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I'm a biology student but want to change my career pathway.

I want to get into finance/business. Would I be better off finishing my degree and then gradually gaining work experience, or dropping my degree to redo a levels / gain maths a levels, and then re enrol on a more suitable course? It would also give me a chance to join a more attractive uni.
Reply 1
Original post by Thighs
I want to get into finance/business. Would I be better off finishing my degree and then gradually gaining work experience, or dropping my degree to redo a levels / gain maths a levels, and then re enrol on a more suitable course? It would also give me a chance to join a more attractive uni.


If you don't mind me asking why are you thinking of changing your course as a biology student? What are you currently studying because I'm interested in the same field

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Reply 2
Ok I just feel like my a levels are lacklustre and I thought it may not be too late for me to go back and then try my chance at applying to a Russell group uni (I'm 21.) I also know business men with a science degree need experience (years) before they can get a mba, meanwhile it is much more faster for a business graduate to do the same. I'm worried about how I will be spending my time. I have heard of a biomedicine student on student room who got a business related internship but I feel that has more to do with his prestigious university.

i hear some business employers are not fond of older graduates so I think my age alone limits me...
(edited 7 years ago)
Reply 3
Original post by goal101
If you don't mind me asking why are you thinking of changing your course as a biology student? What are you currently studying because I'm interested in the same field

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I'm currently studying biology because I didn't think too hard about what degree I want and my a levels were limiting my choices. I just feel like a biology degree is so bland compared to all the other degrees out there, I feel like I am studying a2 levels all over again.. I cannot fathom spending my days in a lab. I much rather do a degree that specialises in a specific career path that I could be interested in. No offence to any biologists.
Reply 4
Original post by Thighs
I want to get into finance/business. Would I be better off finishing my degree and then gradually gaining work experience, or dropping my degree to redo a levels / gain maths a levels, and then re enrol on a more suitable course? It would also give me a chance to join a more attractive uni.


Most people go from science degrees to finance.
Its extremely common and ive talked to both KPMG and PWC recruits who both told me they prefer science graduates over typical business/finance ones.

Your degree provides a lot of scientific transferable skills which are desired in the finance sector.
Original post by J-SP
Very few employers will care about you being an older graduate. In fact some will actually quite like it.

Even if you re-took your a-levels, a lot of organisations would ask for the results in the first sitting.

The vast majority of graduate programmes do not require a specific degree subject - so you can convert your biology degree to a whole range of career choices.

If you gave up on one degree when you are already part way through it, some employers may question either your 1) judgement - why did you choose the wrong course, or 2) ability to stick to thing - are you going to be fickle and also not stick to the career you choose.


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Pretty much all of this

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Reply 6
Original post by Thighs
I'm currently studying biology because I didn't think too hard about what degree I want and my a levels were limiting my choices. I just feel like a biology degree is so bland compared to all the other degrees out there, I feel like I am studying a2 levels all over again.. I cannot fathom spending my days in a lab. I much rather do a degree that specialises in a specific career path that I could be interested in. No offence to any biologists.


Oh I see what subjects did you do at alevel?

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Yeah my ex has a degree in Biology. From graduating he worked at an international airport in the UK as a manager. So you don't have to be stuck in a lab after completing a Biology degree.

I would say, stick with it, and gain the degree and see where it takes you.

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