How to get a job with a poor degree?

Andrey11133

Hi guys, you shold know the answer of my matter. Is it possible to find a job in the laboratory (any assistant or kind of entry level research) if I have a poor degree in Applied Physics? Any directions, advices(how to build CV) very appreciated.

2Scoops

By 'poor,' do you mean that you didn't do well in exams, or just that the degree is not respected?

I think it will be hard to find a job in a physics lab, simply because there aren't that many in the country (correct me if I'm wrong). Normally, I could recommend to apply to positions that won't get many applicants, but if there are only a handful of jobs out there, it will be difficult.

If you definitely want to work in a lab, a postgrad is the way to go - put the undergrad degree behind you; it's much easier to do well in a research postgrad course. It's also the only way to become an investigator, as opposed to a technician.

As for CV boosting, I'm not sure what physics lab are looking for in their employees - maybe try a post in the Physics forum?

Andrey11133

Thank you for the reply. I meant that I did not do well in exams.

nearly_there

Hi. Im kind of in the same position the OP. While i hope to finish with 2.2, ive been trying to get a research MSc but keep being told I need to build up my cv first.

Is it possible to get a research assistant position with only a degree?

And iv been told that i need to get more experience with molecuar biology if i want to stay in the field that im in, but how can i get experience if i need it to begin with? Ive looked at many job sites for ireland, europe and US but im getting the impression im stuck in a catch 22.


is there any hope?

nesf

nearly_there wrote: »

Hi. Im kind of in the same position the OP. While i hope to finish with 2.2, ive been trying to get a research MSc but keep being told I need to build up my cv first.

Is it possible to get a research assistant position with only a degree?

And iv been told that i need to get more experience with molecuar biology if i want to stay in the field that im in, but how can i get experience if i need it to begin with? Ive looked at many job sites for ireland, europe and US but im getting the impression im stuck in a catch 22.


is there any hope?

Have you considered doing a taught Masters first? If you get a decent grade in a taught Masters that normally cancels out a poor undergraduate result with respect to getting into a research postgrad. In the fields I'm familiar with anyway.

jen_23

Hi. Im kind of in the same position the OP. While i hope to finish with 2.2, ive been trying to get a research MSc but keep being told I need to build up my cv first.

Is it possible to get a research assistant position with only a degree?

And iv been told that i need to get more experience with molecuar biology if i want to stay in the field that im in, but how can i get experience if i need it to begin with? Ive looked at many job sites for ireland, europe and US but im getting the impression im stuck in a catch 22.


is there any hope?

Oh you most certainly can get a research assistant position with a degree! I know plenty who have done that.

Right I want to say something to you because in my last year of college I was told if I wanted to do a PHD in molecular that I had to suffer through the cell and molecular biology (it was really tough) with 7 other ppl in my boat while the rest of the year did food micro.

And guess what? as many of us doing phds were from either side.

What was your course in college?
Would you have done cell/molecular in the course? That's all you need to do a masters in it.

Where are you applying for your masters? And is it a molecular based masters you really want?

My advice would be apply to a few different types and youre sure to get one.

Let me know if you have any more questions I'll be glad to help/offer advice if I can.