Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

As a lecturer, I work in the Faculty of Science where I teach Philosophy and History of Biology and also Science communication. I've been teaching these for two years; In the Institute I coordinate press conferences, and interviews with the media. I also have to write press releases and all the content that is displayed in the page of the Institute. Finally, I generate all the content for the TV programes that we have created in recent years for kids and young people.

I would go to work to the institute from 9am to 6pm and coordinate interviews, or finding spaces in the media. Also, everyday I read one or two papers published by researchers of the institute or outside of it in order to be well informed about the current research in genomics. Then, I would run to get to the university and give a lecture from 6 to 9. There I would work with a group of 30 students.

Always learning new things.

Find enough time to do a quality job.

I like this area because I can be close to research, but also be the link with the media (which includes the public) and the students.

Being super-organised. Everything must be in place and time. I need to know the latest news and information, because I teach it and also communicate it.

My two official jobs since i left university have been these two. I have also written for a web version of a culture magazine (science is the topic), but that's not official. I have also been involved in the national radio (which is broadcasted every Sunday night, for one hour) talking about science.

I would love to study a PhD in science policy. I would love to work for a big organisation, like the UN or Unesco. I know this is dreaming big.

Be realistic on your skills. Everyone has infinite possibilities to succeed, but some are more skillful for some stuff than others. Be objective on your strengths and capabilities and use them to grow up and help others. Read a hell of a lot, not only about your topic, but every topic - I am currently reading a Saramago's book about traveling around Portugal that has nothing to do with science. Travel a lot. Be thoughtful and wise. Work for the others.

Make the most of the present because every minute spent will be useful for the future.

Omar  MSc Science Communication (2013)
Press Officer  (Media, publishing and writing)

Accepts questions from students about their career