As part of their Careers Month 2025 projects and initiatives, The University of Edinburgh asked our very own Emma Laurenson – Business Manager (Scotland) at SRG – to share some insights and advice on how students can navigate the route from education into meaningful scientific careers. 

These tips, based on Emma's personal experiences as a Life Sciences recruitment specialist, a role in which she's regularly supported students embarking on their career journey, are invaluable. Read on to benefit from her expertise! 

Stage of Career

Making the move from academia to industry is not always straight forward and it is worth thinking about what you want from the future of your career as soon as possible.

It is often easier to make the move sooner rather than later and at an earlier stage of your academic journey and will also mean more comparable salaries.

Salary Misconceptions

That brings us neatly on to salaries and, more specifically, salary expectations (and misconceptions). People often believe if they make the move from academia to industry, they will instantly get a pay rise. Unfortunately, in reality this is often not the case!

Although you may have some transferable skills, much of the industry want industry specific skills and will not pay the top end of salary ranges for someone without this kind of experience. 

However, if you can make the move, career development and promotions are often easier to achieve and long term career paths become clearer within industry.

Working Environment and Company Culture

Do your research into what working in industry looks like and try to speak to people already working at different companies within it. Environment, timelines and pressure can be very different to those experienced in academia as you are working in a commercial and often client driven environment with very strict financial and regulatory deliverables.

As you look at what industries and organisations may suit you, from a personal and professional perspective, ask yourself some questions:

  • Why are you looking to transition to industry?
  • Would this type of pressure suit how you like to work?
  • Can you adapt a much faster pace of work?
  • And most importantly, will you enjoy your work?

Career Realism

Explore what different industry jobs entail and study job adverts to see what skills and experience are required from suitable applicants, as not all roles are comparable.

For example, managing your own research project in academia is not the same as being a Project Manager in an industry environment where you oversee multiple client projects.

If you are looking to make the move, think about what transferable skills you do have and if you will need to take a sideways move or even a step back to make the long term change in your career.

Be selective, tailor your CV and ensure you do meet the requirements for the role before you click apply!

Start Ups and Spin Outs

Often start ups and spin out companies have a working environment more similar to academia, and working there can be an easier transition than moving to an established industry name.

Look out for these companies online, or ask your university if they know of any vacancies at companies that may be looking to hire students directly after their studies. 

Industry Placements and Work Experience

Look out for opportunities to do some work in the industry or collaborations with exposure to private,working lab environments, as this kind of experience on your CV will make you stand out from other academic applicants.

Such placements and opportunities can be short term, but I promise you the knowledge, insights, and hands-on experiences they provide can prove invaluable as you move forward!

Sponsorship

Many companies are unable to provide sponsorship, and it can be difficult for them to do so. Therefore many roles require you to have long term right to work in the UK without the need of a new visa.

It is important to remember that when applying for jobs in industry, these roles are often very competitive and you may be up against candidates with a wealth of industry experience and so a rejection is not always a reflection of your skills so don’t take it personally.

Keep going, take as many opportunities to continue your growth as possible, and get yourself out there! 

SRG Career Advice

We feature a variety of blogs and articles providing valuable insights and Career Advice, including tips on how to write an effective, impactful scientific CV; how to use social media to your advantage in your job search; and ways to prepare for job interviews.

For more information on how SRG helps Job Seekers find the right role for them, discover our latest vacancies, or register your details and join our talent network, click here.