A life science degree is often seen as a ticket to traditional scientific roles, such as research, healthcare, or academia. However, the skills you acquire during your studies can be applied in a wide variety of fields beyond the conventional pathways. Whether you have a passion for writing, policy, or strategy, your life science background can open doors to impactful, unconventional careers that play to your strengths in unique ways. Let’s explore three exciting, non-traditional career options for life science graduates: science communication, policy, and consulting.
Science Communication: Making Science Accessible
If you enjoy translating complex scientific ideas into engaging and accessible content, a career in science communication might be for you. From writing for science blogs to working as a media liaison for research institutions, science communicators play a critical role in bridging the gap between scientists and the general public. Whether through written articles, podcasts, or social media, they make scientific discoveries understandable and relatable.
Your life science degree provides a strong foundation for this career, as it equips you with the ability to interpret and break down technical information. Understanding the science means you can communicate it with accuracy and authority, while your experience in critical thinking and data analysis allows you to anticipate and answer potential questions from non-experts. Science communicators work in a variety of settings, including universities, research organizations, NGOs, and media outlets. With science journalism growing in importance, especially in areas such as public health and climate change, your background in life sciences can give you a competitive edge in this field.
Policy: Shaping the Future of Science
Another unconventional yet rewarding path is science policy, where you could influence laws, regulations, and guidelines that govern scientific research and its applications. Science policy professionals work with governments, think tanks, and advocacy groups to ensure that scientific evidence informs policy decisions on issues ranging from climate change to healthcare innovation. This career allows you to directly impact societal outcomes by helping shape the rules that govern scientific advancement.
A life science degree provides you with a unique perspective in this field. You understand the research process and the challenges scientists face, making you an invaluable asset in drafting or advising on policies that affect scientific work. Your ability to critically analyse data, combined with your understanding of scientific methodology, ensures that policies are informed by the latest and most reliable evidence. Additionally, science policy careers often allow you to be at the forefront of exciting developments in technology and innovation, working on initiatives that could change the world.
Consulting: Solving Big Problems with a Scientific Mindset
For those who enjoy problem-solving and strategy, consulting offers a dynamic career that allows you to apply your scientific knowledge in diverse industries. Life sciences consultants advise organisations in areas like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and sustainability. They help companies solve complex challenges, optimise operations, and develop new products or strategies.
Consulting requires strong analytical skills, the ability to work with data, and a deep understanding of scientific processes—all of which are core components of a life science education. Whether you’re helping a pharmaceutical company navigate regulatory requirements or advising a healthcare startup on market trends, your expertise enables you to offer informed, strategic advice. Moreover, consulting is a career that offers variety, as you’ll work on different projects across multiple sectors, allowing you to continuously expand your knowledge and impact.
Conclusion: A World of Opportunities
A life science degree is far more versatile than many realise. Careers in science communication, policy, and consulting offer rewarding paths where you can apply your scientific knowledge in non-traditional ways. These roles not only allow you to make a meaningful impact on society but also leverage your unique skill set in creative and strategic ways. For life sciences students looking to break out of the lab, the future holds limitless possibilities. All it takes is a willingness to explore new directions and apply your skills beyond the expected.
. To excel in science communication, there are a few key skills you’ll want to develop. First is the ability to simplify complex topics—you need to break down technical details in a way that’s easy for non-experts to understand without losing accuracy. Strong writing skills are also crucial, whether you’re writing articles, social media posts, or scripts for videos/podcasts. Critical thinking helps you anticipate questions your audience might have and ensure you’re conveying the right information. Lastly, creativity and adaptability are important, since you’ll need to find engaging ways to present science to different audiences!