Biology Career - Where am I going?

Darks!de · #1 (**permalink**) 03-08-2006, 04:53 AM

I'm currently in college, majoring in bio. I've always been set towards medicine, but recently in the last few years have decided that that is not what I want to do. I've slightly diverged towards the zoological aspect of the bio and realized that I would love to work with animals, possibly research, field studies, conservation, medical aspects, expeditions, photography to name a few ideas that come to mind. I have realized that I want to do something amongst those areas, but it's really hard for me to narrow the search without really knowing what kind of opportunities/careers are out there.

I'm starting some research in the herpetology area this semester, so that will help me get into some serious research, but as to the other areas, I don't really know how to go about experiencing them to help me decide/find out what is out there.

I really want to get a job within biology while in college to start getting into the swing of things and make some cash, but what kind of jobs in such areas are out there? Where can I get some experience?

Since I know many of you are coming from a biology background and continue to make a living in biological fields, I would love to hear any advice or suggestions on things I could do to help me find out more information to narrow my search for a career.

Thanks all.

Luke

Grassypeak · #2 (**permalink**) 03-08-2006, 05:05 AM

Luke,

It may not be all that glamorous, but there is a need for high school Bio teachers in New York State. A masters in Bio with 18 additional teaching credits is one of the preferred routes. The pay and benefits are reasonably good compared to other non medical careers in biology.

littlefrog · #3 (**permalink**) 03-08-2006, 02:48 PM

Biology teaching is a fine profession (my father did it for 30 years), and good teachers are needed everywhere. I have good friends who are biology teachers (several of them) in the local schools, and they love it.

But, not everybody is cut out for teaching high school. I might be, but I ended up in the world of academe. I can offer a few pieces of advice though. First, regardless of what you think you might want to do, the very first thing you should do is find a job in a research laboratory at your school. Look around, ask your professors, do some thinking before you leap. You want a good, strong lab with an active research program, and tell them you are interested in a career in biology. It really doesn't matter that you work in a lab that does what you think you might want to do for the rest of your life, it is the research experience that is important.

If it is a good lab, you won't be washing dishes (at least exclusively). We get our undergraduates involved in actual science and they publish papers. All of them have either gone to graduate school (or medical school), or have taken nice jobs in industry when they graduate. Regardless of what you end up doing, laboratory research skills are important and invaluable in getting you to the next level. It is the difference between getting an adequate job or an excellent one.

If you work in a lab for the rest of your undergraduate career, you will have a much better idea of what you want to do in the future. Maybe it is medical or graduate school. We (MSU) are in the planning stages of starting an interdisciplinary program in companion animals (dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, you name it). I'm sure other institutions are ahead of us. So if that is what interests you, there will be a program for you.

Whatever you do, don't worry about jobs. If it interests you and you love to do it, you will have no problems finding a job. It all works out. You will be far happier in life doing what you love. There is enough room in biology for everybody.

Lukeomelas · #4 (**permalink**) 03-08-2006, 03:49 PM

I would totally agree with littlefrog, go and find a job in one of the labs on campus. There are probably some good jobs in the Biology, Zoology or Entomology departments that you might find interesting. They usually post positions on their web pages. You might also have to take some upper division classes to meet the right professor. I got the best job in college by taking an advanced undergraduate program, kind of a prerec. for some of the cooler positions.

It's good to try a few things while your in college. I started out a Biochem major, worked in a lab and decided I couldn't stand it. I switched over to straight Bio major, got to work with things I could actually see and knew I was in the right place.

I would also try to narrow down what you would like to do with your degree. I found Academe to suck the big one and I had too many interests to decide on a masters program. I'm actually in consulting now, which I love. So, you can find your self anywhere I guess.

Good luck,

Luke

mydumname · #5 (**permalink**) 03-08-2006, 05:28 PM

I think something in the area of genetics is rated the number one job.

kleinhanz · #6 (**permalink**) 03-08-2006, 06:35 PM

Quote:

I think something in the area of genetics is rated the number one job.

Genetics is a great field to be in. Methods and technology is changing so rapidly that you would never be board. You need to have a very strong statistical backgroung and strong program writing abilities.

I am a microbiologist Program Manager working with one of the top Genetics team in the nation with Merck & Co. (pharmaceuticals). I started in the lab, but found managing the scientific studies more rewarding.

Here is a recent article from our group:
http://mrlin2.merck.com/WeeklyFeatures/ ... enetic.htm

rburnj · #7 (**permalink**) 03-09-2006, 08:01 PM

Luke,

I agree with what has been stated already but I know many more people that have had difficulty finding jobs in the bio field. Teaching is always a good route since there are numerous jobs available. Having been a recent grad myself I know that the application process can be frustrating. It pays to specialize within Bio because its harder to find a job with a general bio degree. I think what a lot of it comes down to is who you know and connections. Working in an undergrad lab is a great opportunity to get your foot in the door and meet people. Plus you get practical experience that classes dont always teach you.

It all depends on where you want to go. If you want to do pharm research it helps to have the lab background. If you want a zoology type position then your competing for limited jobs with a number of people. I learned that its who you know and who can pull strings to get you those jobs in zoos etc. I'm not sure what your real job desire is but good luck and start applying and looking early. It always pays to get ahead of the game.

Finally, advanced degrees have become even more important when applying for jobs. It may benefit you to look into graduate school as an option to open some doors. Of course its another 2-5 years but hey...it will pay off right! I knew my decision early on and I'm going the graduate route now and love it.

I hope this helps and feel free to reply since I know what your directly going through right now.

Ryan

Ed · #8 (**permalink**) 03-10-2006, 12:02 AM

snip "If you want a zoology type position then your competing for limited jobs with a number of people. I learned that its who you know and who can pull strings to get you those jobs in zoos etc. I'm not sure what your real job desire is but good luck and start applying and looking early. It always pays to get ahead of the game. "

This is to some extent true but not as true as I think a lot of people believe... Zoos want people that are going to be around for awhile (turnover is huge) but do not want to pay a lot for that experience so the often hire out of thier volunteer or intern pool (which means that you have internal recommendations). However this is also a trend that is changing as the standards for Keepers are increased. Wages at a Zoo can range from about $8 hour to as high as 20 but most of the time is between $12 and 15 an hour.... The wage is kept low due to the number of people competing for the jobs.
There are schools that give you a degree in Zookeeping (both 2 and 4 year degrees) and have excellant placement rates (for an example check out the Santa Fe Teaching Zoo in Gainsville Florida).

Ed

AQUAMAC · #9 (**permalink**) 03-10-2006, 03:16 AM

Ed-

I must say that for the hour biology/zoology/ect majors put into college and working experience for a position at a zoo compared to what zoos are willing to pay..you either REEAALLY have to love your job or hate money! This is precisely why I went for a degree in Landscape architecture with an interest in zoo/exhibit design (great job, decent pay).

josh raysin · #10 (**permalink**) 03-10-2006, 03:48 AM

i majored in bio with a concentratoin of environmental management. im doing pretty good now as a building contractor :wink: ill just use what i learned about native and exotic plants as well as water/energy conservation in my construction. dosent hurt to be self employed either when those excursions through the woods seem better than work.
good luck, josh