At PERSOLKELLY, we believe in creating opportunities for the next generation of scientific talent. Since its inception in 2016, the PERSOLKELLY Future Scientist Award has been our commitment to supporting final-year science students and recent graduates across Australia, helping them transition from academia to industry. As we open applications for the 2024 Award, we’re excited to once again provide a platform for talented graduates to showcase their skills and connect with leading scientific employers.
Bridging the Gap for STEM Talent
Graduates in STEM often face significant challenges in securing their first full-time role. The Future Scientist Award aims to address this by offering science graduates the chance to network with potential employers, receive expert advice from our specialised recruitment team, and, for the winner, secure a $1,000 prize. But beyond financial rewards, the PERSOLKELLY Future Scientist Award is about unlocking opportunities, building confidence, and opening doors to fulfilling careers.
Where Are They Now? – Celebrating Past Winners
Our past winners have gone on to achieve great things. Marilla Bickerstaff-Westbrook, one of our 2021 winners, shared how the Future Scientist Award helped her transition from the academic path. The coaching and mentorship she received at PERSOLKELLY strengthened her confidence and enhanced her networking skills. Marilla highlights the award’s role in refining her resume writing, interview techniques, and understanding the value of transferable skills. Ultimately, these experiences led to her securing a full-time production operator role, a success she credits to the Future Scientist Award.
Another standout from the Future Scientist Award is Diego Souza, one of our 2022 winners. For Diego, the Future Scientist Award provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with employers from various industries, allowing him to share his background and experience with professionals in his field. He credits the structured mentoring sessions for helping him refine his CV and develop his interview skills. One of the highlights for Diego was a guided visit to a participating company, where he saw firsthand how their operations worked.
Championing Diversity in STEM
In Australia, the percentage of women working in STEM fields has seen some improvement but remains significantly lower than men. As of 2023, women hold approximately 15% of STEM-qualified jobs, a modest increase from 11% over the past decade. In higher education, 37% of university STEM enrolments are women, up from 34% in 2015. Despite this progress, areas like engineering and physics are still male-dominated, with women comprising only 23% in engineering and 24% in physics and astronomy.
PERSOLKELLY is passionate about making a difference, not only by providing opportunities for all STEM graduates but also by ensuring that women and underrepresented groups have access to the same chances to succeed.
We work closely with our clients to promote gender equity and diversity in hiring practices. By highlighting success stories and championing female role models in STEM, we aim to inspire more women to enter these fields and thrive.
Apply for the 2024 PERSOLKELLY Future Scientist Award
Are you ready to take the next step in your scientific career? Applications for the 2024 PERSOLKELLY Future Scientist Award are now open. If you’re in your final semester or have graduated in the last 12 months, this is your chance to present your skills, receive career guidance, and open doors to future opportunities.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to launch your career—enter today!
