Science based job situation

Sin1981

Hi,
Just wondering if there are any people out there with a science based degree,MSc, or PhD who are looking for jobs? (I'm taking about Biological/Biomedical, chemistry etc) How tough is it to find a job?
Is there anyone here just after completing a qualification in any of the Unis in the past year or two? How have your course mates got on?

Just wanted to get an idea of how things are in this sector.

Thanks.

Reactor

Well in my situation I had a degree in biotechnology, spent 9 months on the dole after graduating just as the crash got really bad, went back and did a degree in biopharmaceuticals (straight into 4th year), spent another 8 months on the dole after graduation, finally got a job the other day after dozens of rejections, most of my classmates are in a similiar situation apart from those who managed to get jobs in the UK, Id say only 50% or less of the ones still in Ireland have relevant work.

Some people think things are improving but really all companies are interested in seems to be experience when you're doing an interview, so get that experience with interships, FAS or grad programmes or it'll be a struggle, dont give up though, it'll come, I thought I was dead in the water with the gaps in my CV but now with a year or 2 of my current position on my CV I should never have to worry about work again, its such a weight off your shoulders when it happens.

tatabubbly

I hold a degree in chemistry and biology, really good grads, tried to get a job, but there's very little, and the jobs that are there they want 2-3 years experience!!!

So i went back to college and am now studying for my MSc in Biomedical Science, job prospects not looking too good, but i'm going to try and get work experience anywhere and hopefully, i'll get a good job!

Reactor

I noticed during my long search a huge demand for quality control/quality assurance so if you're thinking of doing another degree or course to pass the time until things pick up Id go for that.

I was lucky enough to get 2 months experience in the Quality Systems department of a company in Galway as the work placement at the end of my 2nd degree and every interview I did they were very interested in that, plus it let me bullsh1t like a pro, six-sigma techniqes, auditing, preventative action reports, writing standard operating procedures, using the oracle database, data entry, interdepartmental planning meetings etc etc, none of which I did but it all went on my CV

Sin1981

Thanks guys.
The actual reason I'm interested in this, is that I am currently in a job (which I dislike), and would like to do some travelling, it's now or never! I applied for a leave of absence here and got turned down, so I'll have to quit. I was curious to know if there are many jobs going (just wanted an idea of what I might face post travelling). This company is not recruiting at all, in fact they are trying to get rid of people. It's strange as they are doing quite well (think recession is an excuse to cost cut). Just wondered if any other Healthcare/Pharma co's are actively recruiting or similar to mine i.e. trying to shed some jobs.
It is true though that ~99% of the Healthcare/Pharma companies in Ireland are manufacturing based, therefore they are Quality Systems mad. So, it is good to have this covered if you can.

Best of luck to ye all anyway !!