• Question: how many years did you have to do in further education to get the job you have today

    Asked by anon-357293 on 17 Mar 2023. This question was also asked by anon-361066.
    • Photo: Sophie Strickfuss

      Sophie Strickfuss answered on 17 Mar 2023:

      Hiya, I first completed a short 2-years long technical degree in France. I then moved to the UK to complete a BSc in Chemistry. Because of my previous education, I joined from the 2nd year. I then completed a PhD which took 3 years. So 7 years in further education in total.

    • Photo: Martin McCoustra

      Martin McCoustra answered on 28 Mar 2023:

      I started at university as an undergraduate in late September 1979. I completed my degree in June 1983 and my PhD in September 1986. I started my first real job as a scientist in October 1986 as a post-doctoral research assistant. I’ve been a scientist since.

    • Photo: Jade Markham

      Jade Markham answered on 31 Mar 2023:

      I did sixth form – 2 years.
      A degree with a work experience year – 4 years
      A PhD – 4 years.

      But there are other routes and you don’t have to do it like me

Comments

  • Photo: Thomas

    Thomas commented on :

    After college (18) I spent 3 years at York University doing a Chemistry degree, with an extra year working in industry but doing online courses and exams to turn it from a Batchelors to a masters.

    I then decided to go back to a different university (Sheffield) and I spent 3 years 3 months working on my PhD to become a Dr of Science.

  • Photo: Alana

    Alana commented on :

    I have a very similar story to the scientists above and completed a chemistry degree and then did a PhD. However, it’s important to say that there are lots of people in my company that joined via different routes.

    Some joined from a masters degree and others did an apprenticeship after they finished school and have worked their way up that way, rather than go to university. There are benefits to both ways!