I feel like Australia’s biotech job market is confusing . What are graduates supposed to do?
I’m finished doing my Master’s in Biotechnology in Sydney, Australia, and within two weeks I’ve reached a point where I honestly don’t know what else I’m supposed to do.
Everyone says to start somewhere but how?
I have spent soo long applying for QC, QA, Laboratory Technician, Research Assistant, Manufacturing Associate, Microbiology and Molecular Biology roles.
I’ve rewritten my CV multiple times, tailored cover letters, networked on LinkedIn, and kept applying.
The problem is that I only have university laboratory experience and unpaid research experience. I don’t have commercial GMP experience because… nobody will give me the opportunity to get it.
Almost every “entry-level” job asks for:
1–3 years of industry experience
GMP/GLP knowledge and commercial lab experience
How are graduates supposed to get those things if no one wants to hire and train people.
I genuinely enjoy biotech and want to work in the industry, but it feels like the barrier to entry keeps moving further away.
For those already working in biotech:
How did you get your first job?
Did recruitment agencies actually help?
Which recruiters specialise in biotech in Australia?
Should I be looking at contract roles instead of permanent positions?
Are there companies known for hiring fresh graduates?
I keep hearing that Australia wants more STEM graduates, but the reality seems to be that everyone wants experienced candidates for “entry-level” jobs.
I’m not looking for sympathy. I’m genuinely trying to figure out what the next move should be because continuing to submit applications into what feels like a black hole isn’t working.
I’d really appreciate hearing from people who’ve managed to break into the industry, especially within Australia.