Being a Biology Major holding an emphasis in cellular molecular biology. I’m looking into work in the field of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. This has always been an interest of mine because I am genuinely passionate about immunology with the production of medicines and medical devices. I’ve always been interested in the science of how things work and how to design medical equipment or pharmaceuticals. These companies are often great places to start your career within the field but eventually I want to have my own company. This means starting at one of these entry level positions, advancing my education and knowledge of the industry and then eventually branching out to start something on my own.
Some of the jobs I’m looking for are along the lines of entry level undergraduate internships that focus on specific aspects of the company. Most of these opportunities ask that you be studying to complete your bachelors in the field of sciences focusing on chemistry, biology and biochemistry. Most of them don’t have a GPA requirement but they recommend that you have above a 3.0 cumulative in science related course work. In regard to suggested course work they recommend you taken a lot of laboratory classes that familiarize yourself with common and practical lab techniques.
In regard to experience, they’re also looking for previous undergraduate research experience which also familiarizes the prospective candidate with the laboratory setting. Sometimes each of the employers look for relevant research that could easily be applicable to their current industry. For example, if a pharmaceutical company that focuses on a lot of biochemistry lab techniques is looking for a student for their intern program, they would prefer they have the research experience in biochemistry.
To get this type of research experience as an undergrad requires you to reach out to your student faculty and ask if they need any volunteers for their laboratory. After spending numerous hours volunteering you can find yourself with more overall experience in the field. This is the type of persistence these employers are looking for.
A couple of the companies that I’m looking into for internships are local biotech or pharmaceutical startups or companies with designated internship programs. These companies include, BioLegend, Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Neurocrine Biosciences. These all have undergraduate intern programs that are mentor based which would allow me to have the best learning experience. In regard to my identity, It would stay the same in-between these companies. They are looking for an interest in the sciences and that is what I would want to show for.
The most important part about this search for an internship is that I want to have the best learning experience. I’m looking for an experience that will really shape my career by taking the initial steps into the industry. Hopefully an opportunity like this will leave me with valuable connections in the workforce which would lead me to even more jobs after I graduate. Ultimately I hope that this opportunity will open more doors to my future, and help ,me learn what it takes to succeed.
Some of these opportunities on LinkedIn:
Hello Bernardo,
ReplyDeleteThe career you are pursuing sounds really interesting. I don't enjoy chemistry that much but I'm really interested in biotechnology. When I had my communications class, my last presentation had to do with biotechnology. Basically, I presented a device that would counteract the effects of Alzheimer, and prevent innocent people from going to jail. The purpose of the device was to restore the memory of the person, and in case something happens with the brain causing memory loss, the device would bring those memories back to them. And in the case of unfair cases, the device can be removed from the brain and examine by professionals and in their they would see all their thoughts and memories. This would help them know who to send to jail. I hope you get involve in research and learned many things that would help you built your resume. Good luck with the internships.
-Ramiro Ramirez