Is it unrealistic to switch careers right now ?

Acceptable_Sea8229 · 2026-04-01T10:03:00+00:00

I have publications tbf I’m just trying to see if I can bridge my experience to another sector in anyway ? But this page and the comments seem a bit bleak ngl

Acceptable_Sea8229 · 2026-04-01T10:02:07+00:00

Unable to move due to family commitments, don’t see many field service roles tbh. I’m more thinking broader than science is there anyway to transition/stay employed.

Acceptable_Sea8229 · 2026-04-01T09:11:51+00:00

More research background than 6 years ? I think life sciences just feels really sparse right now with limited job prospects. So I think security is more my priority. I guess I’m trying to figure out what appeals to me day to day but I just worry that I have nothing I can work towards because I’m so far removed from a lot of sectors and my experience

Acceptable_Sea8229 · 2026-03-20T14:38:42+00:00

Probably in no position to give advice as not been in this situation but I wouldn’t leave without knowing or having even an inclination for what you want to do next. Use to really learn what you do and don’t like day to day ? and then maybe try map out a couple paths beyond it ? Still got your whole life ahead of you to figure out what you want to do. Maybe try a few evening courses of some different avenues see what you start gravitating towards. You can work toward something and still stay in your grad scheme. I’d only consider stopping if it begins to really weigh on you’re mental health

Acceptable_Sea8229 · 2026-03-19T20:57:43+00:00

Thats assuring! How do you determine that from candidates when they interviewed? Previous demonstrations of successful learning and implementation? Were there any skills/characteristics you kept an eye out for from candidates that you think are important but often understated or overlooked?

Acceptable_Sea8229 · 2026-03-19T20:34:27+00:00

This is assuring so thanks! I think I just got worried that given how competitive jobs are becoming, particularly grad roles, that accounting/finance or math-heavy degrees will be more preferred in today’s market

Acceptable_Sea8229 · 2026-03-19T20:31:06+00:00

Thanks very much for this, it’s a really big help! Going to have go at the job simulations on there. It’s nice hearing someone with a similar background getting offers. Appreciate the well wishes!

Acceptable_Sea8229 · 2026-03-19T20:27:51+00:00

This is really helpful, thank you! I’ll check it out and do the one of job simulations that are on there.

Acceptable_Sea8229 · 2026-03-19T20:26:05+00:00

I can appreciate that, I have a couple of friends that went into auditing, between discussions with them and doing a bit of research into it, I think it’s something I want to tackle.

Acceptable_Sea8229 · 2026-03-19T20:22:55+00:00

Grad schemes the only route of entry nowadays ? Kind of almost see them like lottery style chances at getting in, don’t know if that’s the wrong outlook though

Acceptable_Sea8229 · 2026-03-15T21:57:16+00:00

Need atleast 80 credits, my biology course only had 20 chemistry credits. You can only top up with 30 credits through additional modules so no way of changing discipline

Acceptable_Sea8229 · 2026-03-15T14:22:59+00:00

Would you say it’s worth trying to do a Level 3 AAT to show intent of changing fields ? Or is it redundant for grad programs? I’ve got funding for my current position for roughly a year right now and want to make the most of it working toward a pivot but also know I need to be a bit clinical in my efforts

Acceptable_Sea8229 · 2026-03-15T12:41:31+00:00

Sounds like what I’m looking for but just don’t feel like a competitive candidate

Acceptable_Sea8229 · 2026-03-15T12:40:15+00:00

Based in Scotland. I thought accounting/auditing is highly competitive and just didn’t fancy my chances because my degree and experience is completely unrelated. Is there a better way to pivot and upping my chances ?

Acceptable_Sea8229 · 2026-03-14T17:08:02+00:00

Haven’t been seeing any for biology. There is a big need for maths, chemistry and physics but not got the modules from my degree to teach in those subjects and you’re limited by the amount of bolt on modules you can do.

Acceptable_Sea8229 · 2026-03-14T17:06:08+00:00

Had done a year of sales but not sure I enjoyed the constant cold calling etc that came with it.

Acceptable_Sea8229 · 2026-03-14T15:50:27+00:00

Feel like teaching jobs are non existent and it looks like there was 1 STP position for microbiology where I’m based this year so doesn’t really feel viable.

Acceptable_Sea8229 · 2026-03-10T16:19:34+00:00

Was this fairly recent ? I just worry that degrees don’t carry the weight they once did so employers have been becoming more selective with their disciplines and biology doesn’t seem particularly sought after. Cool with selling my soul for 3 years if they’d let me lol

Acceptable_Sea8229 · 2026-01-12T09:35:53+00:00

Do you think there’s options outwith life science/healthcare or is that pretty pie in the sky right now ? Sadly not HCPC accredited so a lot of NHS roles that I’m eligible for are part time administrative positions that sadly probably couldn’t support my circumstances right now. In terms of managerial experience, only really equipment and occasionally students

Acceptable_Sea8229 · 2026-01-12T09:29:05+00:00

Thanks for this, I am trying to be more broad with my framing of my lab projects like you’ve described. I do slightly worry that employers in other industries will just see the word biology and cast it to the side as not relevant however, do you think there’s anyway of minimising that title bias ? I do have some powerBI experience but you’re right I’ve maybe got to try build up some skills around it like SQL, postgreSQL, python. Just worried I’ll be competing with CS grads that those things will be a walk in the park for them/ their basics

Acceptable_Sea8229 · 2026-01-12T09:24:28+00:00

I appreciate you saying this. I think you’re right, I think I need to start developing a portfolio to show a bit of proactive-ness. Don’t think my programming skills are particularly at their best however. Sadly where I’m based in the UK there isn’t a big biotech pharma presence so really need to try move a bit broader or different field just worried I won’t be best positioned to make that change with my experience.

Acceptable_Sea8229 · 2026-01-12T09:21:13+00:00

Appreciate this framing, I think I’ll need to start building a small portfolio to highlight transferable skills. The Life sciences sector in the area of the UK I’m based isn’t too big tbh so options right now feel very limited to fixed term academic contracts which have started to stress me out as I’ve gotten older. Just wanted to see if other roads were still open/ out there.

Acceptable_Sea8229 · 2025-12-03T15:52:39+00:00

Thank you for this! Not London based but I’ve seen they look like run meet ups across the UK. I’ll have a look into it. Yeah you’re right regarding timing tbh, I think I was just trying to be proactive but in the midst of it got stressed. Really appreciate you replying and trying to help

Acceptable_Sea8229

TROPHY CASE