Research in Science: An Important Resume Boost

For science majors, including biology, psychology, zoology and many others in L&S, research jobs are an excellent, and potentially necessary, addition to a resume.

According to Lucas Moyer-Horner from the Institute for Biology Education, research shows an interest and engagement in science that a college transcript can’t. Graduate and professional schools, as well as employers, want to see that you have relevant experience outside of class. 

“If you are pursuing a career in science, any research experience is better than none at all, even if the work isn’t particularly close to what you will end up doing,” he said.

Nada Wigand, the undergraduate advisor for zoology, said research diversifies your college experience, gives you the opportunity to work with and get to know researchers, and is essential in helping you determine if science is a good career choice for you.

University labs are a convenient way for undergraduates to get experience and develop skills, since they’re on campus and may even involve working with a professor you’ve had for class.

Labs often list undergraduate research assistant positions on the UW Student Job Center. You can also search through researchers on the Wisconsin Discovery Portal. These labs may not have open opportunities, but it doesn’t hurt to ask if you find something you’re really interested in.

Don’t forget to check with that professor whose class you actually enjoyed going to, despite having to wake up. He or she might be able to use you.

“Science, like most careers, rewards those who work hard, work smart, and persevere,” explained Moyer-Horner.

Using Twitter to Search for a Job

Most people just use Twitter to follow celebrities, tweet funny moments, and ironically use hashtags (like #crazynight when you stay in knitting and watching a movie. I’m guilty). But Twitter can actually be used for the job search.

One of the most general ways to search is to search “jobs,” “new position,” or “hiring.” This will give you many, many options to weed through, however, as will following a handle like @thejobsguy or @hashjobs. But by doing this general search, you can often find hashtags or handles that relate more directly to your job hunt.

One example would be @jobchicago. If you’re looking to work in the Chicago area, this is a great resource. There are many other geographical handles, and also handles based on the type of work. Try searching your major or the field you’re hoping to work in. I found @JournoJobs for journalism and @PM_HR_Jobs for human resources.

And don't forget to follow @LSCareerService! Our office tweets about interesting opportunities, and much more.

Follow companies or organizations that you’re interested in working for. You never know what might pop up. Follow as many people as you can who work there, too. Employers now are listing jobs on Twitter that never show up anywhere else.

You can also tweet about your job search. Say what you’re looking for, and one of your followers just might be able to connect you with an employer.

But before you try to get a job through Twitter, make sure to recruiter-proof your social media. Don’t post anything that could be seen as discriminatory, harmful or immature. You want to make sure you look professional on Twitter before you start trying to use it to get a job.

Job Search Success Stories From Recently Graduated Alumni

Are you ready to hear some good news about job searching?

Join us for a free job search success panel and hear true accounts from recent Letters and Science undergraduate alumni who have landed professional jobs.

Bring your questions and frustrations for a Job Search Strategy Discussion with two career counselors from L&S Career Services.  

Tuesday, August 7, 4PM - 6PM


4:00 - 5:00 PM  -  Job Search Strategy Discussion with Career Counselors
5:00 - 6:00 PM -  Recent Alumni Panel and Q&A 
Helen C. White Undergraduate Library, third floor, room 3251. 

Join us anytime between 4pm and 6pm.


Free to UW students, staff and alumni  – no registration required.
Questions? Call (608) 262-3921

Posted by Nell Weatherwax, nweatherwax@wisc.edu

Why Join Wisconsin Alumni Association?

When you were a student, feeling connected to the UW was easy. Whether you were hanging out on the Terrace, strolling down State Street or cramming for finals in Memorial Library, Badger spirit surrounded you at every turn.

As a grad, joining the Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) is what Badgers do to feel connected. Wherever you live, a WAA membership helps you to stay connected to your Badger roots.

Plus, members are part of something bigger — something that serves the greater good and enriches the lives of Badgers everywhere. And that offers its own special sense of belonging.

Feel right at home with WAA.

Becoming a WAA member is the best way to feel closer to the UW. That's because members enjoy many exclusive benefits designed to have you living your professional and personal life as a Badger to the fullest. 

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Get a FREE subscription to Badger Insider Magazine. Only WAA members receive the offbeat — and upbeat — Insider.

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Find instant answers with access to the UW libraries database. Perfect for researching companies when you're on a job hunt or doing research for your current job. With this access, you can use Hoovers for free. Hoovers’ offers insight and company information for every industry you are interested in pursuing, hooking you up with the companies you want to network with.

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Save a chunk of change on Kaplan test-prep courses, on moving services, and at various other businesses and restaurants.

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Score spirited collectibles, such as a member window cling and your own Flat Bucky paper doll.

It's not just what you get — it's what you get out of it

The benefits of being a WAA member run deeper than what you receive. There's also the benefit of knowing you're helping to support the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Members make it possible for all alumni to take advantage of valuable programs such as the Badger Career Network, and help current students to attend the UW thanks to need-based scholarships. 

For more information about Career Services offered to alumni and membership in the Wisconsin Alumni Association, visit uwalumni.com/careers.

Posted by Gina Evans, Career Development Specialist at the Wisconsin Alumni Association