Gaining professional employment as a scientist

Monash Science graduates are very employable in the modern job market. The combination of generic skills and discipline-based knowledge and skills that are developed during the Bachelor of Science degree are valuable in many domains. As a science graduate, your skills in data collection, hypothesis testing, problem solving and analysis are valuable in all aspects of employment.

Employers have told Monash Science that they look for the following in science graduates:

Tertiary qualifications and academic achievement, ie relevance of degree major(s) and marks obtained
Graduates really need a 1 st class honours degree to win a place on a graduate trainee intake
Broad scientific knowledge and an understanding of scientific method
Demonstrated technical competence and attention to detail
Critical analysis
Good communication skills
Strong numeracy skills
Use of information technology for communication and scientific techniques
A need for self-discipline, respect for oneself and respect for others, including personal safety and respect for the environment
Team player because teams of people are needed from different disciplines to solve the problems that society wants attacked
Eagerness to learn and experience new things
Creative and enquiring minds that come up with new ideas and new solutions to problems
Interest in the work to be undertaken
Work experience (both career-related and general) - relevant vacation work that shows some commitment to the discipline, or industry sector the student wishes to pursue is often highly regarded
Willingness to travel and relocate

The Bachelor of Science at Monash provides a sound foundation for success in gaining employment. As employers consider the Bachelor of Science the minimum qualification for entry into science-related positions, further studies at honours level is a real asset in gaining professional employment. It also enables you to pursue further studies at postgraduate level to further enhance your options in careers specific to your discipline.

Thus reasons for you to consider doing honours and postgraduate study are to:

Achieve professional and personal development
Be involved in the discovery and development of knowledge
Interact with world leading experts in your field
Follow research interests
Explore new ideas and challenges
Gain the preparation and grounding required for a fulfilling professional and personal life
Enhance employment prospects

For information about honours go to: honours

For information about postgraduate study go to: postgraduate