A biology major is one of the most popular college degrees in the US.
This is because a degree in biology is so versatile and will take you into any career.
If you’re in high school and researching your college options, biology is definitely one to consider. There are a few biology specific careers where you have the chance to really change the world for the better.
See our list of jobs for biology majors to find out where your degree could take you.
1. Biology Teacher or Professor
The best way to change the world is through the education of young people. What better way to make use of your biology degree than teaching students and passing on your knowledge?
The life of a teacher is so varied, but you are bound by a state curriculum so ensure all children have an equal education.
If you want more flexibility with course content, then look at being a college professor instead. You can create your own content, exams, and essays and teach biology the way you want it to be taught.
2. Marine Biologist
Another great way to change the world is to become a marine biologist. Due to pollution and water contamination, many marine species are now in danger of becoming extinct.
Working to save our precious marine ecosystems will not only use your biology knowledge but will also feed your wanderlust urge.
As a marine biologist, you’ll travel all over the world and spend many hours in your wetsuit in the water with marine animals. Sounds pretty great, right?
3. Wildlife Conservation Officer
Similar to the marine biologist, but on land. Using your knowledge to save endangered wildlife species will be really fulfilling.
You’ll get to formulate and work on major conservation projects, which will include travel to exotic countries. You could stay more local and work with local wildlife sanctuaries to preserve the wild ecosystem in your area.
4. Research Associate
If you enjoyed the labs while at college, then consider a career in research. You’ll be in the labs all day, conducting and overseeing important tests to answer scientific questions.
It could be you that finds the cure for cancer!
5. Microbiologist
If you have an interest in public health or healthcare in general then this is the job for you.
As a microbiologist, you’ll spend a lot of time in labs testing biological samples for various diseases.
All those blood, urine and other samples you see in hospitals get sent to their microbiology labs to be tested. You could be testing human or animal samples – this job is not for the faint-hearted!
6. Zoologist
Are you an animal lover?
Zoologists know everything there is to know about all animal species. From insects to the domesticated dog, using all those Latin names will become second nature.
They study how animals interact in their own ecosystems, and how different ecosystems interact with each other. This includes studying animal behavior, the effect of the human population on wildlife and anything else concerning the animals.
7. Veterinary Technician
If you are interested in veterinary medicine, then a ‘vet tech’ role may interest you.
Vet techs assist with procedures, keep an eye on the animals under veterinary care and look after the animals, including feeding, cleaning, changing dresses, etc.
You can do further training to specialize in radiography, cardiology, oncology, etc. if you find you have an interest in a specialized area of veterinary medicine.
This is a varied job, and each day will be different. You will be assisting in surgery, so this is another career for the brave.
8. Technical Writer
If the 9-5 workplace doesn’t seem right for you then why not become a freelance Technical Writer?
You will be writing scientific reports, scientific papers for journals and other technical literature. This really suits graduates as you are already in the flow of producing technical reports from college, it is easy to keep up the writing when you graduate.
You could also get a technical writing role within a company. Many government environmental agencies require a full-time report and technical writers, to produce high-quality content to update their websites and animal health policies.
9. Pharmaceutical Rep
If you have some experience working in sales, then you can apply those skills to this job.
You will spend your days visiting hospitals, health clinics, and veterinary practices to sell a brand to them.
Selling pharmaceutical drugs on behalf of a large company (think Pfizer, McKesson, Bayer) comes with an extensive benefits package, along with job security. Being a sales rep is no easy task though, you often have to meet sales goals and your salary could be commission based.
There is more info here on getting into the pharmaceutical industry.
10. Set Up Your Own Business
If none of these careers match your goals, then why not set up your own business. A biology degree really gives you a broad education where you can be successful in any industry you choose.
If you’ve always wanted to run your own baking business, be a photographer or even be a pet sitter, there will be skills you have learned that is put to good use.
Successfully graduating from college, no matter what degree, gives you skills that set you apart from non-graduates.
Jobs for Biology Majors
If you haven’t already completed a degree in biology, then consider doing one to get into one of the careers above.
You may just find the cure for cancer or save a population of endangered animals by getting one of our suggested jobs for biology majors.
For more career information, check out our careers blog.
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