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!

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

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.

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?

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

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.

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....

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?

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.

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.

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