People with a degree in biochemistry are employed in a wide range of jobs. A degree in biochemistry alone will not qualify you for a job. You must be qualified and trained to do the work required by your employer just as any other graduate must. Here is an excellent guide that describes typical employment opportunities in the biochemistry fields.
There are a variety of defining characteristics that make biochemists stand out from the crowd, and if any of these traits apply to you, we may have the job for you.
Careers with a degree in biochemistry
Every field of study has its own requirements for entry level positions. Some fields, like finance, law, and engineering have rigid educational requirements. They require you to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher as well as obtain state licensing or certifications before entering the workforce. Other fields are less demanding when it comes to educational background, but some prerequisites in basic computer literacy and foreign language fluency are a must for candidates. Still others seem to matter little with regards to academic preparation and what really matters is who you know and where you go to school. The career area that falls into the latter category is that of biochemistry.
Baccalaureate programs and curricula leading to a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry typically include coursework in: general chemistry, organic chemistry, mathematics, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry and physical science. Expert biochemists frequently study the underlying chemical processes that support life. They improve genetic engineering (and therefore survival) by altering the DNA structure of organisms including bacteria or viruses. Microbiologists investigate the cellular processes that microorganisms use to maintain life. These scientists often research medical treatments and vaccines for illnesses caused by bacteria and viruses, such as AIDS and antibiotic-resistant diseases.
Although there is a high demand for biochemists in both private industries and academia, the need is expected to decrease due the the growing numbers of qualified applicants for few available positions.
Biochemists analyze chemicals and living organisms to better understand their function and composition. As a chemist, you will work in a laboratory conducting research and experiments. The job title has changed throughout history, usually reflecting the specialization of the individual chemist.
If you are considering choosing biochemistry for a career, then here are some of the available career options.
Biochemists work in a variety of diverse careers, depending on which field they choose to focus. That being said, the type of education that one receives is quite similar regardless of their career choice. We hope this article has given you a better idea of what studying biochemistry leads to and what opportunities it presents a student. Now go forth and make those decisions!
The career outlook for biochemists is positive. Between 2010 and 2020, the American chemistry council predicts a 24 percent increase in jobs for biochemists. This is faster than the average for all careers in their projection. Many universities across the country are offering biochemistry degrees now, too.
A good way to get a job in the medical field is through getting an internship. This lets you work in a medical setting and learn about the different aspects of the medical field. There are many different undergraduate degrees you can get in the medical field, such as biochemistry. Biochemistry majors get hands-on experience in laboratories to learn how to manipulate and understand the human body. So by forming connections with companies, and interning for them, you can easily land a job once you graduate.
Biochemists work in laboratories, performing experiments that often involve complex machinery and chemicals. It is part of their job to analyze these experiments for errors and make adjustments to ensure that the experiments are successful. Other tasks that biochemists perform include reviewing scientific literature, identifying new ways to apply existing techniques or applications, and conducting research into specific topics of interest. Contrary to popular belief, biochemistry is not a limited field where jobs are only offered at universities and other educational institutions. Many biochemists choose to develop their careers in a variety of professions in government, education, pharmaceuticals, veterinary medicine and other organic fields.
It’s important to examine the broader picture when considering your career options. For instance, if you like medicine, you should consider both the pros and cons of becoming a physician, as well as looking at other specialties within medicine that you may enjoy more. Likewise, if you like chemistry, you don’t necessarily have to become a biochemist. After all, there are many fields that require significant amounts of chemistry knowledge. So take some time to find out what all is out there before deciding on a path that will take you years to take.
