Securing biotech company jobs with undergrad degrees

Frank101

What really are the odds of getting a job in a biopharma company with a 2:2 in an undergraduate science degree? Do they really just throw anything that's less than a 2:1 into the bin? I've only 4 interviews for proper jobs since February - two of which were phone interviews, and two of which were in person interviews. One of the phone interviews led to a second in person interview that I didn't get through. At this rate, it seems like I'll end up doing another 50 interviews before I get a job? I couldn't bare to do a masters. I'm feel too old for it and can't afford it anyway.

I regretted choosing microbiology of biochem. I figured biochem is more in the middle of the spectrum and that it could've helped me go into more chemistry related jobs as well as biological. I'm applying for a lot things with "bio" in them, so naturally I don't like having to have a different answer for the question "where do you see yourself in 5 years?" for every different company. I think the true answer would just be "ah, stuck in some lab doing sciency stuff". With any jobs (that I already know I'm unlikely to get) I've been experimenting with different CVs (fake and real grades) to see which get more positive replies. It's worth a gamble.

However, in trying all this, at least there's many avenues to exhaust, so there's never really nothing to do. So I don't think there's any point in re-familiarizing myself with the content of my course since most interviews are just screening ones.

I suppose what I'm also asking, is should I only start studying once I realise I'm through to a 2nd round of an interview, or should I keep stressing away in the meantime?

zl1whqvjs75cdy

Advice obviously not needed.

Frank101

Brooklyn Damp Tapir wrote: »

It probably comes across the same in an interview.

Don't be so naive to think that anyone would be stupid enough to go into an interview with the mindset I've shown in my thread.

How crappy a liar do you think I am anyway?

zl1whqvjs75cdy

Frank101 wrote: »

Don't be so naive to think that anyone would be stupid enough to go into an interview with the mindset I've in my thread.

How crappy a liar do you think I am anyway?

Im so glad I bothered trying to help you.

Frank101

donkeyoaty0099 wrote: »

Im so glad I bothered trying to help you.

Well actually two of those interviews was before I graduated, and the other I had lied on my CV, so I don't know if I'd say that they're okay with my grades.

Frank101

donkeyoaty0099 wrote: »

Advice obviously not needed.

Too late, I already saw it.

shawki

Maybe Careers Services can help you with the basic interview questions you're struggling with?

Frank101

shawki wrote: »

Maybe Careers Services can help you with the basic interview questions you're struggling with?

It's not a basic interview question. It's actually an average one... assuming no technical person present.

Frank101

Ah I'll get there. I just need to practise lying.

Sprog 4

I'm a Biochem graduate and can tell you that at a graduate level it's not an advantage over a Micro degree in general. Depending on the job one might be more beneficial but training usually occurs anyway. A 2.2 is fine for most entry level jobs in industry. 4 interviews really isn't all that much. Expect to have done triple that before you finally land a job (yes, job hunting sucks and drags on but don't give up hope). Have you looked into the UK? It is a lot easier to find employment as a graduate in science over there.

Don't lie on your CV or otherwise. It won't be worth it and could come back an bite you at interview. Also try to formulate some real goals. I don't want to dishearten you but if you really think the true answer to the 5 years time question is "ah, stuck in some lab doing sciency stuff" then I'd recommend a different career path altogether. Working in the science industry is absolute drudgery if you're not passionate about it (speaking from experience).

Frank101

Sprog 4 wrote: »

I'm a Biochem graduate and can tell you that at a graduate level it's not an advantage over a Micro degree in general. Depending on the job one might be more beneficial but training usually occurs anyway. A 2.2 is fine for most entry level jobs in industry. 4 interviews really isn't all that much. Expect to have done triple that before you finally land a job (yes, job hunting sucks and drags on but don't give up hope). Have you looked into the UK? It is a lot easier to find employment as a graduate in science over there.

Don't lie on your CV or otherwise. It won't be worth it and could come back an bite you at interview. Also try to formulate some real goals. I don't want to dishearten you but if you really think the true answer to the 5 years time question is "ah, stuck in some lab doing sciency stuff" then I'd recommend a different career path altogether. Working in the science industry is absolute drudgery if you're not passionate about it (speaking from experience).

Thanks Sprog, that's a helpful answer.

The first website I looked at today, Glanbia's criteria: "We look for: Minimum 2.1 honours degree (expected degree)"

What did you get if I may ask?

evolving_doors

Anyone recommend any of the springboard courses? Innopharma etc!

Sprog 4

Frank101 wrote: »

The first website I looked at today, Glanbia's criteria: "We look for: Minimum 2.1 honours degree (expected degree)"

I wouldn't let something like that stop me from applying. The more applications you get out there the better. Your grade will hold little importance once you land something.

I got a first but in the jobs I had I was working alongside people with 2.1, 2.2 , ordinary degrees and sometimes only diplomas/certificates. This was in England though. We were all doing very similar stuff day to day.

Anyone recommend any of the springboard courses? Innopharma etc!

Couldn't say but anything extra that might set you apart from people is always worth it. I'd definitely consider something like that if I was finding it tough going finding employment. I know people on here have recommended them in the past.

bambi93

I wouldn't get so focused on grades if i was you.Having a 2.2 only means that there will be some graduate programs in which you do not meet the requirements, only if they specify a minimum of a 2.1.Personally i wouldn't lie about qualifications as i have been asked for a copy of my degree at interviews.If you really want to get a job in biopharma be prepared to start at the bottom as an operative until vacancies arise in the lab.I know people with masters that had to start on the floor.

Frank101

bambi93 wrote: »

I wouldn't get so focused on grades if i was you.Having a 2.2 only means that there will be some graduate programs in which you do not meet the requirements, only if they specify a minimum of a 2.1.Personally i wouldn't lie about qualifications as i have been asked for a copy of my degree at interviews.If you really want to get a job in biopharma be prepared to start at the bottom as an operative until vacancies arise in the lab.I know people with masters that had to start on the floor.

What's an operative?