Most recent college life sciences graduates are excited to launch their careers and take their first steps into the workforce. However, it can feel like an uphill battle. Often, you have little – if any – past work experience. Plus, you might struggle to determine how you can stand apart from other entry-level candidates.
Fortunately, there are ways to separate yourself from the pack. By showcasing the right skills, you can position yourself as an exceptional candidate for an entry-level role. If you aren’t sure about what will impress, here are a few skills to hone and feature on your resume.
Problem-Solving
When it comes to fundamental skills in the life sciences industry, problem-solving easily qualifies as essential. In most scientific roles, the bulk of the position involves analysis and solution-building. If you’re effective at assessing challenges, developing workable pathways forward, and ultimately achieving success, you’ll quickly become viewed as a top candidate.
Additionally, the ability to solve problems independently is particularly valuable. While reaching out for help when an issue is outside of your area of expertise or experience level is wise, taking ownership of challenges that are within the scope of your duties improves your position. That’s particularly true if you can showcase how supporting skills – like research capabilities and diligence – bolster your results.
Decision-Making
In many scientific roles, there’s a degree of autonomy. While you may need to follow certain processes to ensure compliance and keep results aligned with expectations, the amount of direct oversight you receive may be far lighter than you’d expect.
Since that’s the case, employers favor candidates who can exercise sound judgment and make decisions within their arena. It allows you to remain productive and efficient, something nearly any company will appreciate.
Tech-Savviness
Technology increasingly plays a critical role in nearly every industry, particularly within the scientific community. While you don’t need to have an in-depth understanding of every system you might encounter, having a high degree of tech-savviness can make you a standout candidate. It shows that you not only embrace technology but that you can adapt to new applications, platforms, or devices with ease.
Communication
Communication is another fundamental skill that’s typically critical in any workplace. However, in the scientific field, it’s not just being well-spoken or having a strong command of written language that sets you apart; it’s the ability to make complex ideas accessible to the masses.
Throughout your career, you’ll engage with stakeholders who may not have the same level of scientific expertise. If you can take a complicated subject and make it easy for them to understand, you possess a capability that provides employers with exceptional value, increasing the odds that you’ll stand out as a candidate.
Ultimately, each of the skills above can help new grads separate themselves from the pack, increasing the odds that they’ll secure their first position quickly and efficiently.
Are you a new life sciences graduate looking for their first position? Partner with the Staffing Resource Group to streamline your job search. Contact us to learn more about our services today.
