Career Development and Calling

Biology

Biology

Biology Department Home Page
 

Use your college years to develop your talents in broad liberal arts skills such as: problem solving, critical thinking, management and administration, and communication.

 
 
 

What is Your Focus?

Here's how to build skills as a Bethel student that will prepare you to compete for some of the most popular biology jobs today.

Medical Sciences

Job Titles:
Physician, Nurse, various

Potential Employers:
Hospitals, Clinics

Strategies:

  • Demonstrate ability to work in individual and group settings
  • Develop excellent laboratory skills and interpersonal skills
  • Take qualifying exams for graduate school (MCAT, GRE, etc.)
  • Pursue graduate or medical school for necessary skills

Research and Development

Job Titles:
Biologist, Biological Researcher

Potential Employers:
Pharmaceutical Company, Food Company, Cosmetic Company, Assorted Agencies

Strategies:

  • Develop excellent laboratory skills
  • Demonstrate ability to be systematic, precise, and patient
  • Learn federal and state job and grant application processes
  • Pursue graduate degree for teaching and advanced positions

Business

Job Titles:
Technical Sales, Consultant

Potential Employers:
Medical Device Organization, Pharmaceutical Company, Consulting Company

Strategies:

  • Develop excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Take courses in anatomy and pharmacology
  • Consider a minor in Business
  • Obtain experience in leadership and retail business

Education

Job Titles:
Biology Teacher, Professor

Potential Employers:
Secondary Schools, Colleges, Universities

Strategies:

  • Consider another major in education
  • Become certified/licensed for teaching in your state
  • Acquire skill in working with youth populations
  • Gain experience with laboratory experimentation
  • Pursue graduate study for higher education positions

Environment

Job Titles:
Park Naturalist, Zoo Keeper, Zoologist, Botanist

Potential Employers:
Zoological Parks, Aquariums, Arboretums

Strategies:

  • Acquire excellent communication skills
  • Obtain experience working with a variety of animals
  • Develop broad background in biology and other related subjects
  • Gain experience working with laboratory equipment
  • Pursue graduate degree for teaching and advanced positions

Technical Writing

Job Titles:
Journalist, Technical Writer

Potential Employers:
Medical Device Organization, Pharmaceutical Company, Publisher, Journals

Strategies:

  • Consider another major or minor in Journalism or Writing
  • Develop strong written communication skills
  • Demonstrate abilities to problem solve and work independently
  • Acquire word-processing and desktop-publishing skills
  • Become familiar with scientific journals and publishers

Scientific Illustration

Job Titles:
Scientific Illustrator

Potential Employers:
Publishers, Journals

Strategies:

  • Consider another major or minor in studio art
  • Acquire excellent desktop-publishing skills
  • Demonstrate ability to work independently and in groups
  • Find internship positions to provide specialized skills
  • Become familiar with scientific journals and publishers

Specialized Fields (Mycology, Etymology, etc.)

Strategies:

  • Gain specialized skills in related field of interest
  • Research certification requirements for related field of interest
  • Demonstrate group interaction skills
  • Develop excellent laboratory skills
  • Pursue graduate degree for teaching and advanced positions

Employment Web Sites

General Career Exploration Website - O*Net
Spotlight on Careers Website  (You must be logged into the Bethel network to receive access to this site.)

For current employment websites, type keywords such as "biology employment" in an online search engine.

Job Search Sites Specific to Your Major


National Science Foundation - Job vacancies are posted on the NSF website.

New Scientist Jobs - This site provides opportunities in a variety of field, as well as, support positions in sales, marketing, etc.  Post a resume, search jobs by discipline.

Protein Design Labs, Inc. - Find management, research, and science related positions in California, New Jersey and Minnesota with PDL. 

Science Jobs Help.com - a variety of information on a variety of science jobs.

Science Museum of Minnesota - Job lists and application materials can be picked up at 120 West Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102 at the Information Booth or online.

Professional Associations

Need More Info?

For more information or assistance with an internship, graduate school or the job search process, please set up an appointment with a Career Counselor in the Office of Career Development and Calling by calling 651.638.6460 or stopping by CC322.

Adapted From:
http://www2.gasou.edu/sta/career/bio.htm
http://careers.wcu.edu/majors/biol.htm