Bachelors degree in Biology, what can you do with it?

I graduated in 2004 with my BS in Biology. I couldn't get a decent job although I did at least have paying temp jobs, and something might have materialized. I wasn't sure that I'd be competitive for Medical School, and I also did not think I would enjoy the doctor lifestyle and took that seriously, now I realize none of that mattered. I had a 3.2 and I would have gotten 30+ on the MCATs, thanks in large part to a 15 on the Verbal section. I think i could have easily made 35, just getting 10s on the other 2, and since I was very strong in gen chem, Bio and Physics, this was highly possible (orgo was my weak point---but it's most people's).

Seeing that my abilities tended to verbal, writing and the related areas, I decided to take the LSAT and then go to law school.

I completed law school and passed the bar, only to be shut out from legal employment and now non-legal employment. Before law school I did not have loans, now I'm 6 figures in that department. So I should warn people not to go to law school. Unless you get into a top 5 law school. The rest are scams.

This is a little sad. I'm a conservation biology student about to graduate this coming Spring. I don't know what schools you all went to, but my career development advisor has been super helpful. However, the advisor isn't responsible for getting you a job. I go to a private women's college in Pennsylvania and I'll graduate with a B.A. in Conservation Biology and Ecology. If you're persistent, any door can open for you. I already have a job lined up in my field out of college. I think the biggest thing is..... not being trapped. I looked in all directions, in different countries, in different continents. I'll be working on an Elephant Reserve in Botswana, South Africa a year after I graduate.

Did any of you guys do an internship or any type of professional volunteer work? I've been to South Africa on internship and I'm going to South America in Summer 2011 on internship. I think having the extra field experience and research experience is what got me the job I wanted.

Keep your head up and keep trying. School isn't going to fix everything. You need to get out in the field or lab and sometimes that costs money.

If you already have a BS in Biology go and take the Patent Bar Exam to become a Patent Agent. That will afford you the opportunity to still utilize your science background and get paid a great salary while prosecuting patent. Just a thought. I have a BS in Biology from UNC Chapel Hill but you have to make your degree work for you....not you work for it. There are plenty of options with a biology degree outside of the norm (medical school, pharmacy school, PA school, etc.). There is also law school.

You could go to med school in the Caribbean. There is also vet school, podiatry school, and DO school. You have options but if you have a negative attitude about your situation nothing will ever transpire. Ok so you have some road blocks but just find a way to keep motivated and get what you want out of life. As I have posted before, you could always sit for the Patent Bar Exam and begin a career prosecuting patents and eventually head off to law school to become a Patent Attorney.

I graduated with a degree in biology and environmental science in 2007 and have only had a few calls that actually pertain to my career field. I have never been so frustrated before. If I would have known that all the hard work, studying, and money would basically get me a $9.00 job cleaning animal cages I wouldnt have even gone to college. I was told that the sciences, especially biology has 90% placement and is one of the best degrees to pursue. It seems like the only way to get a professional biology position is to go back go school and get your masters or doctorate. If I had to do it all over again I would get a business degree and maybe a biology minor. The only jobs I have gotten inteviews for are for animal testing facilities where I would basically be drugging animals and watching them suffer and be put through pain. Being an animal lover and wildlife biology person that just is not my thing and I couldnt do that. I really want to find something in the enviromental/conservation side of biology, but am still looking after 3 years of graduating. My suggestion to those that are thinking about getting a Biology degree is to get a minor in biology and something else for major that has more promise for the future.

I am in the same boat. I was cleaning cages for $7.00/hour. Talk about getting screwed.

I feel the exact same. I recently graduated with a B.S. in biotechnology and feel that it was totally the wrong choice as far as being able to jump right into a career. I mean I believe science is very important and can lead to many new discoveries and such, but as a necessity to an everyday career is doesn't match up to careers in say business and accounting and such. I picked that major based on what I was good at, not necessarily what I had a passion for and wanted to pursue after college. I am currently apply to graduate school for sports management. That should work out a lot better. I hope your job search goes well.

Janeway in Chicago, Illinois said: Yeah, it's not the MLT itself, it's just that I felt that a BS in Biology could have provided other oppotunities, but I just feel like it went nowhere. But a lot of it is my fault, probably all of it. I blame schools because I felt like sometimes the people who are suppose to guide you (like academic couselours) don't know anything about the field.

wow... I am in my junior year of my Bachelors in Biology and have applied at 2 nursing schools and to a MLT Program for next year. I have heard your stories above loud and clear and am trying to find a way to use the education I've already got under my belt... what the hell are we supposed to use this degree for? I'm frustrated also - hopefully I'll get into one of those programs before long!

