The PERSOLKELLY Future Scientist Award is now open. The Award gives science graduates the opportunity to showcase themselves to employers from Australia’s leading scientific companies, get advice on how to present and prepare for interviews from our specialist Scientific recruiters and go in the running to win $1000.
Andrew Tilley was a 2017 finalist, now working in Innovation Food Technology. We spoke to Andrew about his experience in the Award Program.
Can you describe your experience participating in the Future Scientist Award program?
Valuable. The program was an excellent opportunity to develop my public speaking and interview skills. PERSOLKELLY gave great support in helping us articulate our career aspirations and sell ourselves as professionals. Additionally, the program was a great way to meet other people from different science disciplines and work places that I otherwise would not have met. A great experience all up!
Can you list your three highlights from the program?
- Being pushed out of my comfort zone to speak in front of an industry panel.
- Meeting the other candidates, the helpful people at PERSOLKELLY and the industry panel.
- The career opportunities that came with being a part of the program. A chance to present yourself to a room of leading science industry professionals as well as the support Kelly Scientific gave in finding work post-program.
Has the Future Scientist Award Program helped you in your career?
Yes, being relatively new out of university I was not familiar with the services that recruitment agencies such as PERSOLKELLY could offer. The program helped me engage with them and through PERSOLKELLY I was able to secure work at my current workplace.
What are your career plans?
I see myself staying within the food/agricultural sector, particularly in a project/technical role. I have recently started a project management course to help further develop my capabilities in product development.
What advice would you give current Science graduates?
Say yes to opportunities like the Future Scientist Award. You never know what doors will open from engaging in these programs.
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The Future Scientist Award is open to applications from those in the final semester of, or graduated in the last 12 months from a Bachelor of Science, BSc Hons, MSc or PhD (science discipline).
To win the 2021 Future Scientist Award you must complete an online application, including uploading a current resume, your academic record to date, and tell us why you think you should be the Future Scientist Award winner for 2021.
