To ask what well-paying career I could go into with a degree in Biology?

[biograd]

I was always planning on pursuing a career in academia so I have a degree in Biology and master's in Molecular Biology and lab experience. Since COVID hit though I realise I don't want to pursue academia anymore, I want something with a little more job security and something that is better paid.

I'm a bit overwhelmed in knowing where to go from here. I'm currently working in a lab but there's not really any opportunities for progression in my current role and my salary is quite low so it's not sustainable to stay here long-term. I really want to get on the property ladder but I will need to earn a lot more before that is possible for me.

Does anyone have any advice or suggestions on what to do? I know whatever I do I would enjoy as I'm the type of person who has broad interests. I'm detail-orientated, well-organised but I'm not great at leadership and public speaking.

Clinical scientist NHS

nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/programmes/stp/

Oh they like us when they find out they need us @Northernsoullover

@biograd www.cieh.org/what-is-environmental-health/

user1471434829

Do you know if these areas offer flexible/part time roles?

Thanks

I work in finance, have an Applied Biology degree and decided I wanted a career that had lots of opportunities, so I did my ACA and 13 years later on a 6 figure salary

Graduate scheme govt science like Porton down

I will look into Environmental Health too, thank you for the recommendations. :)

I also like the idea of being an NHS clinical scientist but the applications for the STP have now closed and I know it's an incredibly competitive programme. My degree is Biology rather than Biomedical Science so I can't pursue that career without doing the STP.

Have a look at the Big 4? Deloitte for example has these training schemes:

www2.deloitte.com/uk/en/careers/programmes.html?icid=top_programmes

Big 4 or mid tier accountancy firms have good training schemes, good wellbeing initiatives, plenty of opportunities to go part time if you have dc, plus chance to get 6 figure salary once you are more experienced. I've always earned more than my friends at every age. But I have worked my ass off.

Civil service graduate scheme? There are various different routes. Pay may not be much different at the start but room for progression

Your uni careers service may be able to help - even if you graduated a couple of years ago.

Big 4 consultancy grad schemes- Deloitte, PWC etc. They'll have healthcare, science etc focus arms

Dietician? My friend did bio sciences at undergraduate and then did further study to become one.

@biograd I'm a microbiologist in a pharmaceutical company (top 10) if I were you I would try to get into one of them. The pay is way better, as is the progression and they will pay you to do courses in management etc etc if you wish to do it and if they think you are capable. Whereabouts are you based?

Working for the NHS is extremely stressful. Very high expectations, pressure and workload. Also clinical scientist training is very hard to get onto without a PhD these days. It is very competitive to get onto the training and there is a reason why the turnover of staff is so high...

OP, where are you based?

I am also an EHO and find the job really rewarding, interesting and my days are so varied. I am currently involved in covid outbreaks whilst also dealing with food safety and health and safety work. In terms of wage, its unlikely to get you to the 50k mark in a local authority unless you progress in to management, this will depend where you are based but I think this would still apply in London. For reference I am on circa £37k and I have been qualified for 9 years. (Working hours and flexibility is excellent). Its not easy and you would have to work hard to become qualified, but once you have its worthwhile.

@Northernsoullover @PseudoBadger
Waves to fellow ehos!!!!

I was a clinical scientist for over a decade but quit recently because it was so stressful.

You could go into any area of law

Have a look at Clinical Perfusion Scientists - different admissions process than STP but same banding on qualification and probably better career progression. You'd probably be looking at around £50k within a few years of qualifying.

Thank you all, I am going to start researching all of your suggestions this evening.

For those who asked, I'm currently living in Surrey so within commutable distance of London.

There's quite a few GSK sites near to you OP. There's also 2 Pfizer sites. There's a sanofi site 2 hours away in Haverhill. I would stick with pharmaceuticals to be honest but that's just me.

@Geneticsbunny you are not wrong but if the OP wants to earn that sort of money high workload/ expectations/stress are pretty much guarenteed.

I got onto the STP without even an MSc. Almost didn't apply because it's so competitive. Now in my third year as a Clinical Scientist and couldn't be happier.

And yes the window just closed but that's gives a year to prepare, go to Open Days etc.

*that gives

After decided the lab was not for me long term, graduate scheme with one of the big financial institutions was my gateway to a change. Earning well in Project and rife Anne management