Your direction is influenced by the degree you study. For example if it’s a degree that would interest a Pharma company like Biotechnology, the first thing you need to analyse is which company has the best pipeline and direction, like moving into Microbiology. Also work out what kind of work that you’d prefer. There are lots of different areas, like Quality Control, Production, Research and Development or a role in regulatory affairs. Some can be quite specialised so be sure that’s the area you want to go in to.

The next thing to do to figure out is which company has the best emotional fit with you. Ireland is a small country and you should be able to find different people who have worked in different Pharma companies and interview them. Ask them what the company is like, how do they treat and develop their staff and what’s the atmosphere like. Also the company that you used for your college placement should be a good guide.

Step three is to contact the HR department and ask them how they approach recruitment. They may like to hear from you in a covering letter and CV what you could add to the company and what you could do for them. Some Pharma companies hold recruitment days where they give graduates an idea of the type of company they are.

Finally, brace yourself. We are in a recession. If you have been looking at the public service there will be a recruitment freeze. But think laterally. There are lots of different green industries popping up who are going to need scientists and that’s another avenue for you.

Eoghan McDermott is Director of Careers, The Communication Clinic . www.communicationsclinic.ie