Materials Science/Technology

Over the course of your degree you develop a wide mix of subject-specific and technical skills, you should consider these skills developed on your course as well as through your other activities, such as paid work, volunteering, family responsibilities, sport, membership of societies, leadership roles, etc. Think about how these can be used as evidence of your skills and personal attributes. Then you can start to market and sell who you really are, identify what you may be lacking and consider how to improve your profile.

Working as a Materials Engineer

See the full video at Careers4U 

Prospects

In 2010, just over 60% of materials science graduates were in UK or overseas employment, six months after finishing their degree in 2009. A further 4% were working whilst studying part time.

Of those entering employment, 10% went into professional engineering-based roles. A further 15% branched out into the art and design sectors and 10% took management roles in the private and public sector.

The popular route for many materials graduates choosing to remain within engineering is to join a structured training programme that will support progression to chartered engineer status. 

The skills gained and developed during a materials science degree mean graduates are suited to many numerate roles, project management, technical sales positions or even design-based positions.

Where are the jobs?

Materials science graduates are most likely to enter the manufacturing or engineering sectors.

UK manufacturing has been in steady decline over a number of years, but the signs are that manufacturing will focus in the future on products where value can be added. This is most likely to happen in niche sectors such as the pharmaceuticals, aerospace, electronics and automotive industries, where the continual development of materials is an important issue. Steel and textiles are traditional areas of British manufacturing that have suffered over the years, but are now specialising in niche markets of high added value.

Within the engineering sector, the most exciting developments will probably be based on nanotechnology and the new and adapted materials required to use this technology to greatest effect.

For an insight into possible employment areas for materials specialists explore the following:

• Engineering - this sector is huge. See the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) website for insights into the areas relevant to materials science.
• Manufacturing - according to the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR), manufacturing will remain of major importance to the UK economy.

Jobs directly related to your degree

• Materials engineer
• Metallurgist
• Research scientist (physical sciences).
• Product/process development scientist

Jobs where your degree would be useful

• Clothing/textile technologist
• Information scientist
• Patent examiner
• Quality manager
• Scientific journalist
• Technical author

Although some of the jobs listed here might not be first jobs for many graduates, they are among the many realistic possibilities with your degree, provided you can demonstrate you have the attributes employers are looking for. Bear in mind that it's not just your degree discipline that determines your options. Remember that many graduate vacancies don't specify particular degree disciplines, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

You can find more about the skills you develop during your course, the jobs listed above, plus case studies and where to find these jobs at Prospects.

Included with the permission of AGCAS. For the latest version of this publication, see www.prospects.ac.uk. For permission to reproduce, contact copyright@agcas.org.uk