Im currently looking into getting a second bacherlors degree in clinical laboratory scientist or medical technologist as it is commonly called. Like many of you got the Bacherlor of Science in Biology back in 2008 and couldn't find work. Worked as a pharm tech (also useless field to go into market is flooded with pharm techs) for the last 2 years making 10 bucks and hour. I encourage anyone who gets a Biology degree to make sure you keep your grades up and go into medical school because Bacherlors degrees these days ae nothing more than the new high school dipolmas! You can not in the state of colorado do anything with a bachelors degree in biology. If you have great connects you may find something but there is absolutely nothing you can do except go to medical school with a bachelors degree in biology. Medical school is quite competitve and it seems they make it harder and harder each year to get in.

Sharon Ruth in Fairview, Oklahoma said: I feel the sam way as Janeway. I have a BS degree in Biology w/ a minor in Chemistry and I can not find any work with it. My advisor had said that I would have plenty of opportunites for work. I found out that this person was so full of it. My GPA is 3.08, and I though that was good but apparently people are frowning at someone with a 3.0. It sucks because I was so proud of it. I had applied in Maine and Florida for Biological jobs and they both told me that they will not hire someone with a degree from Oklahoma. Sorry I am saying all of this but I feel like I have been screwed, because now I owe alot of student loan money. I am now 38 and have basically given up and decided to become a Paralegal because I have a friend who graduates Law school in May. I just wish I could have had a career in my degree field it was something I wanted since I was at least 10 years old.

I'm in the same boat almost. My overall gpa was 3.57, but after I graduated last year everyone kept saying I'd get hired...never happened. I applied locally, in neighboring states, and nothing. A lot of my friends went straight to grad school, but I wanted to take a year to work to get more research experience then apply for a doctorate. I got into a school for a master's (after realizing I couldn't find work), but then I realized that even with federal aid, I didn't have enough money to cover it. I also realized that the more cost-efficient programs are outside my state (and for some reason, I was trying to stay in-state close to my family). I'm now looking for schools world-wide that I can attend, but I STILL want experience-- even if it's just for a semester's time. After realizing that school was falling through this year, I'm BACK on the hunt for a job in my field, but nothing is there. Anywhere that hires without experience is seemingly flooded with applications, and have few positions open.

evolo in Canim Lake, British Columbia said: I think what everyone is saying is this... If you start biology and your GPA isn't high (3.8 is high) I would suggest switching to something else. The cream will be given plenty of opportunity during their undergrad. However for the majority of the faculty your degree will be essentially useless for entry into a professional career. The faculty and advisors will never tell you this because 90% of the students fall into this category and represent their paycheques. But make no mistake; there is no golden key waiting at the end. Just a piece of paper that says you are not smart or rich enough to get your masters or doctorate. In either case, good luck to you.

I disagree. Most of the people I know who are in graduate school in my field never had a 3.8, including some that are getting doctorates. I'd say if you have something that starts with a "2" and you never can bring it up, then consider other majors. You can always to a SMP to better your chances at getting into medical school if you have a low gpa or less-than-stellar MCAT score. I graduated with close to a 3.6 overall and got accepted to schools. The cutoff for most seems to be a 3.0 anyway. Schools take you if you're not perfect. Even if your gpa goes into the tank, you have a chance.

Gary in Whittier, California said: Im currently in my 3rd year of my undergrad and i'm beginning to panic! I have always wanted to go to med school and become a doctor but Im just not getting the grades I need. I go to whittier ( a small private college) and many classes are extremely difficult. I dont know what career path to take if I cannot get into a medschool. I have great people skills but love marine/micro biology and the lab. What do i doooo?!!!!!???...please help any suggestions?

Have you thought about doing a SMP? I think it can help...it seems to get a lot of people into med school when they don't have the best grades or MCAT.

I had applied in Maine and Florida for Biological jobs and they both told me that they will not hire someone with a degree from Oklahoma.

Sharon,
That just shows how truly ignorant they are. I am sure that someone with a degree from an Oklahoma college or university is well-qualified. As long as your degree is fully accredited, you have nothing to worry about and it is their loss.

You really cant do much with just a B.S. in Biology. I think the main purpose of the degree is just a prequisite to medical school. I really do not see what else you could do with it.

you all just need to stop complaining and do something with your lives. A BS in Biology needs more education. You need to go back to school. I'm not complaining because I knew that BEFORE I even did my undergrad. Now I'm out of medical school, and got accepted into 4 of the best neurosurgery residencies in the country. Man up and go back to school, and stop saying that biology is a waste of time. Where would your doctors be without it?

Your an idiot and i question if your in medical school or not because you came to a forum about those who graduated with biology degrees and are gaining advice on what you can do with them..if your in medical school why would you be worried about what to do with a bachelors degree in biology which is what the forum is about..find something to do with your time than come to a forum where people are simply venting and looking for things that they can do with there BS degree clown.

It is a gateway degree. Have to go for more schooling unfortunantly.

