About
Outside the Lab is a career advice service set up by Batool Raza, a STEM Career specialist who helps science graduates get jobs and develop their careers outside academia.
Batool completed her degree in Biology with Management at Imperial College London and has since held roles at GSK, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and World Cancer Research Fund International.
She has experience working in Human Resources with employees in science-based roles and supporting scientists with grant applications through her roles in Research Funding. Batool is also a STEM Ambassador and regularly volunteers in schools and museums to inspire young people into STEM subjects and careers.
A note from Batool:
I started Outside the Lab to help science graduates create a successful career path if you'd like to use your degree to follow a non-academic route. I draw on my experience in several science-led industries and HR roles working with hiring managers to do this. I've since helped people improve the quality of their applications and get the jobs they want in industries including Pharmaceuticals and Science Communication.
You can read about their success below:
“Before using Outside the Lab's career coaching service, I was about to graduate with an MSc from UCL, and was looking for jobs without any luck. When I signed up, I got not one but two jobs! Working with Batool has been super rewarding to structure my CV, rehearse interviews and predict questions, and make long term decisions about my career. My advice for you if you are thinking of working with Outside The Lab is Batool is an amazing and supportive career coach. She will support you in any aspects of your career, and will adapt to your changing necessities. I'll undoubtedly work with her again in the future. ”
Ana Prendes
Content manager at Arts at CERN
“Before signing up for career coaching with Outside the Lab, I was looking for work in media based science communication while working as a wildlife tour guide. The results I got from career coaching were incredible. I gained new confidence in myself and picked up so many tips and tricks about how to market myself effectively in interviews, cover letters and CVs, and got a science communication internship in the Maldives! My advice for you if you are thinking of working with Outside The Lab is give it a go! There is so much to gain from this authentic, empowering and educational service. ”
Sarah Hight
Communications and Marketing intern at Reefscapers, Maldives
“Before using Outside the Lab's career coaching service, I was not aware of how to apply efficiently for a job. When I signed up, the outcome I received was precise and very useful. My advice for you if you are thinking of working with Outside The Lab is to trust them as they are valuable and experienced. Outside the Lab gives you help by starting from your background and future goals. It is a tailored service made possible by the experience both in the recruiters and in the job seekers areas.”
Martina Zagami
Communications Professional
“I didn’t know where to start with my job search, but when I worked with Batool, the outcome I received was fantastic. Batool helped me in authoring my CV in the correct format and improved the wording. My advice for you if you are thinking of working with Outside The Lab is that Batool is a responsible person who understands your career goals and guides you accordingly till you satisfactorily achieve it. I strongly recommend this service. ”
Dhaval Pandeji
Pharmacy Sales & Marketing Professional