Landing Your Dream Job as a Biology Major: Interview Tips, Tricks, and More

Are you a biology student wondering how to land that perfect job after graduation? We've compiled insights from experienced professionals who've successfully navigated the transition from biology major to fulfilling career. Their advice on internships, resumes, interview preparation, and career strategies will help you stand out in a competitive field.

Embrace Diverse Experiences

Don't limit yourself to traditional biology career paths. Many successful professionals found their way through unexpected routes. Katie, an Environmental Project Manager, shares: "I actually got a job as a receptionist at an environmental firm with the hope that I could get into actually being a biologist. And it worked out!" Her ability to pivot and demonstrate value allowed her to transition from reception to fieldwork and eventually project management.

Similarly, Chase, now working in aerospace as an Orbit Analyst, underscores the value of exploring different paths: "I never thought I'd be in this industry. It was not something that crossed my mind until I broadened my search of what would be fun and what I might like." His journey demonstrates how keeping an open mind can lead to unexpected and rewarding career opportunities.

Gain Hands-On Experience

Practical experience is invaluable for landing your first role. Katie emphasizes the importance of her senior project: "I really think that it was valuable to have the learn-by-doing aspect. At Cal Poly [San Luis Obispo], you got that firsthand experience doing things in a school setting before you actually went out into the real world."

Entry-Level Positions

Our interviewees recommend that biology majors consider entry-level positions such as the following:

• Medical Assistant or Scribe: Nithin, a Physician and UCLA MBA, notes, "Nowadays I definitely recommend medical assistant or scribe [positions]... In that situation, you kind of have to do a little bit more of the ground work, but you're also interacting on a regular basis with practitioners, physician assistant positions, [and] patients."

• Clinical Trial Assistant: Kimberly, a Clinical Research Associate, explains, "You could probably be qualified for it even as an undergraduate student, especially if you've had prior working experience, prior internships in the health care industry."

• Field Technician: Sophie, an Environmental Planner, suggests, "There are a lot of entry-level positions in environmental consulting... Some are desktop positions, but generally there's a lot more field positions and technician positions available to recently-graduated students."

  
  

Develop Key Skills

Our professionals consistently highlight certain skills as essential regardless of your specific biology career path:

• Communication: Avery, a Customer Success Manager, emphasizes the importance of "people skills, [and] knowing how to de-escalate when people get upset. They just want someone to listen, and they want to feel like people are working on their behalf to make things better for them."

• Organization: Nancy, a Project Manager at UCLA Health, emphasizes, "The most important qualities are being organized, being able to lead a team, as well as attention to detail."

• Adaptability: Chase emphasizes the importance of "being willing to learn new things and have a good attitude about it."

• Resilience: Lauren, CEO and Co-Founder at Gaiascope, points out that "the most important skill is dealing with uncertainty and ambiguity. The other is an absurd level of optimism."

Network Effectively

Building professional connections is crucial. Avery learned this lesson the hard way: "Don't apply to a job without a referral." She suggests conducting informational interviews to learn about different companies and roles. Danny, a Software Engineering Manager at a biotechnology company, emphasizes that "networking and working closely with peers will also help you. A lot of my jobs—from my internship to my first full-time job—have been because I knew somebody."

Interview Preparation

When preparing for interviews, focus on demonstrating both technical knowledge and soft skills:

• Research the company thoroughly

• Practice articulating your experiences clearly and concisely

• Prepare examples that showcase your problem-solving abilities

Brandon, now an Associate at Aurora Capital Partners, notes: "Interview skills are critical. When I did my undergraduate interviewing, I was fortunate to have a lot of friends that would practice with me, and we did it together. And so we came off a lot more polished than maybe a normal undergrad would."

Be Open to Non-Traditional Paths

Many successful biology majors found their passion in unexpected places. Bryanna, now in AI technology sales, shares: "I realized I want to work in business; science was not for me."

Sterling, who founded a company focused on workplace gender equity, advises early-career workers to take as many benefits as they can from their first positions: "Trust that the job you're in, even if you don't like it or it's not perfect, or even [if it's not] in the industry you want to work in, [will]100% lead you to—and also help you out in—whatever your future career success looks like."

Maintain Work-Life Balance

Several advisors emphasized the importance of setting boundaries. Cindy, a Sr. Clinical Trial Coordinator at UCLA Health, recommends: "Taking the time to be present, enjoy your life as is, and just know that... there has to be some reflection on the type of balance you want to bring into your life... The most significant thing I've learned is, yes, a job is just a job, but your life is actually super valuable."

Final Thoughts

Your biology degree opens doors to diverse career opportunities beyond traditional paths. By gaining relevant experience, developing key skills, networking effectively, and staying open to unexpected possibilities, you'll be well-positioned to land your dream job. Remember that each experience contributes valuable skills to your professional development, even if the connection isn't immediately obvious.

As Jon, a biotech CEO, puts it: "Be brave and seize opportunities when they come up. Doubt can really cloud your judgment." Whether you find yourself in environmental consulting, healthcare, research, or even sales, the analytical thinking and scientific foundation your biology degree provides will serve as valuable assets throughout your career journey.

---

Want to learn more about how your specific background could translate into a career path? Visit us at Advize for more insights from successful, relatable professionals sharing real information to help.

If you ever want to reach out for help, advice or networking, shoot us an email at hello@advizehub.com or message us on Slack!

Wishing you success,

Emily McSherry

Founder & CEO