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We recently obtained informative literature on careers in genetic counseling. A very useful booklet entitled 'Careers in Science and Engineering' published by the National Academy of Sciences is available in the BLC and room 411 BioSciences. It is also available on the worldwide web at http://www.nap.edu/readingroom/books/careers/. Another article entitled 'Biology Careers for the Next Century' published by Carolina Biological Supply is also available in the BLC and room 411. We recommend that you read it for important advice on preparing for a career in biology.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science has an extensive website on careers in science, at http://nextwave.sciencemag.org/. It has lots of useful information, including links to biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Nature has been running special careers features as well. The May 22, 1997 issue had a special section on careers in plant sciences, while the Sept 25, 1997 issue had a special on bioinformatics. The Scientist also publishes regular features on careers in biology. Issues are available in room 411 BioSciences. For those of you interested in marine sciences, a new website devoted to careers in this discipline recently appeared at http://www.marinecareers.com/.
Other good sources of information on careers are the various professional
organizations such as the American Society of Plant Physiologists, Mycological
Society of America, Ecological Society of America, and American Society
for Microbiology. You can reach these organizations via the Internet (e.g.
http://www.asmusa.org/edusrc/edu21.htm
for the ASM page on careers in microbiology)
Another nice source of information is 'The Biology Careers Page', http://www.furman.edu/~snyder/careers/careers.html. It has all sorts of links to other sites including professional societies and organizations.
Some of the bottom line keys to career success are communication skills (including good writing), broad training in several disciplines, and flexibility. Most importantly, take some time and do some THINKING. Ask yourself some really basic questions about the areas of biology that most interest you, what you would like to be doing 10 years from now, the kind of lifestyle you would like to lead, and similar issues. Do you like to interact with people, or do you prefer working alone? Do you like field work or are you lab oriented? Would you like to mix biology with business, technology, law or the media? Would you like to write about science instead of doing it? Are you interested in teaching or is research more to your liking? If teaching is your goal, do you feel comfortable doing it in primary or secondary school, a small college, or a major university like UGA? Remember - besides the practical considerations (being able to support yourself and your family), a career should be something you love, something you want to do, and a source of pride.
After you have done some self-exploration, TALK to people. Get advice, e.g. from faculty in biology, perhaps professors you have had in courses, and especially your BIO advisor. Try locating people who are actually doing the jobs/careers you are thinking of and find out what they do. If you want to work with animals, contact zoos or aquaria. If you are considering a career in industry, contact various companies (biotech, pharmaceutical, agribusiness, investment, media, etc.) via their Internet websites. Find out about their programs, employment opportunities, benefits, and overall company philosophy. Inquire about summer internship programs. Internships provide invaluable experience and perspectives as well as a leg up on a full time job after graduation. Many companies prefer hiring people with whom they are already familiar. If you are considering a career in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, veterinary medicine etc., contact a professional in that or a related field. Think about a volunteer job in an office, hospital, pharmacy or clinic. Such positions provide important information and experience, and also pave the way for an informed letter of recommendation from a respected, perhaps influential professional. If you are considering a career in research, give serious consideration to a BIOL 4960/4960H project in the laboratory of a BIO faculty member. All these experiences are viewed VERY FAVORABLY by professional schools and future employers.
Many careers require advanced training at the M.S. or Ph.D. levels. See our web page, Grad School in Biology, for more information on pursuing advanced degrees. A hard copy of the page, 'Tips for Applying to Graduate School', is available in room 411 BioSciences. We also present an informational seminar on graduate school each spring. Look for an announcement.
The Counseling and Testing Center in Clark Howell Hall offers programs on career planning. You may find the Career Planning and Placement office in Clark Howell useful as well, especially in arranging internships.
Remember, the key to success in the future will be flexibility and devotion to lifelong learning; in other words, curiosity, knowing how to do lots of different things, and adaptability to change. In many respects, that message is in keeping with the liberal arts education you are receiving from the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, and it's certainly consistent with recent trends in biology (e.g. bioinformatics, molecular ecology, molecular evolution).
BE OPTIMISTIC. HAVE CONFIDENCE IN YOURSELF. GOOD THINGS WILL HAPPEN.
MAY YOUR FUTURE BE AS BRIGHT AS YOUR DREAMS!
AND, Let us know if we can be of further help.
Barry A. Palevitz
Coordinator of Advising in Biology