I graduated in 1999 with a Biology Degree. Back then, like it was so long ago, there was no talk of a biology degree being a stepping stone for more school. And it's bs to think that now. Who takes a degree in biology with al lthe physics and chemistry to move on to grad school and take the same. Take ecology, much easier and you can use that for grad school or any degree for that matter as long as you meet the pre-req classes. You don't base your undergrad degree on grad school.

Anyway. I got a job at a university for my first year out of college. It paid 24k. I was happy. I was doing research working with juvenile pigs. Then I started to dislike the job, I quit and applied for any position I could find. A recruiter contacted me and set me up with a temp job at sanofi-aventis paying $18 per hour. I was very happy, I then got hired making 40k. This was 2 years out of college. I then grew tired of that job and quit. I found a new job which paid 46k.

This is where my life goes downhill. I squeezed into that new job right before the economy tanked. Now I am stuck here, no raises no promotions making 46k. In my previous position I was making 60k with bonuses. There are less jobs out there now so no one is hired. And those that do hired have lowered their wages significantly for new hires.

When you look at the older folks in a company (40s to 60s) many just have an AA or even just a HS diploma nad if they are working at a large well known company they are making at least 70k but usually more. ANd I am speaking from an animal tech POV. Nowadays you could bever make that much which anything less than a BA/BS.

It's really sad when this country no longer values a biology or related science major. We are seriously lagging in R&D and no one is doing anything to expand that sector of our economy so these biology degrees are becoming useless. An MS will not get you anymore than a BS will. A PhD has a much better chance but it's a big risk.

No2Bio in Colorado Springs, Colorado said: Im currently looking into getting a second bacherlors degree in clinical laboratory scientist or medical technologist as it is commonly called...

I am a new CLS graduate. If you don't mind, let me give you some words that I wish I read before I entered into the program. Be prepared if necessary to relocate. Although positions may be in your area, they may not be for new grads. But you do have some healthcare experience, so that may be okay. Become an organizational beast. The program is hard so don't underestimate it. If you are attending a good program, they will practically feed you the questions and answers because the schools want you to suceed, but they will definately flush out the weak links. Also organizing your notes will help you study for the certification exam after gradutation. When you rotate through your clinical sites make the best impression possible. Treat everyday as if it is an interview. See smart students parlay their rotational site into their after-graduation job, so don't miss this opportunity. If, however, you do not want to stay at that site, write down every test performed, every instrument used and list these instruments on your resumes. I have re-written my resume and you would not believe the positive feedback that I received from the changes. It got me the interviews. Don't stress out during the program; it will only frustrate you. Read more forums here about MT/CLS and do take the ASCP exam rather than the AMT. I passed on the first attempt. The $200 testing fee was my motivation along with the satisfaction of being an MLS (ASCP)CM. Good luck and let us know how you are doing. BTW-I have my 1st BS in Biology also. So I have two BS degrees. You might want to consider the CLS Master's degree instead of the BS.

OneJob Less in Podunk, Georgia said:

Thank you so much for the feedback! I wasn't aware of any masters program in the field of medical technology. I just know of the bachelors of science in medical technology. I got my BS in bio back in 2008 and unfortuantely grades weren't high enough to get into pharmacy school like i wanted so this was the next thing i could do it seemed. I will definetly take your advice on all of it. I was singed up to take the program for the 2012 and 2013 year. I have to go to nebraska for 11 weeks then back to colorado to train i believe for the a year. They have several positions through out the state however i am looking at the air force. Im also looking into the requirements for PA school as another back up plan really. Again thanks so much really appreciate the feedback.

No2Bio in Colorado Springs, Colorado said: Thank you so much for the feedback! I wasn't aware of any masters program in the field of medical technology. I just know of the bachelors of science in medical technology. I got my BS in bio back in 2008 and unfortuantely grades weren't high enough to get into pharmacy school like i wanted so this was the next thing i could do it seemed. I will definetly take your advice on all of it. I was singed up to take the program for the 2012 and 2013 year. I have to go to nebraska for 11 weeks then back to colorado to train i believe for the a year. They have several positions through out the state however i am looking at the air force. Im also looking into the requirements for PA school as another back up plan really. Again thanks so much really appreciate the feedback.

MCG in Augusta GA has a BS/MS CLS program. There is also a distance/on-line option. Check it out, but know that an online program will require a great deal of focus. Look at tuition as well. The out of state tuition might be more than what you want to take on. Good luck and also take a look at some of the MT jobs on USAJOBS.com. Veterans hospitals seem to pay very well if you want to work for the gov, without enlistment. However if enlistment will equal a new degree/career and excellent pay, without student loans--go for it. Best of luck.

