Career Pathways for Biology majors
Biology is the study of life! What could be more fascinating? How is it that molecules assemble to become cells and cells become organisms? True understanding in biology requires knowledge of chemistry, mathematics and physics.
With this strong academic background, graduates with degrees in biology are well prepared to enter a broad spectrum of disciplines. Intellectual rigor and the ability to analyze and communicate complex issues allow the biology major to consider careers or advanced study in business, law, science, government, or medicine.
Skills
The study of biology allows for the development of a core set of skills sought after by employers in a wide range of occupational settings. A sample of representative skills and abilities follows:
Critical Thinking Skills
- Read and evaluate technical information
- Synthesize themes from diverse sources
- Perceive patterns and structures
Communication Skills
- Logical presentation of information
- Ability to convey complex issues
- Technical writing skills
Research Skills
- Formulate hypothesis
- Research design and implementation
- Collection and presentation of data
Internship Opportunities
Both paid and unpaid internship opportunities provide students with relevant work experience, which may enhance competitiveness for jobs. Internships help students build their resume, gain understanding of corporate culture, network with professionals, and determine if the specific company or industry is a good fit. Recently, biology students have pursued internships in the following types of organizations:
- Government agencies/Government relations (e.g., National Institutes for Health, Institute of Biotechnology ,Environmental Science, and Computing)
- Nonprofit agencies (e.g., Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History)
- Healthcare (e.g., Academy for Health Services Research and Health Policy)
- Biotechnology (e.g., Millennium Pharmaceuticals)
Occupational Opportunities
This list was compiled from information on Georgetown graduates and from national data.
- Pharmaceutical researcher and developer
- Medical Laboratory Assistant
- Pharmaceutical salesperson
- Secondary teacher
- Government agency researcher or administrator
The following careers may require advanced study:
- Professor
- Biotechnologist
- Biomedical Engineer
- Medical Doctor
- Lawyer
- Forensic Scientist
- Veterinarian
- Zoologist
Web Sites
Important Publications
- Opportunities in Biological Science Careers
- Job Opportunities- Health and Science
- Opportunities in Biotechnology Careers
* Students may access publications at the Career Library in the MBNA Career Education Center
For information about career options, internship and full-time opportunities, contact the MBNA Career Education Center. For more information about the major and degree requirements, contact the Department of Biology.
