Searching and Applying for Opportunities in the Sciences

The broad field of science requires specialized skills and techniques. By understanding your skills, abilities, and values you can navigate the search successfully and ensure that the positions you apply for align with your “why” and who you are as a professional. Here are some tips to guide you in the process of gaining interest and attention from potential employers.

1: Preparation

Know Yourself: Get to know yourself. Identify and understand your strengths, values, passions, and interest areas.

Network & Research Career Field: Engage with professionals in the field, to learn and understand their experience and learn more about different sectors and types of positions in the industry. This can be done through informational interviews and job shadowing. Utilize LinkedIn and Pitt Commons to establish networking and mentoring relationships specific to your professional goals. Access Pitt Commons Link. Study job descriptions and requirements carefully to understand current employment and employer trends, and the world of work as it is “today” for engineering and technology. This will provide you not just insight into the industry but also insight into where your interests and values lie, and in turn, facilitate your personal statement and cover letter writing.

Resume/CV : Make sure your resume is polished, updated and AI friendly! You may like a refresher–feel free to view our resume samples in both the Life & Physical Sciences Community and Environment & Sustainability Community pages.

Join Professional Organizations: Professional organizations bring a magnitude of information and opportunity through networking, published articles to remain current and relevant in the latest trends and breakthroughs, mentoring, professional development, socializing, and more. Many professional organization websites also have a built-in career search platform or employment opportunities listings. Here are a few examples of professional organizations:

  • Academic Society of Biological Sciences
  • Health Organizations for Pitt Students
  • OUT to INNOVATE
  • International Society of Sustainability Professionals
  • Student Office of Sustainability
  • Epsilon Eta Environmental Honors Fraternity
  • Sustainability Student Organizations (SOOS)
2: The Search Process

Identify your values, interests and career goals – think about where you would like to be & know your expectations

Be Proactive and Organized – Set Realistic Goals: Plan ahead, do your research on the industry, and set SMART goals

  • S-Specific
  • M-Measurable
  • A-Attainable
  • R-Relevant
  • T-Time-oriented

Stay Positive and Practice Self Care: Don’t become discouraged. Mohammed Gandhi once said: “Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, your values become your destiny.”

Time Management: Create a road map and timeline

Be Selective (however, do leave room for flexibility) of employer and industry

Expand Your Search

  • Utilize the Pitt Career Center
  • Attend Career Fairs
  • Use keyword search (skills, applications, techniques etc.)
  • Explore related job titles utilizing O*Net Online
  • Reach out to employers directly
  • Search the official website for their career page
  • Connect with their campus recruiter and alumni on LinkedIn
  • Tap into your Network
  • Share your resume with hiring managers

Apply! Apply! Apply! Persevere!  Each application and each interview serve as steps forward and a learning opportunity. It is recommended that you apply to multiple positions. The average candidate will receive 1 interview request for every 6 applications they submit. U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.US Bureau of Labor Statistics 

3: Know and Utilize Your Resources

Job Scanning websites that compare your resume to the job description

Research Programs, Platforms and Fellowships

Become familiar with different types of opportunities to learn more about the world of work and discover your values and interests. Schedule an appointment with your career consultant through HANDSHAKE.

You’ve Got This!