An undergraduate degree in Life Science here at Dundee is fuelled with many opportunities to undertake an Entrepreneurial perspective as part of the course. Some of these opportunities include the Scientific Enterprise –like optional modules you will encounter during your first and second year. But in addition to those modules, multiple masterclasses are organised by the Center for Enterprise, Career Services and other bodies. 

One such program you will come across is The Graduate Employability Masterclass or GEM for Life Sciences. Career Services has organised this masterclass with the Scottish Universities Life Sciences Alliance – (SULSA). 

You will usually be informed about this during your third/fourth year. It takes place for three weeks, usually three hours in duration. During the sessions, people from different companies come with insights into the industry ending in a question that leads to a brainstorming session; they make you think about the potential prospects of an enterprise – as an entrepreneur and an employee. 

This dual nature of the GEM caught my attention as it allowed potential employers and employees at the student stage to co-evolve. Speakers bring out ideas from the students and encourage them to consider an entrepreneurial path; while offering guidance into CV building, the employer’s perspective, etc. 

During one such session, we were made to think about the potential motivation for research. Although initially, it might seem like an extensive question, we boiled down the responses to relatively specific intentions when we discussed it in break-out groups.

In addition to the brainstorming session, it is an excellent way to get in touch with many people – including some venture capitalists. Usually, after the session, pizza is organised, and you might as well meet a future investor and chat with them over pizza right now! 

In addition to this, the course comes with three LinkedIn badges recognised by the industry; hence, it will be a great addition to your CV. 

Collectively, this masterclass is an eye-opener into the non-academic branches of Life Sciences and is a great way to understand what the employer market truly seeks. It is also an excellent way to network with a lot of people! I strongly recommend it! 

Thank you for reading!