Advan in physiol edu 2007-eyster-323-8

Advan in physiol edu 2007-eyster-323-8

• 1.
  Career counseling: 101+things you can do with a degree in biology Kathleen M. Eyster Advan in Physiol Edu 31:323-328, 2007. doi:10.1152/advan.00042.2007 You might find this additional info useful... Updated information and services including high resolution figures, can be found at: http://advan.physiology.org/content/31/4/323.full.html Additional material and information about Advances in Physiology Education can be found at: http://www.the-aps.org/publications/advan This infomation is current as of January 31, 2012. Downloaded from advan.physiology.org on January 31, 2012 Advances in Physiology Education is dedicated to the improvement of teaching and learning physiology, both in specialized courses and in the broader context of general biology education. It is published four times a year in March, June, September and December by the American Physiological Society, 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda MD 20814-3991. Copyright © 2007 by the American Physiological Society. ISSN: 1043-4046, ESSN: 1522-1229. Visit our website at http://www.the-aps.org/.
• 2.
  Adv Physiol Educ31: 323–328, 2007; doi:10.1152/advan.00042.2007. A Personal View Career counseling: 101 things you can do with a degree in biology Kathleen M. Eyster Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota Submitted 5 June 2007; accepted in final form 30 August 2007 Eyster KM. Career counseling: 101 things you can do with a degree in biology. Adv Physiol Educ 31: 323–328, 2007; doi:10.1152/advan.00042.2007.— Biology is the science of life and of how living things work. Our students choose to major in biology in college because of a fascination with understanding how living things function, but often they have difficulty in identifying a career that uses their foundation in biology despite the variety of biology-based careers available. The purpose of this discussion is to assist biology students and the career counselors who work with them in identifying satisfying careers that build upon their interest and foundation in biology. The categories of career options include research, healthcare, teaching, science writing, administration/management, gov- ernment, industry, and miscellaneous careers that do not fit into the other catego- ries. Downloaded from advan.physiology.org on January 31, 2012 research; healthcare; education; industry; science writing BIOLOGY is the science of life and of how living things work. (Table 1), and a variety of fields of biology-based research are Most of us who choose to study biology do so because of an available (Table 2). inherent fascination with the function of living things. An undergraduate, or a high school student, can become However, too often we and our students are unaware of the involved in research. Many researchers welcome students wide variety of careers available to us when we have a into their research laboratories, especially during the sum- foundation of knowledge in biology. Frequently, we are mer, and there are many programs to support research only aware of a career option if we know someone who internships. A summer research internship is an excellent works in that occupation. The purpose of this discussion is opportunity to experience the excitement, as well as the to enumerate the career options available to biologists for process, of research. It is also a good opportunity to deter- use by career counselors, biology faculty, and biology mine whether a career in research is a good fit for your students. Many of the careers listed require additional edu- personality. Summer undergraduate research opportunities cation beyond the bachelor’s degree, but a foundation in vary from year to year; an internet search on “biology biology is important to all of them. Many of the careers undergraduate summer research” will identify current op- listed here are equally available to students with training in portunities. Graduate students in MS or PhD programs are biochemistry or chemistry. The career options are divided involved in research as part of their graduate programs. A into categories and include careers in research, healthcare, career in research is available as a research technician or teaching, science writing, administration and management, research associate after earning a BS or MS degree. A PhD government, industry, and miscellaneous careers that do not degree in a biological discipline opens additional doors into fit into other categories as well as careers that build on a research careers. University professors maintain their own foundation in biology but require a different major from research laboratories in an academic setting. Doctoral-level biology. Recommendations on advising students in making scientists also maintain research laboratories in the pharma- career choices are also discussed. ceutical industry, biotechnology industry, agricultural in- Careers in Biological Sciences dustry, in private research institutes, and in government research laboratories such as those at the National Institutes Research. The first career option that a biologist should of Health, National Institutes of Environmental Health Sci- consider is a career in research. Research is discovery, learning ences, United States Department of Agriculture, or military how things work, learning something new that no one else in health research laboratories. Research technician and re- the world knows, and then telling everyone else what you’ve search associate positions for individuals with BS or MS discovered. Being involved in research is an exciting way to degrees are available in each of these settings (university spend your life. A career in research will hone your skills in research laboratories, industry, private research institutes, critical thinking, creative problem solving, and persistence. and government laboratories). Participation in research takes place at a variety of levels Biology-based researchers can choose a focus from a variety of disciplines. In the biomedical sciences, a scientist can focus on a variety of disciplines (Table 2). One can Address for reprint requests and other correspondence: K. M. Eyster, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, Univ. further specialize within each of these fields. For example, of South Dakota, 414 E. Clark St., Vermillion, SD 57069 (E-mail: in physiology, individuals specialize in endocrinology, the [email protected]). cardiovascular system, the renal system, the respiratory 1043-4046/07 $8.00 Copyright © 2007 The American Physiological Society 323
• 3.
