Well quite a lot actually¦¦.

For many jobs the skills you have developed are more important that the content of your degree, and a Science degree will have developed a wealth of skills in you. These include:-

Ability to research, evaluate, critically interpret and analyse information

Communication in written, verbal and presentational forms

Ability to work methodically & accurately

Decision making and ability to self-manage

On top of these you will have many other skills youve developed through part-time and holiday jobs, hobbies and life experience. Remember to use these to market yourself.

Ok, so Ive got skills, but what jobs can I do ?

Well youve got a huge choice in fact! You have 3 choices.

Pick a job directly related to your degree e.g. Research, Laboratory Technician, Secondary School Teacher, Conservation Officer, Forensics, Medical Sales Representative etc.

Choose a job where a Science Degree is useful e.g. Alternative Therapy, Professional Allied to Medicine, Librarian, Accountant, Production Manager, Information Scientist, Database Administrator, Operational Researcher, Technical author, Patent Examiner, Scientific Journalist, Publishing, Food and Drink Industry

Go for one of about 40% of graduate jobs open to graduates of any discipline (including Science) e.g. Civil Service, Police Force, Management Consultancy, Retail Management, Community Education, Banking & Finance, etc.

Ah, but do people really get these jobs ?

Well these are some of the jobs which recent Natural Science Graduates have gone onto straight from Durham University: Landscape Architect, Mortgage Broker, Risk Manager, Environmental Engineer, Corporate Tax Associate, Export Manager, Technical Sales Rep, Trainee Accountant, Actuarial Technician, Recruitment Officer, Science Teacher, Commercial Food Trainee, Investment Assistant etc.

So which career is for me ?

Well thats up to you, but we can help you work out what you want from your career and which options are going to suit you best. Dont be frightened to come and speak to a Careers Adviser “ we dont bite “ honest !

Maybe I dont want a job straight away. Many Science graduates choose to go on to study for a postgraduate qualification. This may be because they have a love of the subject, and wish to research it further or because most posts in research require further study. Alternatively it may be that you are interested in a different career which requires a further qualification. Common course types include 9 month Postgraduate Diplomas, 1 or 2 year Masters degrees and 3 year PhDs. Again recent graduates from the Natural Science course at Durham have progressed down these routes e.g. Financial Management, Geological Research, Service Management, Mathematical Research, Physiotherapy, Primary and Secondary Teaching, Social Science Research, Law, Adult and Veterinary Nursing, Chartered Accountancy and Scientific Research.

If Postgraduate study doesnt excite you, perhaps youd prefer to be your own boss. If you would like to consider starting your own business you can get a great deal of valuable help and advice at www.ent-exchange.co.uk/

Or maybe you want a bit of adventure and a break, before settling down to the serious business of a career. There are loads of different options for taking a year out, but a great deal of planning is required for most, so its best to start early.

For more information on any of these options come to the Careers Advisory Service.

Working Futures “ forecasts of employment prospects to 2012 (University of Warwick 2004)

This survey has thrown up some key predictions regarding the labour market that you will enter, either upon graduation or after further postgraduate study. These are useful to bear in mind when making decision about your future career.

In long term employment in banking is predicted to decline and only a small increase in insurance employment is expected

From 2005 there is expected to be an increased need for professional advice on mergers, acquisitions, IT and business restructuring.

The strongest growth is expected in the service sector, distribution, hotel & catering, health and education.

The highest rate of growth is expected in business and public service, which includes law, accountancy, management consultancy, social work, public service administration, architects, town

You could work at an outdoor nature camp, national park, or nature museum as an educator.

You could go on and get a master's or Ph.D. and teach at the college level and/or do research.

You could get further education in forestry or natural resources and work for the gov't.

Do you have a particular major in the Natural Sciences? (Like Geology, Biology, Botany, Zoology, etc) Or is your major more broad than that?