Rob (commercial company)

A Research Graduate from the department of Agricultural Botany, Rob has a two year post-doctoral research contract with a multinational agrochemical company. The role involves laboratory and field research and biological computer modelling. Rob also acts as a superviser to a PhD student.

The skills required for the role are creative problem solving, analytical and innovative thinking, communication skills, including presentation skills. Working in an industrial environment requires excellent interpersonal skills and flexibility.

Job search

First job

• One year post doctoral contract offered with PhD sponsoring company

Present job

• Advertised in internal vacancies bulletin while doing post-doctoral work

Application

First job

• Submitted CV
• One interview

Present job

• Submitted CV
• One formal interview
• Aptitude tests

Keys to success

• Directly relevant research experience
• Interpersonal skills
• Known to the company

Benefits of PhD

• Opportunity to work with a wide range of people from many cultural backgrounds
• Development of technical skills - data analysis
• Time management
• Critical thinking

Future options

• Remaining in research, but salary less than in business functions
• Increased managerial responsibilities
• Academic research
• Business consultancy