  A Personal View 324 101 THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH A DEGREE IN BIOLOGY Table 1. Ways to be involved in research require less education than that of the dentist. Physical thera- pists and occupational therapists work with people with a As an undergraduate or high school student variety of rehabilitative needs. Programs in physical therapy As a research technician with a BS or MS degree and occupational therapy are available at both MS and PhD As a graduate student through a MS or PhD program In a university setting levels. Epidemiology and public health are related careers; Within the pharmaceutical industry epidemiologists study the factors that affect the health of Within the biotechnology industry populations, and public health is concerned with challenges to Within the agricultureal industry the health of populations. Physician’s assistant programs are In a government research laboratory In a private research institution 2-yr programs after a BS degree and are typically MS-level programs. The physician’s assistant is involved in hands-on patient care and can specialize in the same broad areas of patient care as a physician. Medical technologists work in system, the gastrointestinal system, neurophysiology, and hospital or clinic laboratories and perform tests on patient cellular physiology, with further subdivisions in each spe- samples as part of the process of disease diagnosis. Training in cialty. The range of disciplines in biological sciences is also medical technology involves 3– 4 yr of college followed by 1 extensive and diverse (Table 2). The disciplines of biomed- yr of clinical training in a hospital training program. Within the ical and biological sciences overlap, and as in the biomed- field of medical technology are a number of specialties includ- ical sciences, one can further specialize in each of the broad ing microbiology, hematology, chemistry, serology, virology, fields of biology. blood banking, immunohematology, and forensic serology. A Downloaded from advan.physiology.org on January 31, 2012 Healthcare. The field of healthcare offers a very wide vari- specialist in quality control/quality assurance is needed in all ety of career choices (Table 3). Many specialties are available clinical laboratories and is another career option. Additional to a physician with either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or clinical laboratory/technical specialties include positions as a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree or with the combined cytotechnician, respiratory technician, in vitro fertilization MD/PhD degree. Osteopathic physicians are trained in the technician, sperm bank technician, radiation therapy techni- same medical and surgical therapies as allopathic physicians cian, magnetic resonance technician, surgical technologist, (MDs), with the addition of manipulative techniques for the orthotics and prosthetics patient care technician, medical ap- treatment of structural problems. Physicians who hold the pliance technician, diagnostic medical sonography technician, combined MD/PhD degree obtain training in research as well perfusionist, audiologist, emergency medical science techni- as medicine, so they are better prepared for careers in medical cian, anesthesiology assistant, environmental science and pro- research. Specializations available to physicians include family tection technician, and X-ray technician. A genetics counselor medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, internal medicine, psy- helps families understand genetic disorders and assists those chiatry, pathology, surgery, allergy and immunology, anesthe- who are at high risk for genetic disorders in making decisions siology, dermatology, emergency medicine, pediatrics, medi- about expanding their families. Phlebotomists draw blood in cal genetics, neurology, nuclear medicine, ophthalmology, hospitals and in clinics. In sports, physicians who specialize in orthopedics, otolaryngology, plastic surgery, radiology, and sports medicine are needed, as are athletic trainers and person- urology, among many others. In addition to the many areas of nel involved in sports testing. There are also careers as an medical specialties, there are many career options for physi- acupuncturist, naturopathy practioner, or chiropractor. An in- cians. The most common choice, and the greatest demand for ternet search on any of these career choices will identify the physicians, is