No2Bio - are you at UCCS and going to attend UNMC's distance program? I am from Colorado and am currently in the CLS program at UNMC and I love it! I just started in May, finished student lab in August, and am now about to finish up my first rotation at Creighton University. They just added UCCS as an affiliate site this year and I had already committed to my clinical internship in Omaha when it became official so I didn't get the chance to go back to Penrose in Colorado Springs for my rotations. I applied to multiple programs and this one was my favorite by far. It has been a rough couple of months but I know it will be worth it in the end! Best of luck to you!

No2Bio in Colorado Springs, Colorado said: Thank you so much for the feedback! I wasn't aware of any masters program in the field of medical technology. I just know of the bachelors of science in medical technology. I got my BS in bio back in 2008 and unfortuantely grades weren't high enough to get into pharmacy school like i wanted so this was the next thing i could do it seemed. I will definetly take your advice on all of it. I was singed up to take the program for the 2012 and 2013 year. I have to go to nebraska for 11 weeks then back to colorado to train i believe for the a year. They have several positions through out the state however i am looking at the air force. Im also looking into the requirements for PA school as another back up plan really. Again thanks so much really appreciate the feedback.

No2Bio - are you at UCCS and going to attend UNMC's distance program? I am from Colorado and am currently in the CLS program at UNMC and I love it! I just started in May, finished student lab in August, and am now about to finish up my first rotation at Creighton University. They just added UCCS as an affiliate site this year and I had already committed to my clinical internship in Omaha when it became official so I didn't get the chance to go back to Penrose in Colorado Springs for my rotations. I applied to multiple programs and this one was my favorite by far. It has been a rough couple of months but I know it will be worth it in the end! Best of luck to you!

CLS Student in Omaha, Nebraska said: No2Bio - are you at UCCS and going to attend UNMC's distance program? I am from Colorado and am currently in the CLS program at UNMC and I love it! I just started in May, finished student lab in August, and am now about to finish up my first rotation at Creighton University. They just added UCCS as an affiliate site this year and I had already committed to my clinical internship in Omaha when it became official so I didn't get the chance to go back to Penrose in Colorado Springs for my rotations. I applied to multiple programs and this one was my favorite by far. It has been a rough couple of months but I know it will be worth it in the end! Best of luck to you!

Hello yes I am! Since i graduated back in 2008 and haven't found a job nor was my gpa high enough to get into medical school i decided to give this program a try. My concern was since im a single parent having to go out there for the 11 weeks is not a problem since my little one will be out of school and with my parents for majority of the time. It's when they ask you to relocate is what i can't do. She did mention that memorial has a clinical site so im hoping to get there for the rotation. Is the program tough?

Thank you so much for the encouragement! I ahve heard that is rough.

No2Bio in Colorado Springs, Colorado said: Hello yes I am! Since i graduated back in 2008 and haven't found a job nor was my gpa high enough to get into medical school i decided to give this program a try. My concern was since im a single parent having to go out there for the 11 weeks is not a problem since my little one will be out of school and with my parents for majority of the time. It's when they ask you to relocate is what i can't do. She did mention that memorial has a clinical site so im hoping to get there for the rotation. Is the program tough?

The program is tough but it is so worth it. The key about this program is that they want you to succeed and they want you to pass your BOC. They load you up with material during the 11 weeks at the med center but there are objectives to follow so you can really narrow down what you study and succeed on the tests. Now that I'm in rotations, I think the student lab portion was the hardest and now I can really apply everything in my rotations. Like I said, I applied to multiple programs and this one was my favorite by far. They have a fantastic reputation for producing well prepared med techs to enter the workforce, and hospitals are constantly contacting them to recruit their students for jobs.

The majority of our students during the 11 week student lab were actually doing distance programs, coming to UNMC for 11 weeks and then returning to their respective states. We had students from CO, KS, IA, SD, MO....And the majority of them left their families back home for the 11 weeks. I can imagine that it would be very hard to do, but you will get a couple 3 day weekends for Memorial Day and 4th of July which would be easy weekends to head back home for a couple of days. Plus there are a ton of jobs in the Springs too if that is where you want to stay once you graduate, I know Kaiser is always hiring.

Anyway, best of luck to you! I do recommend this program 100%!!!!

How did you set up your living arrangements for going to Nebraska? Did you just stay on campus for the 11 weeks or have family there if you don't mind me asking? Since im pursuing a second BS i do have some elgibility left for finacial aide but when you have to go to Nebraska for the 11 weeks i was wondering how do you go about doing that

No2Bio in Colorado Springs, Colorado said: How did you set up your living arrangements for going to Nebraska? Did you just stay on campus for the 11 weeks or have family there if you don't mind me asking? Since im pursuing a second BS i do have some elgibility left for finacial aide but when you have to go to Nebraska for the 11 weeks i was wondering how do you go about doing that

