Employer skills wish list

Employer attitudes

What are the benefits of recruiting people with academic research experience?

"Analytical thinking, report writing and the ability to work independently." (SEPA)

"They have a high academic profile which is advantageous when presenting their CVs to prospective clients and their research skills are crucial to our client teams' operation." (McKinsey & Co.)

"They are able to work on their own and have the benefit of logical thinking. Also their research field might be relevant." (Smith & Nephew plc)

"Good learning skills, their commitment to task and the need for minimum supervision." (Cadence Design Systems)

"Experience in a specific research field but this must be complemented by effective communication skills, maturity and the capacity to absorb information. Their strong intellectual capacity is an advantage." (Andersen Consulting)

"Analytical thinking, up to date experience of research methods and published demonstration of their abilities." (BMSP)

"Highly developed research skills combined with an intellectual approach. Good communication and presentation skills demonstrated by teaching experience." (KPMG)

What are the drawbacks of recruiting such candidates?

"Lack of commercial awareness/experience and lack of career motivation." (KPMG)

"We only recruit candidates who meet our skills criteria so there are no drawbacks." (Andersen Consulting)

"Lack of exposure to the commercial world and limited teamworking skills. Also limited experience of working on short term tasks." (Cadence Design Systems)

"Difficulty of transition from academia to the industrial environment." (Wellcome Trust)

"These candidates tend to become focused on their subject area and don't emphasise their transferable skills which actually make them more employable." (Esso-Exxon)

"Lack of commercial experience and adapting to lifestyle differences such as longer hours and short term deadlines. The different work ethic has meant we have had to develop a special training programme for these candidates." (McKinsey & Co)

"Candidates tend to be set in their work styles which are different in academia." (Powergen UK plc)

"These are no particular drawbacks in recruiting such candidates. We provide course on research management." (SERU)

"Lack of application to field work and limited communication skills." (SEPA)

"Lack of industrial experience." (Glaxo Wellcome)

Messages from employers

Based on your experience what messages would you wish to give academic researchers about the wider skills and experience they should gain in addition to their academic work?

"Recognise their transferable skills. Define what they do eg what does supervising five people actually mean? Give evidence of communication skills." (Esso-Exxon)

"There is no such thing as pure research post within my organisation. Candidates must have transferable skills and must be able to demonstrate them." (BMSP)

"Try to gain work experience outside academia especially within the business environment." (Powergen UK plc)

"Take any opportunities to develop yourself outwith academia and demonstrate that you look for such opportunities." (Andersen Consulting)

"Exposure to a commercial environment is a much greater advantage than having transferable skills." (Smith & Nephew plc)

"Demonstrate other roles including voluntary that complement your research skills and increase your skills base." (SEPA)

"Gain teaching and coaching skills and try to give presentations at conferences. Can you demonstrate networking opportunities which could benefit your future employer?" (KPMG)

Based on your experience what messages would you give academic researchers about what they should emphasise when presenting themselves to employers?

"Convince the employer that they are able to translate their ideas into commercial reality and that the commercial world is not their second option because they cannot achieve a career in academia. Can they prove they have thoroughly researched the position and recognise the differences between such a position and that of their current post in academia?" (KPMG)

"My organisation makes it explicit in the advert what should be emphasised in the application." (Glaxo Wellcome)

"Specialist knowledge of their subject area and their research skills. Be aware of policy areas of the prospective employer." (SERU)

"Prove that they have given thought to the differences between the academic and corporate environment." (Wellcome Trust)

"Don't over rely on academic achievement. Stress transferable skills such as teamworking, report writing and leadership." (SEPA)

"Stress transferable skills and be aware that your particular area of research is not always of prime importance." (Cadence Design Systems)

"Focus on skills and competencies and relate them to the commercial environment if possible." (Smith & Nephew plc)

"Don't pretend to have commercial knowledge but sell your research and academic skills." (McKinsey & Co)

"Emphasise the more rounded individual rather than the researcher. Are you a self-starter? Do you have leadership qualities? (Andersen Consulting)

"Emphasise commercial experience if you have it and make it clear you can offer more than your academic experience." (Powergen UK plc)

"Demonstrate knowledge of the goals and values of the organisation you are applying to and try to prove initiative and innovation." (Smithkline Beecham Pharmaceutical)

"Try to demonstrate something that makes you stand out from the other candidates and makes you potential for future development." (BMSP)