in clinical practice. However, there are many most up to date information on requirements and training other choices for physicians. For example, a physician can programs. develop a career in medical investigation at the Centers for Healthcare is important for the care of animals as well as Disease Control or in research at the National Institutes of people. Veterinarians specialize in large domestic animals, Health. Alternative career paths for physicians include broad- cast journalism, i.e., explaining medical advances and other clinical issues to the public on television or on the internet, the Table 2. Disciplines of biology-related research teaching of clinical medicine to medical students, and clinical Fields in Biomedical Research research. A physician may also carry out early clinical trials in the pharmaceutical industry or more advanced clinical trials in Physiology Pharmacology Biochemistry clinical practice. Molecular Biology Bacteriology Virology Anatomy Neuroscience Cell biology There are many other career options in healthcare. Opticians Oncology Genetics Immunology and orthopticians are both involved in eye care. Optometry is Space Physiology Embryology Kinesiology a doctoral-level program, whereas orthoptics, the treatment of Fields in Biological Research crossed eyes/lazy eye, is a 2-yr program after a BS degree. Podiatry is a doctoral-level program in foot care for which Botany Horticulture Plant Taxonomy there is a strong demand (1). Pharmacy is now a doctoral-level Paleobotany Palynology Evolutionary Biology Phycology Ecology Environmental Science program. The student typically takes 2–3 yr of undergraduate Ichthyology Forensic Biology Forensic Anthropology work and then enters the 4-yr pharmacy doctoral program. Parasitology Entomology Ornithology Dentistry is also a doctoral program that one enters after Marine Biology Vertebrate Zoology completing a BS degree; there are additional specialties within Herpetology Wildlife Biology Invertebrate Zoology Biophysics Developmental Biology Bioethics dentistry, such as orthodontics. The positions of dental hygien- Conservation Science ist and dental assistant are positions in dental clinics that Advances in Physiology Education • VOL 31 • DECEMBER 2007
• 4.
  A Personal View 101 THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH A DEGREE IN BIOLOGY 325 Table 3. Careers in healthcare Doctor of Medicine Doctor of Osteopathy Combined MD/PhD Optometrist Orthoptician Podiatrist Dentist Dental Hygienist Dental Assistant Orthodontist Epidemiologist Public Health Professional Pharmacologist Physician’s Assistant Physical Therapist Occupational Therapist Medical Technologist Cytotechnician Genetics Counselor Respiratory Technician X-Ray Technician Quality Control Specialist Sperm Bank Technician Phlebotomist Athletic Trainer Sports Tester In Vitro Fertilization Technician Aquarist Perfusionist Radiation Therapy Technician Zookeeper Veterinarian Veternary Assistant Surgical Technologist Exercise Physiologist Anesthesiology Assistant Orthotics and Prosthetics Specialist Audiologist Medical Appliance Technician Acupuncturist Diagnostic Medical Sonography Specialist Emergency Medical Science Specialist Magnetic Resonance Technician Environmental Science and Protection Technician Clinical Trials Coordinator Naturopath Chiropractor small domestic animals, exotic pets, zoo animals, or labo- Science writing. Students who have an interest in writing as Downloaded from advan.physiology.org on January 31, 2012 ratory animals. Careers are also available as veterinary well as biology may find a rewarding career in science writing technicians or veterinary assistants. Careers as zookeepers, (Table 4). Areas of focus include the writing of feature articles zoo assistants, and aquarists also build on a foundation in for science journals such as Science and Nature, the writing of biology. science articles for news magazines such as Time or News- Education. Another large area of careers for those with an week, and writing for local or regional newspapers. Textbooks interest in biology is education (Table 4). Instructors in in biological sciences must be written for students at all levels biology are needed at all levels of education, including (i.e., elementary school, middle school, junior high school, elementary school, middle school, junior high school, high high school, college, graduate school, medical school, and school, and college. Teachers for graduate students