Biology: Now What?
What is Biology?
Biologists learn how living things work, how they interact with one another, and how they evolve. They may study cells under a microscope, insects in a rainforest, viruses that affect human beings, plants in a greenhouse, or lions in the African grasslands. Their work increases our understanding about the natural world in which we live and helps us address issues of personal well-being and worldwide concern, such as environmental depletion, threats to human health, and maintaining viable & abundant food supplies.
What Can I Do With A Bachelor’s Degree In Biology?
- Agronomist
- Animal Scientist
- Aquaculture Farmer
- Aquaculturist
- Aquarium & Museum
- Aquarium Technician
- Aquatic Biologist
- Barrier Beach Mgr
- Bio-Engineer
- Bio-Technologist
- Biochemist
- Biometrician
- Boat Builder & Repair
- Botanist
- Chem. Oceanographer
- Chiropractor
- Coastal Resources Mgr.
- Commercial Fish. Eng.
- Coroner
- Dentist
- Dietitian & Nutritionist
- Ecologist
- Environmental Engineer
- Environmental Health
- Environmental Protection
- Ergonomist
- Fish Hatchery Tech
- Fisheries Conservation
- Florist
- Food Scientist-Tech
- Forester
- Genetic Eng. Research
- Geographer
- Geophysicist/ Physicist
- Health Officer
- Horticulturist
- Hospital Administrator
- Hydrographic Surveyor
- Industrial Hygienist
- Industrial Marine Econ.
- Limnological Technician
- Marine-Coastal Consult
- Marine Bacteriologist
- Marine Biologist
- Marine Ecologist
- Marine Engineering Tech
- Marine Fisheries/Worker
- Marine Geologist
- Marine Sales
- Marine Tourist Worker
- Market Research Analyst
- Medical Illustrator
- Medical Laboratory Tech
- Medical Librarian
- Medical Technologist
- Meteorologist
- Microbiologist
- Molecular Biologist
- Mortician
- Museum/Aquarium Admin.
- Mycologist
- Naval Architect
- Net Designer
- Neurobiologist
- Oceanographer
- Paramedic
- Parasitologist
- Pharmaceutical Sales
- Pharmacy Technician
- Physical Therapist
- Physician
- Public Health Worker
- Salt Marsh Manager
- Science Illustrator
- Science Lab Tech.
- Science Teacher
- Science Writer
- Seafood Processor-Researcher
- Soil Conservationist
- State Parks & Recreation
- Systems Analyst
- Technical Writer
- Technical Writer Test-Inspection Tech.
- Toxicologist
- Underwater Technician
- Veterinarian
- Water Quality Technician
- Wildlife Biologist
- Wildlife Resources Mgr.
- Zoologist
Where Might I do an Internship?
UMass Amherst Biology Majors Have Done Internships at The Following Sites:
- Walt Disney World
- Northampton VA Medical Ctr
- Cooley Dickinson Hospital
- Baystate Health Systems
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Ctr
- MASSPIRG
- