Insight into the job market for scientists

The annual Career fair in science offers students the opportunity to network and gain insight into career opportunities after graduation. For those who want to learn more about demand for science skills, seminars are offered in both Swedish and English.

Advice for students

The afternoon seminars gave students an insight into the labour market and the bright future prospects for science graduates. To further increase their chances of finding a job straight after graduation, students were advised to network, gather information about their future sector and gain experience during their studies by taking on part-time jobs.

At the end of the afternoon, a panel discussion was held on writing a thesis, featuring students, teachers and study counsellors. The panellists provided several practical tips and advice in preparing for the thesis course:

• Choose a topic you like, as this will increase your motivation and help you succeed.
• The topic could be related to what you want to do later, whether you want to do research or seek employment in a particular field after your studies.
• Talk to teachers and researchers at your department, to find a supervisor you feel you can work with and whose research interests match your own.
• The panel agreed that a good relationship with your supervisor is much more important than the topic of your thesis.
• Don't forget that you are contributing to the research in your field; your thesis has value.
• If you are writing your thesis externally, it contributes to the organisation. Do not be afraid to contact organisations about writing a thesis with them, this also creates contacts with a potential future employer.
• Do not forget to talk to a study counsellor or teacher at the department, to get an internal supervisor, if you are writing your thesis externally, to ensure that you are correctly enrolled in the thesis course.

A future employer for science students

Linn studied environmental science and geoscience at Stockholm University. When she took a course in geochemistry in the second semester of the environmental science programme, she became interested in the geosciences. She now works as an environmental officer at the County Administrative Board of Stockholm, responsible for tasks such as reviewing permits for environmentally hazardous activities.

Why is Länsstyrelsen participating in the Career fair in science?

Länsstyrelsen in Stockholm county (The County Administrative Board of Stockholm) is a potential employer for science students and offers a wide range of career opportunities within science. For example, its environment department employs geoscientists, biologists, environmental and health inspectors, hydrologists and chemists. At Länsstyrelsen, you have the opportunity to work with issues of importance to society, in collaboration with municipalities, authorities and the private sector. Central to the work is balancing different interests.

“It's challenging and insightful work, and it's fun too,” says Linn, “and you get colleagues with high scientific expertise who are really passionate about their work.”

What advice would you give to students who want to work in your field?

“An internship is a great way to get a foot in the door, but also try applying for jobs,” says Linn.

"Think broadly and keep an open mind!”

What is your best memory from Stockholm University?

Linn remembers fun pub nights with the student union, at Gröna Villan, but also experiences from the courses she took.

“I have several fun memories from various excursions we went on in Sweden, Norway and Scotland. Such as sauna bathing on Askö and mineral hunting in Scotland.”

Need for biologists in urban planning

Erik works as an ecologist in Tyréns' environmental department, a technical consulting firm specialising in urban planning. He studied for a Bachelor's degree in biogeo-science and then went on to complete a Master's degree in physical geography, specialising in geographic information systems, cartography and remote sensing.

Why is Tyréns participating in the Career fair in science?

We want to talk about our work and what you can do to enhance your CV. We brought a leaflet with standardised manuals for inventory methods, which you can familiarise yourself with if you are interested in working with environmental protection in the urban and regional planning process. Being acquainted with these methods looks great on your CV.

‘We need good urban and regional planning biologists. That's why we're here."

What advice would you give to students who want to work in your field?

‘If you are a biologist or geoscientist, it is always good to know GIS (geographic information systems). If you want to work in urban planning, it is practically a requirement to have taken both methodology- and analysis courses in GIS," says Erik.

"The combination of GIS analysis and ecology was my ticket to getting job opportunities."

What is your best memory from Stockholm University?

"In biogeo-science, you get to go on lots of fun field trips and you’re part of a close-knit class throughout the entire programme," says Erik. "It was great fun, our class was touring Sweden and did lots of fun things!" he recalls.

And Erik still keeps in touch with his old classmates.

"I chat with many of them with daily and we meet up several times a year," he says.

More about the Career fair in science

The Career fair in science is organised by the Faculty of Science and The Natural Sciences Faculty Club at Stockholm University.

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Find out more about studying science