and continuing education). Editors of those textbooks are also medical students are also necessary as well as teachers with necessary. Technical manuals must be written for every a biology-based education for technical training schools and piece of medical or research equipment used in hospitals, community colleges. Schools at all levels may be either hospital laboratories, clinics, or research laboratories, and public or private. The requirements for teaching vary. A the writers of these manuals need to understand the biolog- teaching certificate with a BS degree is needed for teaching ical basis of the use of the equipment. People who have an at the elementary school through high school levels. Teach- aptitude for both art and science may find a satisfying career ing at the college, graduate school, and medical school as a scientific or medical illustrator. Other careers in this levels typically requires a PhD degree, although some col- broad field include broadcast journalism, such as writing or leges and community colleges hire teachers with MS-level consulting for medical dramas or serving as the host of degrees. Another significant requirement for teaching is to television shows about nature, science, or animals, and enjoy and appreciate students of the age group that you’ve creative writing, such as writing stories with a biology or chosen to teach; for example, if you don’t like teenagers, medical background. don’t become a high school teacher. Moreover, teaching Administration and management. Another field that employs requires focus and concentration and forces you to keep up people with a biology background is administration and man- with advances in science to ensure that you convey the latest agement (Table 5). One example of a career in this field is a and most exciting information to your students. A teacher grants administrator at an agency that funds research. Grant must be dedicated and creative to maintain the attention and funding agencies include national governmental agencies such motivation of students. as the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Table 4. Career opportunities in education, science writing, and related fields Careers in Education Elementary School Teacher Middle/Junior High School Teacher High School Teacher College Professor Junior College Professor Technical Training School Teacher Graduate School Professor Medical School Professor Careers in Science Writing Writer of Feature Articles in Scientific Journals Writer of Science Articles for Newsmagazines Textbook Writer Textbook Editor Writer for Local or Regional Newspaper Writer of Technical Manuals Related Fields Scientific/Medical Illustrator Broadcast Journalist (i.e., dramas) Television Show Host (for shows about nature, animals, or science) Creative Writer (material with a biological/medical theme) Copy Editor (for scientific journals) Advances in Physiology Education • VOL 31 • DECEMBER 2007
• 5.
  A Personal View 326 101 THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH A DEGREE IN BIOLOGY Table 5. Administrative/management careers in Industry. Many industries, including pharmaceutical, bio- biology-related fields technology, food, and agriculture industries, hire personnel at many levels with foundations in biology (Table 7). Positions Executive Director of a professional society include market research (i.e., in the food industry), product Grants Administrator at a national government agency or nonprofit agency Administrator at a university office of research or compliance office development and testing, and sales and marketing. People with Administrator/Manager of a biotechnology firm strong communication/linguistic skills may find employment Administrator/Manager of a pharmaceutical firm in public relations in industry. The pharmaceutical industry hires drug representatives, and positions are also available for sales representatives in the agricultural industry and for com- Foundation as well as nonprofit agencies such as the American panies that sell scientific reagents and equipment for research Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, American and clinical laboratories. The agricultural industry offers posi- Cancer Society, and March of Dimes. Administrators are tions in plants and crops, animals, and biofuels industries. needed in university Offices of Research as well as Safety and There are also positions in regulatory affairs and quality Compliance Offices. Administrators and