Those having done life sciences, what career options are there?

[SnowGo]

I'm heading into my final year of uni and now I'm feeling the pressure of having to move into the "real world"!
I originally had my mind set on going into veterinary lab technician work but a few comments by people have made me feel like I might not find it engaging after a while?? Sadly the lab work I really want to do requires me actually being a vet and I don't know if I can put myself through another 5 or so years of education!

So I was wondering what areas those of you who've done life sciences have gone into?
My degree is actually equine science, and while I realise it's specialised I think if anyone gave me an interview they'd realise it's not a pony patting degree! It's not actually the degree I wanted to do but more the only decent science degree at reputable uni (at least for the subject) I could do with my complete failure at A-level!
However, there's no reason why I won't get a 2:1 in my final year and I'm hoping I might be able to push for a first. I'm good at research (or at least the proposal/ report side of it!) but don't know if I'm cut out for lecturing? My best lecturer at uni seems to do nothing but work and I don't know if I'd want to do something with that amount of take-home work?
I would be able to do a masters if needed but in all honesty I'd rather just get on with life if possible!

[BlossomTang]

Sales rep for a medical / pharmaceutical company. The big names pay a decent salary with use of company car and bonus if you're any good

[whinetaster]

Have you thought of working in a scientific communications agency? There are a surprising number about-they tend to work with Pharma companies of communications/ strategies around drug launches etc. they need people who can understand a wide range of science- but not at a deep level. Most important is writing and communication skills.

[SnowGo]

Thank you for replies, sadly I doubt I could sell someone a bottle of water if they were dehydrated in a desert!
However communications sounds interesting and more up my street. I miss writing and making things "sound good" for want of a better phrase is something I pride myself in. Do you know if there is anything extra experience wise that I'd need, whinetaster?

[TalkinPeace]

Accountancy
Consulting
Banking
in fact any numerate industry will consider people with decent BSc

at which point you get involved in the strategic direction of businesses

[3579little]

Becoming a lecturer would almost certainly require a PhD.
If you live anywhere near mars (the food manufacturer not the planet) they recruit people to market/research/sell and generally work on pet foods and supplements. They are considered a good company to work for by someone I know in the field.

[whinetaster]

Sorry for the late response - summer holidays are impacting my ability to mess around on mumsnet!
A family member works in scientific comms and they do take on graduates- Google medical writing or scientific writing as most of the entry level jobs are they. They want the science degree and ideally evidence of writing or communications skills- dissertation? Presentations to interested groups? Writing for a newsletter/ student paper?Basically you need to show a ability to communicate science effectively. After starting in writing there's the potential to move to account management or PR- lots of choices....

[MagratGarlik]

Lecturing is virtually impossible without a PhD and several years postdoctoral research. It is also, all-consuming work. I did it for a decade and didn't have a family holiday where I didn't take work with me. I also worked through my maternity leave with both ds's.

That said, if you're expecting a 2:1 or 1st there is no reason why you shouldn't get a funded position for a PhD. A masters is still not necessary in STEM subjects, so don't dismiss the idea of a PhD without seriously looking into it. Mine was funded by the pharmaceutical industry and my bursary was similar to the amount I would have earned on a graduate job.

I'd second the idea of looking at companies like Mars (though you'll get a better position with a PhD).

Alternatively, if you're interested in vetinary lab work, have you considered forensics for the horse racing industry and the likes?

[MrsHathaway]

I work with lots of life scientists in my field, patents. With a good BSc and preferably a MSc or higher you can go into one of the big firms to learn how to patent. Law money for science writing: lots of people think it the holy grail!

Most jobs are in London but there are also Manchester/Birmingham/Glasgow jobs.

[RedDaisyRed]

Law or patent attorney. You can make hundreds of thousands and they like clever people with high A level grades and a good university and particularly scientists.

[YeOldeTrout]

omg that patent attorney job looks immensely dull. Someone sell me on how the work itself is so scintillating.