WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Returners face a multitude of challenges that vary depending on the reason for the break but can include child or family care which must be addressed when planning to return.This briefing note focuses solely on returning to a different discipline as generic advice is widely available.

Pathways and gateways to opportunity

The mathematical capability of biology graduates is an issue that begins at school and is of concern to the government. There is a pressing need for more numerate biologists. In terms of technology, bioscience is demanding the ability to perform single cell measurements and the development of database standards. Whether it is easier to learn new maths skills and programming as a biologist or to learn bioscience as an (ex) IT professional is an interesting question. However Master’s programmes, combined with A levels, programming evening courses and modules of undergraduate programmes can all help. Undertaking an A level at night school can be a cost-effective way of convincing yourself it is the right thing and it shows commitment to employers. The added benefit includes having an exam as a target and a reason to go to the library and start reading. In some cases grants exist for Masters Courses. However, these are usually very competitive, but do not let that put you off.

If you are a biologist wishing to engage in IT, a good first step could be to learn C programming at a local college. Getting to grips with lost Mathematics skills will be an advantage and may help you to identify if this is the right way for you to proceed.

IT professionals perhaps should take A level biology, if they do not already have it, as well as investigating the many courses and modules available.

For those who have been on a career break the Daphne Jackson Trust exists to help returners get back into research. They offer flexible two year, part-time, paid fellowships in universities and research laboratories throughout the UK. Each Fellow undertakes a research project and a retraining programme. This can be perfect for a biologist or IT professional who has had at least three years in a research career prior to taking a career break and wishes to retrain in a different discipline to enhance their employability prospects.

Learned Societies and Professional Institutions

Most professional bodies welcome anyone who shares the passion for the subject and has a membership category for students and associates. While rates are often low and may exclude you from some member benefits, they will enable you to join mailing lists, receive a newsletter and be invited to seminars and talks, often for a low cost and at venues around the country. The British Computer Society, Institute of Biology, the Federation of Biosciences and the Biochemical Society are worth considering.

Finding out which jobs and skills sets offer the best rewards and opportunities for development involves some crystal ball gazing if entering a potential high growth area. Work out generic, transferable skills. The British Computer Society has a career planning tool on its website for members that can help identify skills gaps and management training needs. It will always be advantageous to thoroughly investigate the types of careers and opportunities that are currently being offered in the area in which you hope to work. This will eliminate the possibility of undertaking costly and time consuming courses only to find out that they were unnecessary or not relevant to the career path you wish two take. If location of study and employment are important to you, research the courses and employers in your area and do not forget to think about the local science park, affiliated to the university where the opportunities for growth and rapid promotion might exist.

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