I actually am still here in Omaha for my clinical rotations so I just got an apartment for one year. The majority of the students who came here for just the 11 weeks opted to live in the dorms; it is pretty cheap and it is not like your traditional dorm room. They have it set up so 4 people have their own bedrooms and a common living room/kitchen and then there are two bathrooms so it is more like sharing a 4 bedroom apartment. Some people who had dogs that they brought with them chose to rent a room for the summer, there are quite a few schools here so there are a lot of options to just sublease someones room in a house/apartment for the summer if you don't mind having a roommate. Overall, Omaha is a very cheap place to live in. I don't know how cheap rent is here when compared to Colorado Springs but I pay half of what I did in Fort Collins for a much nicer place.

kiwi in Charlotte, North Carolina said: Well i am a high school senior and im off to college but the college i am going to doesn't have a major of premed so i think im going to major in biology and make my way up to medical school! Is this the right path? Because i don't want it to be a waist of time!!!!!!! Please help!!!!!!!!

Read, read, read-so you can get a good MCAT score. Medical schools will look for other experiences at least 10-15. Volunteer in hospital, do internships in medical school you what to go toif possible. You don't need BS in bio or chemistry to get into medical school. There are people who major in English, philosophy or other field-and only fulfill med school pre-req. They want well-rounded person, because you will be interacting with patients with all different walk of life. BUT have a back-up plan, meaning look within yourself and ask if you really want to be doctor-as trey said shadow and ask questions as much as possible. Also if this is what you want and dont get into medical school the first, then you can do research bio-related and try again...but if you decide that you dont want to go to medical school but wanna stay in medical field then pick a major you like such as computer science/computer engineering which could get you into medical informatics or bioengineering. I hope it helps-experiment what you really like in college and ask professor for advices...take advantage of it. perhaps go to career office as soon as possible too.

Aggie Girl in Killeen, Texas said: Wow, even though it sucks, It's good to know that I'm not the only one out there who can't find a job with a BS in Biology! I graduated from Texas A&M and have applied to hospital jobs, mainly working in labs, and I can't even get an interview. Any suggestions on a type of job I could get without having to go through more schooling?? If something doesn't happen soon, I am considering nursing school or possibly radiologic technology, but both with take me approximately 2 more years...I would appreciate any suggestions! Thanks!

Child protective services offers a job to anybody with ANY Bachlors Degree,I'm from San Antonio. Hey, it's a job..

I am a sophmore at a private school in FL, and everyone I talk to back home about leaving here is telling me to stay and that I need to get a degree but as of right now I am majoring in bio and marine science. I am questioning what I am doing here but the only things I want to do or have interest in doing are bad fields to get into and I'm frustrated and annoyed. I need some advice! Is it worth it for me to continue my degree in bio?

April in Olympia, Washington said: Child protective services offers a job to anybody with ANY Bachlors Degree,I'm from San Antonio. Hey, it's a job..

Military OCS ,Peace corps, police officer, teacher at a private school, biotech, physical therapist school, chiropractor school..............

JaneWay in Elk Grove, Illinois said: I feel like like such an idiot right now. I have a BS in Biology. After I graduated, I followed a totally different path.
I know a friend of mine has a friend who also got her BS in biology and works in some company shaving pigs and working with animals, she feels like her BS in Bio was not needed.
I mean what job can I get now, right away with a bio degree? I don't have experience in research or some direct bio field. I wanted something that would be a good career path with potential to grow.
Now, I'm trying to finish an MLT program. I should have tried entering an MT program at least, but I chose the MLT program for various reasons, despite the good advice I got here on these forums. Everywhere I search, they want MTs not MLTs. I'm going to be an oddball, an MLT with a BS in Biology.
I feel like I screwed up and it's just getting worse and that most of my decisions just get worse because of desperation. I feel like schools are just there to take money.

I did the same kind of thing. I got a degree in Animal Science with Pre-vet major. I decided against vet school and took a job at a dr.'s office lab. They encouraged me to get an MLT and I did and eventually had the requirements to get my mt through ascp. But my boss didn't/doesn't help me at all. She micromanages and told the dr.'s I couldn't move up because I don't have a bs in MT. More school??? I shoulda been a vet or a pa. At least then I would could have a little pride in what I do. Unfortunately I live in rural america where good jobs are few and far btween.

I totally feel you! I got a BS in Biology in 06 and could not find a job using it so I went back to school and got a teaching certification which needless to say there are NO TEACHING JOBS IN GEORGIA! I lucky have been working at a hospital for three years so I have a job but I am a receptionist with two degrees!!! how depressing?!?

Like most of you, I read through most of the posts on this thread. I also have a B.Sc. (2005) and was pre-med all throughout uni. When I decided that I did not want to pursue medicine, I took off and went abroad to teach English. I did this for 5 years and now that I am back in North America, the job situation seems pretty hopeless. I have been looking into pharmaceutical jobs because I want to maximize my B.Sc. degree, but without an actual work experience, even "entry-level" jobs are hard to come by. I have sent off resumes and emails AND tried cold-calling, but I can't even wiggle a toe in the door, let alone a foot. I thought that B.Sc. would be a widely-applicable degree and I could do pretty much anything I set my mind to. Now, I really wish I had gone into something more practical - biotechnology, nursing, accountings - anything but bio! I am really hesitant to commit to another few years getting a degree or certification since I don't want to end up regretting getting older and yet again without any professional experience and therefore, no job. How do I break this horrible cycle?

