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Careers
in the Biological Sciences
Many students have already made important career decisions (e.g.
medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine) by their junior year.
However, others remain undecided about the future and seek additional
guidance and information. In order to assist our students and make
them aware of the diverse career possibilities open to somebody
with a background in the biological sciences, we are assembling
various reference materials that are available in the BIO office.
A bulletin board in the BLC hallway is devoted to career information.
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 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 It has lots of useful
information, including links to biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
Nature magazine has run special careers features as well. The Scientist
also publishes regular features on careers in biology. Issues are
available in room 411 BioSciences, and online at . You will probably
have to register, but the subscription is free.
Another nice source of information can be found at 'The
Biology Careers Page', 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 should love;
something you should want to do and in which you can take 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 are considering a career in industry,
contact various companies (biotech, pharmaceutical, agribusiness
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.
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.
If an advanced degree is in your future, see our informational
page on this website with important 'Tips
for Applying to Graduate School' in the Biological Sciences.
The information is also available in 411 BioSciences.
Finally, remember that 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, 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, genomics, molecular ecology, molecular phylogeny).
GOOD LUCK. MAY YOUR FUTURE BE AS BRIGHT AS YOUR DREAMS!
Let us know if we can be of further help.
Barry A. Palevitz
Coordinator of Advising in Biology
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