Careers clinic
Invaluable advice from the RSC's careers adviser
The nature of the job market means that careers advice can go out of date very rapidly. Please use this information as a guide and bear in mind the publication dates.
For the most up to date advice, RSC members can contact our dedicated careers service.
The RSC has a wide range of resources to help members with their careers
2011
Careers clinic: It all adds up
A chemistry degree could well lead to a career in accountancy, writes Charlotte Ashley-Roberts
Careers clinic: The dreaded interview
Interviews really don't need to be dreaded, writes Charlotte Ashley-Roberts
Careers clinic: Motherhood and science
Charlotte Ashley-Roberts on why combining an academic career in science with bringing up children is a realistic option
Careers clinic: Spelling it out
A diagnosis of dyslexia shouldn't hold back your career progression, says Charlotte Ashley-Roberts
Careers clinic: Purely functional
Functional CVs bring out your skills and are perfect for those looking for a career change, says Charlotte Ashley-Roberts
Careers clinic: Careers in policy
Charlotte Ashley-Roberts on the appliance of science to the development of public policy
Charlotte Ashley-Roberts unearths a wealth of career opportunities for chemists moving into the insurance sector
Careers clinic: Options Stateside
There are plenty of places to look for a postdoc position on the other side of the Atlantic, says Charlotte Ashley-Roberts
2010
Careers clinic: Options in the nuclear sector
You won't find Homer Simpson generating energy or decommissioning plants in today's nuclear sector, writes Charlotte Ashley-Roberts
Careers clinic: Once an academic.
Does settling on a career in academia mean you've closed off all alternative options in the future? Of course not, says Caroline Tolond
Age is no barrier to career progression. Just stay up to date, re-jig your CV and brush up on the latest interview techniques before making your move, says Caroline Tolond
Careers clinic: Pharma's market
The job market in the pharmaceutical sector is competitive, but that's no reason to rule out a career change. Caroline Tolond looks at the options
Careers clinic: Bench to bedside
There are plenty of options for pharmaceutical researchers thinking about moving into the healthcare sector, says Caroline Tolond
Careers clinic: Self promotion
The CV that has suited your current employers might need some rejigging before you send it elsewhere. Caroline Tolond shows you how
Careers clinic: Career building
With companies advertising fewer job vacancies, it's time to network like never before, says Caroline Tolond
Planning a move into science outreach? First, build a portfolio of voluntary work, advises Caroline Tolond
Careers clinic: Move to Canada
Many dream of leaving the UK behind and Canada is a tempting destination. Caroline Tolond advises on how to prepare for such a life-changing move
Switching to a career in the legal profession will require extensive - and expensive - training but a science background can be a useful asset, says Caroline Tolond
2009
Careers clinic: Graduate recruitment
There's no denying that it's a difficult time to get your first job after graduation but stay positive and open-minded and you'll surely be rewarded, says Caroline Tolond
Careers clinic: CVs for postdocs
Academic CVs are always lengthy but it's important to know where to put the detail and what to miss out, says Caroline Tolond
Careers clinic: Transition into teaching
If you are thinking of moving into teaching, it's worth first examining your motives and work shadowing a teacher, says Caroline Tolond
Careers clinic: Great leap forward
Is it worth doing an MBA to help with the move into management? Caroline Tolond weighs up the pros and cons
Careers clinic: Let's talk science
If you are interested in a career in science communication, whether public engagement or science writing, it pays to get experience first, advises Caroline Tolond
Whether you're choosing a degree course or looking for a career change, it's vital that ask yourself what you enjoy doing and what makes you tick, advises Caroline Tolond
Jobs in health and safety often appeal to those wishing to leave the lab. It's not an easy move, but experience or qualifications can make it smoother, explains Caroline Tolond
Careers clinic: Leap into consultancy
No matter what stage you're at in your career, you'll need to do your homework before working as a consultant, writes Caroline Tolond
Careers Clinic: Planning ahead
Now, more than ever, is the time to proactively manage your career, says Caroline Tolond
Careers Clinic: The CV question
CV fashions come and go, and what's good in the UK might not be right for the US. Here are some invaluable pointers from Caroline Tolond.
Careers Clinic: Teaching's no dead end
Becoming a teacher doesn't close off alternative options, writes Caroline Tolond, but changing direction doesn't spell an end to teaching
2008
Careers Clinic: The smell of success
Caroline Tolond sniffs out job opportunities in the fragrance industry
Keeping your CV updated is the key to career mobility, says Caroline Tolond
Careers Clinic: All the fun of the fair
Take a tour round a careers fair, read the paper, and consult your peers before you plan your next move, advises Caroline Tolond
Fancy working with explosives? Caroline Tolond lights the blue touch paper and stands well back
Careers Clinic: You're worth it
When it comes to interviews, be prepared and don't forget to smile, says Caroline Tolond
Whatever your interests, Caroline Tolond might have just the job. Here are some options for analytical chemists who want to work with animals
Careers Clinic: Transferable toxicology
Taking a short course and tailoring your CV could really help you to break into a new field, says Caroline Tolond
