As a winner of the Kelly Services Future Scientist Award, I have secured a position as a medical scientist with Mater Pathology. I have been lucky enough to be offered this incredible opportunity for training and support as I move into this role.
I believe in taking all the opportunities you can get, so when I stumbled upon the Kelly services competition about leading future scientists I thought putting in an entry could not hurt! I felt that a competition like the Kelly Services Future Scientist Award would be great opportunity to see science develop within Queensland and, more broadly, Australia.
I have been working since I was 14, which has helped me to develop leadership and management skills. Working, volunteering and pushing myself to participate in a range of other things was incredibly valuable in developing my skills and confidence. I have been lucky enough to attend a university that has helped me to market my skills effectively in a competitive work environment. The help of UQ Student Services was incredibly useful during my studies - whether it be a trip to the doctor and pharmacy on campus, or using the learning advisers service to discuss study habits, these services allowed me to balance my life well and feel supported as a student. Using the UQ Careers Services allowed me to find opportunities I was most suited for, and so I knew going into the experience, I was going to enjoy it - and I did!
Kelly Scientific Resources made the whole application process a dream. I wrote my application and a week later I was chatting on the phone about an initial interview. I went in and spoke about my scientific experience and goals, and all of a sudden, I was giving a short speech to a panel of industry professionals! Not only that, but I found the support finding work from Kelly Scientific was incredible. They really helped in reminding me of all the tips and tricks to job-hunting, and the things that make resumes and interviews stand out. I have secured a position as a medical scientist with Mater Pathology. As a graduate, I have been lucky enough to be offered the incredible opportunity for training and support as I move into this role.
I would absolutely recommend applying for the Kelly Scientific Award! Not only does this competition give you the opportunity to speak in front of industry professionals (a rare opportunity in science!), it also reminds you how to bridge the gap between studying and landing a job in science. The application process was incredibly easy, and with the benefits on offer, there really is no downside.