managers who under- control in industry. Industry also employs scientific consult- stand biology are also needed at biotechnology and pharma- ceutical firms. Another example is executive director of a ants. Biological entrepreneurs often found companies that professional society such as the American Physiological develop into biotechnology or other industries. Society. Miscellaneous biology-based careers. There are many ca- Government. Careers for people with a foundation in biol- reers for biologists that do not fit into the above categories Downloaded from advan.physiology.org on January 31, 2012 ogy are also available at all levels of government, including (Table 7). For example, biology is not a requirement to become local, state, national, and international levels of government an astronaut, but some astronauts do need to be biologists. A (Table 6). Positions are available in natural resource manage- good brewmaster or baker needs to understand the life cycle ment/environmental regulation and management, including and nutrient requirements of yeast. An interest in law and field research, in the areas of rivers and streams, fish, wildlife biology together may lead to a career in patent law, environ- management (i.e., wildlife biologist), and forest management, mental law, or medical legal law. An interest in finance and and as county extension agents. A foundation in biology is biology may lead to a career as a financial analyst in science- useful for park rangers and park interpreters as well as or technology-based areas. Biostatisticians analyze the statis- personnel involved in water quality control and waste man- tics of biological fields. Bioinformatics requires a founda- agement. Science policy analysts, researchers, and admin- tion in computer analytical techniques as well as biology. istrators as well as lobbyists for science, technology, and This field developed from the need for analysis of the large education issues will benefit from a background in biology. quantities of data that emerged from the sequencing of the International health organizations need biologists in admin- human and other genomes and the subsequent global bio- istrative or research positions, and there are careers in logical applications of genomics and proteomics, and it has administration and research for nonprofit public interest undergone significant expansion in recent years. Biofouling organizations that support a cause or issue related to life examines biological contamination and its prevention, from sciences or the environment at regional, national, and inter- the bacterial contamination of hospital catheters to the national levels. The federal Food and Drug Administration contamination of ship’s ballasts with unwanted biologicals employs biologists for the drug approval process as well as such as zebra mussels. investigators of food safety and questions of contamination of the food supply. Governments employ inspectors of meat and other food processing plants, restaurants, and imported goods of a biological nature. Governments regulate safety in the workplace through Occupational Health and Safety reg- Table 7. Fields in biology-related industries such as the ulations and inspections. There are nongovernment posi- food industry, agricultural industry, pharmaceutical industry, tions in some of these fields as well; for example, there are and biotechnology industry and in miscellaneous private fisheries and wildlife biologists. biology-based careers Table 6. Government careers in biology-related fields Market Research Regulatory Affairs Enviromental Regulator (rivers, streams and fish, wildlife, and forest Quality Control management) Sales and Marketing Park Ranger or Park Interpretor Product Development and Testing Lobbyist (science, technology, and science education) Aerospace Water Quality Control Specialist Scientific Consultation Waste Management Technician Brewing County Extension Agent Patent, Environment, or Medical Law Science Policy Analyst Financial Analysis Sciene Policy Researcher Bioinformatics Administrator/Researcher for an international health group Biostatistics Administrator/Researcher for a nonprofit public interest group Biological Entrepreneurship Food and Drug Administration Researcher (drug approval or food safety) Biofouling Manager of a Wildlife Refuge Baking Industry Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Public Relations Advances in Physiology Education • VOL 31 • DECEMBER 2007
• 6.
