The Biomedical Materials Science Graduate
Degree: Biomedical Materials Science University: Birmingham First Role: Regulatory Assistant
Current Role: Regulatory Affairs Manager, Astra Zeneca
Why did you choose your degree subject? How did you approach job hunting when How has your career progressed since
I chose to study Biomedical Materials Science you graduated? then?
because I wanted to study a medical-linked Although I knew the area that I wanted to work Once I had two years experience under my
degree (without it being medicine), as I was in, I didn’t know how to get my foot in the door, belt, I found that the career options opened up
interested in this area. I wanted to study a as most positions required experience. I and applying for jobs with experience was a lot
science degree, without it being a lab-based applied for as many jobs as I could and easier! I have been at my present company for
degree and I also enjoyed the technical and registered with specialist recruitment agencies. almost four years and have gained more
analytical aspects of the course. I took my first job in a small company in order experience and been presented with more
to gain broad experience. challenges, I have been promoted and I am
Did you know what you wanted to do when working towards the next level. As my current
you graduated? What was your first graduate job? company is much bigger than my last, the role
I knew I wanted to work in Regulatory (of My first job was with a small pharmaceutical is very different and the challenges are different
pharmaceuticals), as we had covered this in a company, where I gained very broad but rewarding.
module during my degree, which I found experience. There was no specific training
interesting. I was then able to read up about programme available, so it was in at the deep
the career options in this area, which I felt end! I also went on as many external training
suited the type of career and role I wanted. courses as possible.
The Sociology Graduate
Degree: Sociology and Management studies University: Royal Holloway First Role: Administration at an
auction house. Current Role: Advertising Director, Conde Nast Publications Ltd
Why did you choose your degree subject? What was your first graduate job? and had a fantastic time. I left after 2.5 years to
I had no idea what I wanted to do at university. Following the auction house I went to see a further my career.
I liked most subjects and was middle of the Media Recruitment company and loved the
road at everything. I fell into sociology and idea of working in media. I was sold on the My 3rd Media role was with BBC Magazines,
regretted it as it was so boring. Enjoyed young, fun, fast side of media and my first where I went to work on the launch of a new
management studies a lot more but that was media role was selling advertising on the back title, which luckily was a huge success! The
only the minor part of my degree. of postcards – which were distributed in stylish launch was very hard work, long hours and
bars and restaurants. This was a HARD sell very stressful at times. I stayed for just over 1
Did you know what you wanted to do when and so after 6 months I went back to another year and was promoted to Advertising
you graduated? media recruitment specialist and went for Manager. I left when the launch period was
No, I had no idea and was terrified as I thought millions of interviews at all the publishing over.
I was totally unemployable, wanted to move to houses.
London and was totally skint. My 4th and current media role is with Conde
How has your career progressed since Nast publications. I had to take a pay cut and
How did you approach job hunting when then? demotion back to Senior Account Manager but
you graduated? Since getting into media and more specifically it was worth it to work on my dream Travel
I went to the job centre in London, filled out a publishing, I have been totally in control my magazine. Almost three years later, I have
form and got a job at an auction house doing career path. progressed through Advertising Manager to
glorified admin and hated it. Advertising Director level. I manage a team of 5
My 2nd Media role was with Hello Magazine people, report directly to the Publisher and MD.
where I progressed up to Account Manager I love my job.
and then Senior level. I Adored working there
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