I just want to know what the limitations are between getting your B.A in biology and getting a B.S in biology. I'm currently a sophomore in college, and I don't really want to be a doctor or work with medicine or develop cures or anything. I just want to work with animals, maybe at zoo's or travel and work on wildlife reserves and stuff. People keep telling me that with a B.A all I can really do is teach, but then I hear you can always just go to grad school if you want to narrow your field down or get more education. But I don't feel like I need to take chemistry or organic chem if all I want to do is work with animals.

benakena in San Francisco, California said: There are alot of research training programs out there if you are interested in research as a biologist, if you are in sch, the better they got summer internships, and its better to apply them early here is one of the links for Johnson&johnson (sorry couldnt post the links- its prohibited)

I am perticularly insterested in Microbiology and epidemeology. I also found out that companies such as Genentech and Center of Disease Control want to train new graduates or undergraduates still in school but you got to watch out for their deadline for application into these programs

I also applied with the state of California to train as a public Helth Microbiologist (PHM) basicaly it also leads to a CLS - Clinical Lab Scientist Licensure, it pays well - $40/hr but of course it depends with different states

i would say keep your options open, the best thing in life is to have more than 1 plan...

goodluck to you all

Can you pls tell me, how long will it take to get the approval to training as a public Helth Microbiologist (PHM).Because I applied to approval it 5-6 months before ( with all my transcripts) Still I didn't get any thing. I was keep calling them . Every time they have same answer

I should of read these forums a year ago. I graduated in 2009 in BS degree in Biology. I am struggling to find a job. I thought working as a lab assistant in a hospital would be a guaranteed job. Nope. Most of the jobs I have been looking at require at least 1 year or more of clerical or hospital experience. But wait? Didn't I pay (loans) tens of thousands of dollars for a college degree. I should have a pretty damn good job right now. It's aggravating because it seems I can't even get a job but is attainable by someone with only high school diploma(but has experience).
So choices? Physician's Assistant, Nurse, Med Tech, Cytotech? All great, I have a 3.5 GPA, except I am missing at least 1 or 2 prerequisites for each program. So that means I have to go back to undergrad school and take those courses (more $$), then next year apply again. It all seems like *$#% to me.
So instead of going backwards, has anyone heard of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) A close by university offers a post-graduate GIS certificate, I was thinking why not? Maybe having GIS certification with a biology degree would help me get in an environmental firm or even a government job? Any advice?

@ GulfCoastGirl,

I totally feel your pain. I am in the same situation, trying my best to sort things out.

Here's my piece of advice - whichever school or certification course you end up choosing, make sure it comes with a co-op/internship program. I was able to find some programs up in Canada where they alternate between courses and co-op. This way, you have that experience under your belt, and many places that hire co-op students will often offer a full-time position after the term is over. I would make sure that the school is big enough to have some employer connections, by either offering a career fair or some kind of networking event. These would be my priorities when I look into more schooling.

Good luck!

So reading all these posts has made me feel like I'm not alone in my struggle to find a job really using my degree. I had a dream of being a Board Certified Surgeon in the Veterinary field when I was a little girl so I knew what path I was going to take, or so I thought. I got a BS in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry back in '04 from a small private school as well as 9 credits towards a Masters in Biology with a Microbiology emphasis. Well turns out when I was applying to Vet Schools and to finish my Masters they won't even look at someone who doesn't have an accredited degree. I started working as a Vet Tech the beginning of my college career and have now basically gone up as high as I can but it's not the same. I really want to use my degree but I feel like I'm at a road block. I would love anyone's input on what path I should take. I love all medicine, laboratory, research, behavioral science, animals, and law....I know a little eclectic. I'm just wondering if there is a job out there that exists that can include all that. I'm married now and that's why my Masters was put on hold (not sure when I'm going to be able to finish it) but I'm currently in school to be an EMT and do a lot of volunteer work but that doesn't pay the bills. What's this thing about becoming an MT? Is it really worth it money wise starting out? I just feel lost because I thought my degree was going to be great but am getting frustrated with all the job applications that I've been filling out that always seems to want higher education for anything science related. I'm just lost and if anyone has an idea of which way I should start to focus I would GREATLY appreciate any advice! Thanks!