  A Personal View 101 THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH A DEGREE IN BIOLOGY 327 Careers for Which Biology Forms the Foundation but That other strong interests that could be combined with a foun- Require a Related Degree dation in biology to create a unique career? Answers to these questions will provide initial guidance in career Additional careers that require related degrees but for choices. which biology forms an important foundation (Table 8) To further refine a student’s interest in a particular career, include anthropology, biomedical engineering, nursing, and an internet search will rapidly identify information about the diatetics/nutrition as well as healthcare administration in length of required training, level of difficulty, job demand, hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. Paleontologists need projected salaries, and location of training programs for that to understand animal biology. For example, they study the career. A very useful tool is the Occupational Outlook origins and insertions of muscles on dinosaur bones and use Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United that information to understand how the animals moved. The States Department of Labor (1). An internet search using the study of alcohol and drug abuse forms a foundation for terms “biology careers” will identify other useful career positions in prevention, education, counseling, treatment, information. Another method of career exploration is to and law enforcement. Agricultural sciences also build on the identify people who are employed in the career of interest knowledge of living things. Careers in agricultural science and ask questions, such as how did they make their career include animal science, crop science, soil science, viticul- choices, what was the training pathway, and do they find the ture, apiary, fish farming, dairy production, meat produc- career rewarding and worthwhile. Ask whether there is tion, poultry science, crop consultation, crop management, opportunity to shadow the individual, or whether there are and biofuels research. In addition, the United States Depart- internships that would allow hands-on experience in a field Downloaded from advan.physiology.org on January 31, 2012 ment of Agriculture employs researchers in both animal and to assist the decision-making process. Students should in- plant research. quire about the academic rigor required for a given career choice and should critically assess their ability to meet that Choosing a Career standard. How does a student choose a career path, and how do we The demand for personnel in a given career path is an advise them? The first step is for students to become aware important consideration in choosing a given path. There is of the many career paths that are available; indeed, raising strong demand for some positions such as physicians and awareness of potential career opportunities for biologists is teachers. On the other hand, there are few job openings in the first goal of this discussion. Biology students should careers such phycology and marine biology (1). Job stability then assess their personal interests and aptitudes in the is another issue to consider. For example, research techni- various broad fields of biology (i.e., research, healthcare, cians with BS or MS degrees working in university research teaching, science writing, etc.). What piques their interest? laboratories are often paid from research grants so the Are they more interested in plants or animals or microor- position may only exist for the lifespan of the grant. In ganisms? How many years are they willing to devote to contrast, the same research technician position at a pharma- education? Are they willing to devote the necessary study ceutical firm may be very stable. The Occupational Outlook time to achieve the required knowledge level (and accom- Handbook (1) provides information about job stability and panying grade point average)? Do they want to work out- job demand. Salary is another decisive factor. In general, doors or indoors? Do they want to work with lots of people? salaries are proportional to training and level of responsi- Do they want a job in a specific geographical location? Do bility. People with a master’s degree have greater responsi- they want a job with intellectual stimulation? Do they have bility and earn a greater salary than those with a bachelor’s degree. Similarly, people with a PhD have greater respon- sibility and earn a larger salary than those with a MS degree. Table 8. Fields for which biology forms the foundation but In healthcare, the physician has more years of training and that require a related degree the greatest responsibility and also earns the larger salary. Many biology programs allow a student to choose a subdis- Anthropology ciplinary track during their course of undergraduate study. The Paleontology Nursing available tracks vary among Biology departments but may Healthcare Administration include a focus on cellular and molecular biology or on Animal Science ecology or evolution, for example. Larger departments will Crop Science have a greater diversity of options for the student. However, Soil Science following an academic track narrows the training that the Biofuels Research Beekeeping student receives, thereby narrowing the student’s career op- Viticulture tions. This is not an issue if the student has made a career Fish Farming choice. However, it would be wise of the student not to focus Crop Consultation too tightly on a career track until a career choice has been Crop Management United States Department of Agriculture Research identified. Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Dairy Production Summary Meat Production Poultry Science It is likely that additional career options for biologists are Biomedical Engineering missing from this list, and certainly many of the specialties Dietetics/Nutrition within broad fields are not enumerated. However, this roster Advances in Physiology Education • VOL 31 • DECEMBER 2007
• 7.
  A Personal View 328 101 THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH A DEGREE IN BIOLOGY should serve as a useful tool for biology students seeking GRANTS information on career options and for those who assist students This project was supported in part by National Science Foundation Grant in searching for careers that fit their personalities and aspira- IBN 0315717. tions as well as their foundation in biology. REFERENCE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, United States Department of Labor. Occupa- The author thanks colleagues, friends, and students who contributed career tional Outlook Handbook (OOH), 2006 – 07 Edition (online). http://www. ideas to this discussion. bls.gov/oco/home.htm [10 September 2007]. Downloaded from advan.physiology.org on January 31, 2012 Advances in Physiology Education • VOL 31 • DECEMBER 2007