Biology
Biology is the study of life, from the simplest forms of plants and animals to the highly complex structure of the human being. It includes the study of how organisms are structured as well as how they function and relate to each other.*
Sample Occupations
- Healthcare
- Physician
- Physician Assistant
- Pharmacist
- Veterinarian
- Dentist
- Biomedical Sciences
- Epidemiologist
- Immunologist
- Pathologist
- Microbiologist
- Research & Laboratory
- Scientist
- University Professor
- University Lecturer
- Lab Technician
- Medical Technologist
- Grant Writer
- Geneticist
- Biochemist
- Phlebotomist
- Biotechnology
- Bioinformatics Data Analyst
- Biological Technician
- Biomedical Researcher
- Forensic Scientist
- Organismal/Ecological
- Botanist
- Ecologist
- Marine Biologist
- Wildlife Officer
- Conservation Scientist
- Forester
- Business/Industry
- Pharmaceutical Salesperson
- Entrepreneur
Types of Employers
- Hospitals
- Conservation Agencies
- Chemical Companies
- Zoos & Aquariums
- Research Institutions
- Colleges & Universities
- Biotech Start-ups
- Centers for Disease Control
- Food & Drug Administration
- Healthcare Private Practice
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Biotechnology Companies
Preparing for your career in
Healthcare: Research all the various fields within healthcare and volunteer to determine your career goals, pursue advanced degrees or medical school, keep GPA high and faculty relationships strong for applications for grad/med school, meet with pre-health advisor periodically to discuss curricular decisions, join related student organizations, become familiar with admissions requirements for advanced degrees
Research: Earn a master’s or doctoral degree to pursue opportunities beyond laboratory technician or research assistant, seek out opportunities to assist faculty with lab and written research, enhance analytical skills by taking advanced statistics and research classes, gain experience through internships, volunteering, or lab-focused coursework
Biotechnology: Hone your ability to gather, assess, evaluate, interpret, and share technical and scientific information, gain practical experience conducting research and using lab/field techniques with professors and in internships, earn a master’s or doctoral degree to specialize and for advancement in the field (required for some federal and private agency research positions
Organismal/Ecological: Volunteer at an animal shelter, farm, botanical garden, agricultural experiment station, or wildlife facility to gain experience and exposure to various specialties, assist in research including the collection of water, soil, and plant samples, pursue extensive lab experience
How do I know if its right for me?
ASSESS: Take a career assessment, such as PathwayU, to see how your interests, values, and personality fit with majors and careers.
RESEARCH: Research the careers on this WCIDWAMI and thousands of other careers using O*Net Online, The Occupational Outlook Handbook or FirstHand.
EXPLORE: Learn more about a career field of interest by job shadowing, attending a career panel, or participating in a Career Trek. Further your exploration while gaining valuable skills by completing an internship, co-op, volunteer, or research experience.