my work.

What was the most surprising thing about working full time in science that you did not expect?

Scientists are not recognised enough for the work that they do.

If you could go back to the start of your degree and change anything you did since then, what would it be?

I would undertake additional work experience.

Where do you see yourself in five year's time?

Family, mortgage, etc.