What are employers looking for in a science graduate?

We spoke with Dr Richard Kingsford, Principal Research Scientist, NSW Department of Environment and Conservation

Describe the type of science graduate you look to recruit for your various areas of responsibility.

I would expect someone who has a reasonably strong to outstanding undergraduate record, depending on the type of job. If it is a research position, it may be that I am looking for someone with postgraduate training of some sort. The main attribute will be experience. I feel blessed because, with people applying for the jobs that I advertise, there is often a strong field of applicants who have got postgraduate experience (I think this is important) and/or years of experience working in conservation management and policy.

What are the generic attributes you require in an employee and why are these important in the workplace?

Good verbal communication skills, not only in the subject area but in wider areas of interest that allow someone to interact well with non-specialists.

It is always a bonus to have someone who writes well. An ability to work independently but always know at what stage there should be reporting of work or problems to the supervisor. In other words, I would not want someone who is just going to go off and do their own thing. Good knowledge of information technology tools (database management, GIS, stats software, etc). An understanding of the basics of variability of ecosystems and long term impacts of human developments. It is also good to be able to understand issues of temporal and spatial scale because these are critical to solving or tackling conservation problems.

What do you look for when you are interviewing a science graduate for a position?

For them to demonstrate a good understanding of conservation problems generally and more specifically in my area, plus a reasonable knowledge of the state of our water resources. I also look for people who may have a bit more experience with the conservation policy and management outside the theoretical. This might include people with experience in non-government conservation organisations, other natural resource departments or equally areas such as landcare. I generally think that a background entirely based on academic achievements will not be the driving criterion for employment. Thus I have interviewed people with strong undergraduate and postgraduate achievement but who still do not have a good understanding of how science can assist in the solving of conservation problems. They appear to be more interested in writing scientific papers than dealing with real-world problems.

What advice would you give to undergraduate science students who are looking to become more employable by the time they graduate?

Try to get as much experience as you can. This will be tough but there is no substitute for volunteer work. It allows your potential employers to know who you are. There is nothing like a potential employer knowing your capacity and personality before you apply for a position. It will always put you in a good position, particularly where you have been able to prove your worth. Clearly an undergraduate must also perform in their academic achievements. The last positions I advertised for I had more than 40 applicants for specialised wetland positions and most of those chosen for interview had more than a year of experience in the workplace or strong relevant post-graduate experience.

Do you have any other insights from an employer's perspective?

Everyone is looking for post degree work experience in conservation issues. The places to get this are in non-government organisations, other natural resource management agencies and even working hands on the ground.