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The UK’s official graduate careers website
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Most employers offer new researchers training and support to ensure they are kept aware of developments in their fields and that they have the required skills. A postgraduate research degree is regarded as training for research work. This is usually in the form of a PhD, which is undertaken full time over a minimum of three years, although four-year PhDs with a stronger element of formal training input are becoming more common.
Most PhD research is funded by universities, research councils or trusts. Throughout the PhD, support is given to the research student in the form of advice and guidance from their PhD supervisor. Transferable skills training is now recognised as part of a PhD, and research students are entitled to receive formal training provided either by the institution or by Vitae . Relevant workshops and other events are offered by professional bodies and research organisations, such as the Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences and The International Centre for Mathematical Sciences (ICMS) . In addition, professional networks focused on specific areas of research provide peer support and the opportunity to share knowledge.
Postdoctoral training is becoming more widely available. A range of fellowships is also available, which vary in duration and level of funding.
A number of professional societies offer different grades of membership, which can reflect your status as a skilled researcher.
Scientists must keep up to date with research techniques and new developments. Most employers will support relevant activities such as attendance at conferences or meetings as well as the publication of research in order to develop their scientific staff. Formal training is now more common in academic settings. Those in industry and the public sector will attend technical courses to learn new techniques as required. Larger companies also may run internal courses.
Although not essential for career development, MBAs may be supported by employers, usually on a part-time basis, later in a career.
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