So reading all these posts has made me feel like I'm not alone in my struggle to find a job really using my degree. I had a dream of being a Board Certified Surgeon in the Veterinary field when I was a little girl so I knew what path I was going to take, or so I thought. I got a BS in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry back in '04 from a small private school as well as 9 credits towards a Masters in Biology with a Microbiology emphasis. Well turns out when I was applying to Vet Schools and to finish my Masters they won't even look at someone who doesn't have an accredited degree. I started working as a Vet Tech the beginning of my college career and have now basically gone up as high as I can but it's not the same. I really want to use my degree but I feel like I'm at a road block. I would love anyone's input on what path I should take. I love all medicine, laboratory, research, behavioral science, animals, and law....I know a little eclectic. I'm just wondering if there is a job out there that exists that can include all that. I'm married now and that's why my Masters was put on hold (not sure when I'm going to be able to finish it) but I'm currently in school to be an EMT and do a lot of volunteer work but that doesn't pay the bills. What's this thing about becoming an MT? Is it really worth it money wise starting out? I just feel lost because I thought my degree was going to be great but am getting frustrated with all the job applications that I've been filling out that always seems to want higher education for anything science related. I'm just lost and if anyone has an idea of which way I should start to focus I would GREATLY appreciate any advice! Thanks!

so really what does a bachelor's degree in biology get you? And what can you do with it?

You most likely can be a research technician. The entire reason why I took time off after undergrad was to get experience (then go back for a doctorate), but it seems like there are so many applicants to these jobs that I can't get my foot in the door. All of the interviews I got when I was fresh out of college didn't pan out, and many of the researchers interviewing me told me that they had 100+ applications for one job opening. I figured that's why it was so hard to gain employment in the field.

Anyway, you can do research, and probably some other things. I think, right now, the economy is making it more difficult to find a job in the field. I tried to go back to get a master's, but even with my loans, I didn't have enough money to cover it. So, I decided to go jobhunting again....still no luck. Now I'm just trying to decide what the best thing for me to try to do is.

Wow...I've been reading this thread for about 45 minutes now and its extremely discouraging. I was first considering going into law. After looking at discussions for that field, it pretty much added up to this one. Everyone thinks its a great field with huge opportunities at first, nobody can find jobs, everybody wishes they studied something else, etc. I'm stuck in a job that I HATE right now. Building automation systems (HVAC) controls. A lot of mechanical engineering and electrical work. I find it extremely boring and way too stressful for my age which is 23. I'm burnt out on the job and want to go back to school. I know a lot of people will think I'm crazy for quitting this job but I just can't do it. Anyway, my real question to all of you is: Is Biology really that unrewarding?!? Is there someone who is successful in this field? I honestly can't think of anything else remotely interesting to study and I don't want to start on this road that will inevitably lead to a dead end. I thought biology was considered a "hard science" therefore=good career.

Colin, what a lot of people initially fail to realize (myself included) is that, for the most part, a BS or BA in Biology is a mostly a bridge to further education. Biology itself isn't unrewarding; it's very interesting and varied, and yes, technically, you could pursue many different careers with the degree. Us "complainers" on this forum are frustrated with the inability to find decent paying, rewarding careers with just a BS in Biology. In my opinion, there are 3 main reasons why it's difficult to get a job with this education: 1) BAD economy--difficult to find jobs in many areas, not just biology, 2) Broad education--many BS Bio programs are broad in scope and graduates don't become experts in a specific area of biology (if you've read a few bio job postings, you would've seen the employers looking for very specific skills and experiences)--this isn't the college's fault as biology is a vast science and you really shouldn't be an expert in particular area with just a BS degree but employers don't agree with that philosophy, 3) Job competition--many students choose to pursue a biology degree, and many of those students look for work immediately after graduation, couple that with significant lay off numbers, and you have stiff competition for jobs. Who's an employer going to hire for an entry level biology position today? Well, again, a quick read-through of job postings defines an entry level bio position as requiring at least 1 year of experience. Some entry/junior level positions require even more experience. I have been looking for a position for 2 years now and have had only a few interviews, and I have an excellent academic record for my undergraduate program in biology. For those who are in the same situation as I'm in (and I know there are plenty of you out there), it's frustrating to spend 4 years working your butt off to get good grades and learn as much as you can to find out that in a large number of instances, employers don't care...

much about good GPA and research work. It's all about having work experience. With so many biology professionals being laid off, and with such high job competition, those professionals are willing to take a pay cut and go after a more junior level position, just to have a job (which is understandable). Unfortunately, that shuts out people like me who really would like to get their careers started but can't, since they don't have professional work experience. It also matters how restrictive you are in finding a position in biology. I'm specifically looking for an environmental career because that is where my interests have been since I was a kid. And I'm looking for a position somewhat near my current home. So those two things right there place major limitations on the job opportunities that are available to me.

