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Science Communication Careers

Science Communication Careers . Stephanie Sinclair. Today’s Talk. Highlight the who/what/where/why of science communication careers Ask you to think about your career Provide top tips about working in science communication Answer and questions you have about careers.

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Science Communication Careers

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  1. Science Communication Careers Stephanie Sinclair

  2. Today’s Talk • Highlight the who/what/where/why of science communication careers • Ask you to think about your career • Provide top tips about working in science communication • Answer and questions you have about careers

  3. What is Science Communication? • Incredibly broad but includes: • PR • Science writing and editing • Event management eg of science festivals • Direct public engagement eg presenting shows/ performances/comedy • Exhibitions • Broadcast and games • Science policy • Science education • Research into eg perceptions of science • Can often include several of these elements

  4. Who does it? • Where on the spectrum might you fit? Professional communicator Researcher Full-time researcher (no comms work) Mixed role (rare, for now!) Full-time communicator (no research work)

  5. Where does it happen? • Science Centre boom: • First independent centre 1984 (The Exploratory, Bristol) • 18 centres by 2000 • 30 centres by 2010 • c.20million visitors per year • Plus lots of other festivals and events across the UK and internationally.

  6. Why do it? Make science enjoyable and interesting for audiences Inspiring a general interest in and engagement with science Changing participants’ attitudes to science Inspiring participants to find out more about science Preparing participants for non-science careers Raising awareness of STEM issues and the importance of science Encouraging participants to study STEM subjects

  7. A case study: my career • Genetics BSc, University of York • Science Communication MSc, Techniquest • Science Development Team, Life Science Centre • Young People’s Programme, British Science Association • Education and Learning Team, Wellcome Trust • For interviews with other people working in Science Communication see Speaking of Science http://speakingofscience.juliegould.net/

  8. YOUR Career • Think about what you have done so far and where you would like to be

  9. YOUR Career • What skills do you already have? • Learning • Absorbing/processing information • Summarising • Writing • Talking • Presenting • Time management/project management • Persuasion/negotiation • Creativity • Initiative • Practical skills (eg IT, media, craft, design, engineering)

  10. A few communication basics • Know your audience • Know yourself (objectives, motives) • Choose the appropriate medium/opportunity • Give yourself time (to plan, prepare, deliver and reflect) • Welcome criticism • Persevere

  11. Communication challenge • Can you describe what you do in 140 characters? • I manage the informal learning programme @WellcomeTrust and produce biomedical resources for use in and out of the classroom #twittercv • Follow us on @BIGchats

  12. Hard Truths • You will never make your fortune as a science communicator. • But it is possible to have an enjoyable, fulfilling career. • Most jobs are with fairly small organisations, with very limited opportunities for promotion... • But small organisations can offer more variety within a given role. • You may need to be mobile in the early years of your career... • But diverse experience will be a huge advantage when you get to manage projects or organisations. • You may have to do jobs you don’t enjoy... • But just think of the anecdotes!

  13. Hard Truths • There will be plenty of people who think your job is easy... • But you know you’ve done a good job if it appears effortless. • There is a LOT of competition for work... • But you are already ahead of much competition. • Contacts are important • But networking has never been easier!

  14. Top Tips • Networks to join • BIG • Psci-com • ABSW (Association of British Science Writers) • ASDC (Association for Science and Discovery Centres) • Where to look for jobs • British Science Association Job Board • Don’t forget • No one else will market your talent • The person in the coffee queue might be your next boss

  15. Any questions • ?

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