What Can I Do With a BCMB Major?

Biochemistry: What can I do with this major?

 

    Research

Area	Employer	Information/Strategies
Basic Research Applied Research Grant Writing Administration Some areas of specialization: Healthcare: virology, immunology, enzymology Pharmacology: drug properties, interactions, application and development Environmental: testing, air, water, and waste management, regulation Agricultural: crop production, herbicide/pesticide development and application Food science: preservation, nutrition Cosmeceutical: development and application Forensic: toxicology, DNA analysis, scientific instrumentation	University laboratories Federal government laboratories/agencies: National Science Foundation National Institutes of Health Food and Drug Administration Environmental Protection Agency Department of Agriculture Department of Energy Armed Services State and local government laboratories/agencies Public health departments Hospital laboratories Commercial medical laboratories Private testing laboratories including forensics Independent research foundations Industries: Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Food processing Cosmetic Chemical Petroleum Agricultural	Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, biology, or chemistry qualifies one for laboratory technician or research assistant positions. Choose courses with laboratory components to build experimental and instrumentation skills. Gain experience in area of interest through internships, research with professors 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 master’s degree in biochemistry for advanced positions, greater responsibility, and higher pay. Obtain Ph.D. to direct research projects and lead research teams.

    Teaching

Area	Employer	Information/Strategies
Elementary Secondary Post-secondary Non-classroom setting	Public and private schools, K-12 Two-year community colleges/technical institutes Four-year institutions Professional schools including colleges of pharmacy, dentistry, medicine, veterinary medicine, and agriculture Museums Zoos Nature centers and parks	Develop excellent communication skills. Volunteer with and/or tutor target age group. Complete an accredited education program for certification/licensure in biology and/or chemistry. Earn a master’s degree for teaching at some two-year institutions. Prepare to attend graduate school by maintaining a high grade point average and securing strong faculty recommendations. Complete Ph.D. for college or university teaching.

    Healthcare

Area	Employer	Information/Strategies
Medicine Dentistry Optometry Podiatry Pharmacy Chiropractic Veterinary Medicine Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy Public Health	Hospitals Colleges or universities Medical centers and clinics Private and group practice Health networks Nursing homes Rehabilitation centers Correctional facilities Large corporations Armed services Government agencies State and local public health departments	Plan on attending medical school or other related graduate program. Maintain an outstanding grade point average, particularly in the sciences. 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. Secure strong faculty recommendations. Research all of the various fields within medicine to determine a particular career goal. Develop a back up plan in case medical/graduate school admission is denied.

    Other Professional Opportunities

Area	Employer	Information/Strategies
Sales/Marketing Technical Writing Scientific Journalism Scientific Illustration Regulatory Affairs Administration/Management Scientific/Technical Recruiting Intellectual Property/Patent Law Bioinformatics	Biotechnology industry Pharmaceutical and chemical companies Publishers: Textbook, magazine, newspaper, book Software firms Regulatory agencies Search firms Law firms Legal departments of corporations	Supplement biochemistry degree with coursework in chosen field. Gain sales experience through internships, part-time work, or summer jobs for sales positions. 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 Ph.D. to reach high levels of administration. To pursue a J.D., participate in mock trial and pre-law associations, learn law school admissions process.

    Characteristics of a BCMB Graduate

Biochemists are typically curious and creative with strong observational skills and the ability to persevere. Biochemists often interact with scientists from other disciplines. Learn to work independently and as part of a team. Develop the ability to communicate clearly to compile and share results in oral and written forms. Gain competencies in computers and mathematics. Read scientific journals to stay current on relevant issues in the field, and join related professional organizations to network and build contacts. As an undergraduate, seek laboratory experiences such as research projects, volunteering with professors, summer jobs, or internships. Visit government laboratories or research centers to learn more about opportunities in biochemistry. Schedule informational interviews to learn about the profession and specific career paths. 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. Become familiar with the specific entrance exam for graduate or professional schools in your area of interest. Maintain a high grade point average, and secure strong faculty recommendations. Earn master’s degree for greater variety and autonomy on the job. Earn Ph.D. 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. Combine an undergraduate degree in biochemistry with a degree in law, computer programming, business, education, information science, or other discipline to expand career opportunities. Learn the job application process for government positions.