Yeah, it does seem strange for you to want to quit your career at 23, but I can understand it if it's really bothering you that much. I'm 25 and have yet to start my career, so you should be thankful that you at least have some experience in something, haha. I'm sure there are some lucky bio people out there who were able to get great positions with decent pay right out of graduation, but there are many people who haven't been as lucky. You certainly shouldn't plan on easily getting a great biology job straight out of your BS program today. So keep that in mind. And yes, everyone talks about medical school. If that's something you're interested in and can handle, consider a biology program. Good doctors are always in demand.

Daysend's post pretty much sums up this thread. If I could do it all over again, I would definitely have studied a more specific degree in biology (Wildlife conservation, Microbiology, Environmental science). Unfortunately, my university only offered a biology degree. I guess that's where your master's degree comes in handy. I do know one thing. If you currently have a non-biology related job (b/c you can't find a biology-related one yet) is to volunteer. Volunteering and other extra-curricular activities are very important and look excellent on resumes. This past summer, I worked with a variety of people employed with the federal government (NOAA, USFW, USDA) helping with the dreadful oil spill. So of course, I asked them about job opportunities. Well, everyone has at least their masters. They also told me to volunteer at local wildlife refuges and participate in environmental projects and organizations (sea-turtle monitoring, water-testing, beach clean-up etc). One volunteer program in my area allows you to assist with researchers doing field work (good experience).

Yeah, I was going for BS in Biology, but I decided, F it! I'm getting the easy BA (less stressful) and I'm going to jump into another passion I've had since I was 13 (or whatever lol), and that is the INTERWEBS! During my academic career (6 years because I kept dropping classes due to anxiety attacks) I also spent a lot of time learning how to build websites, do marketing, and most importantly SEO. Search engine optimization. With those skill sets I can CREATE my own jobs, which I can been doing for the past 2 years. I'm not making as much as someone in a Biotech Lab (the job I was wanting at first) but I WILL eventually. The beauty with websites is that you can build it, set people to manage it, then move on and build another. Soon I'll have a fleet of websites all generating $1-7k/per site each month! I've already got site #1 making 1-4k a month, and I've got the marketing aspect handled by my trusty (outsourced) assistant Ritesh. Now I just need to find another person to manage the site itself and them I'm good to start another website.

Its also a lot of fun because the site I have right now is a movie website, and its fun watching your creation grow bigger and bigger. Anyway, my advice to you peeps is to just follow your DREAMS. I thought biology was my dream (I'm really into nature) but it turns out that my dream is to be an entrepreneur. So I'm just going to finally get a degree (BA; good enough for me) make my parents happy, then do what I really enjoy which is make my cool ideas become reality.

This comment is probably no help to the people who want to work in big corporations, but everyone has a LOT of interests. Why not find jobs in another field? A lot of jobs will think your BS in Biology is great. Besides if you do something you love you have a better shot at making more money in the long run.

I actually arrived here looking for other directions to take my degree - this was definitely an eye-opener! I've been reading all your stories and it can be pretty depressing. I don't know if things are that much different in the States compared to Canada so I won't insult anyone's intelligence by suggesting otherwise!

I actually always thought that a BSc in Bio wasn't too shabby but looking back, I suppose I did have classmates that ended up going to grad school or, the super popular one, going for a BEd after degree. I had never considered that route, or the lab work or sales (egads) that some people are mentioning here. Which makes me wonder what was I thinking?!

I graduated with a BSc in evolutionary biology. I had intended (and still vaguely do) to do a Masters in that area and...I have no clue. I don't want to be in that publish or perish trap, nor am I naieve enough to think that there are loads of career options for that type of work. So in the meantime, I got a diploma in Environmental Sciences. Because I already had a BSc, the diploma was only 8 months for me which was pretty rad. I suppose I shouldn't complain at all - it took me 6 months to find work, and I had a bunch of job offers all at once. I'm now working in environmental consulting, which means I spend most of my time in the field. and I feel pretty selfish, after reading some of your stories, to say that I want something else, something that suits me better. Grass is always greener I suppose!

I would assume,with an aging population, medical is the way to go. for you ecology folks, I'm always quite jealous of all the government jobs I see posted to work in parks or as bio techs - I'd love to do that here! My other suggestion would be to get on as a research tech at a uni, I did do that for a year between schooling and the experience/networking was great. And hey, if the American military provides opportunities, go take a look!

I was also going to say, and I know this won't apply to 99% of you, but if you are willing to make a move, there is a lot of environmental work in Western Canada. Just due to the oil & gas alone, you'll find a ton of companies and yes, a lot are hiring entry level. I had 5 job offers in one month, and had another company call me 2 weeks ago with a job and no, I didn't have a ton of experience. I actually spent years doing admin work overseas so there you go! And non-Canadian residents are hired - my workplace is like a mini UN!

I have no idea what the US is like for enviro work, though I would assume there should be quite a bit out East with all the industry. Hang in there, I know how grim things can seem, but dammit, you're biology grads which means you're resourceful as hell!! :D