Biochemistry: What Can I Do With This Degree?

Research Basic Applied Medical Grant writing Administration

Employers University laboratories Federal government laboratories/agencies including National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Food and Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Agriculture, Armed Services State and local government laboratories/agencies Public health departments Hospital laboratories Commercial medical laboratories Private testing laboratories including forensics Independent research foundations Industry laboratories such as pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, food processors, cosmetic manufacturers, chemical and petroleum industries, agricultural industry

Information & Strategies Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, biology, or chemistry qualifies one for laboratory technician or research assistant positions. Choose courses with laboratory work. Get on the job experience in a laboratory and/or complete a senior research project. Complete a certificate training program, usually one year, to learn specialized laboratory techniques. Take a course in grant writing. Earn a master's degree in biochemistry for better positions, advancement opportunities, more responsibility, and higher pay. Obtain a PhD to direct research projects and lead research teams.

Teaching Elementary Secondary Post-secondary

Employers Public and private elementary, middle, and high schools Two-year community colleges/technical institutes Four-year institutions Medical schools

Information & Strategies Complete an accredited teacher preparation program for certification/licensure in biology and/or chemistry. PhD required for college or university teaching. Some teaching positions in two-year institutions may be available for those with a master's degree. Prepare to attend graduate school by maintaining a high GPA and securing strong faculty recommendations. Serve as a tutor for high school or college students. Learn to communicate effectively.

Healthcare Medicine Dentistry Optometry Podiatry Pharmacy Veterinary Medicine Allied health: occupational therapy or physical therapy

Employers Hospitals Medical centers Nursing homes Private practice

Information & Strategies Plan on attending medical school or other related graduate program. Maintain an outstanding grade point average, particularly in the sciences. Secure strong faculty recommendations Meet with a pre-health advisor periodically. Join related student organizations. Demonstrate leadership abilities. Volunteer to work in a hospital or healthcare setting. Find a summer job or internship in a hospital. Develop a backup plan in case medical/graduate school admission is denied. Consider alternative but related careers such as physician assistants. Research all of the various fields within medicine to determine a particular career goal.

Other Professional Opportunities Sales/Marketing Technical writing Scientific journalism Scientific illustration Regulatory affairs Administration/Management Scientific/Technical recruiting Intellectual property/Patent law

Employers Biotechnology industry Pharmaceutical and chemical companies Publishers: textbook, magazine, newspaper, book Software firms Regulatory agencies Search firms Law firms Legal departments of corporations

Information & Strategies For sales positions, gain sales experience through internships, part-time work, or summer jobs. Take business and/or computer classes. Become familiar with desktop publishing and other software packages. Develop strong written and oral communication skills. Get experience writing for a school or local newspaper. Obtain an MBA or PhD to reach high levels of administration. Plan on attending law school if interested in law.

General Information

• As an undergraduate, seek laboratory experiences such as research projects, volunteering with professors, summer jobs, or internships.
• Participate in research programs sponsored by organizations like the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.
• Consider a certificate program or specialized master's program to qualify for research technician positions.
• Earn master's degree for greater variety and autonomy on the job.
• Earn a PhD to work on high-level research projects, to direct research programs, to enter high levels of administration, and to teach at four-year post-secondary institutions. Postdoctoral fellowships may also be required.
• Learn to work independently and as part of a team.
• Develop the ability to communicate clearly.
• Gain competencies in computers and mathematics.
• Read scientific journals and join related professional organizations.
• Combine an undergraduate degree in biochemistry with a degree in law, computer programming, business, education, information science, or other discipline to expand career opportunities.

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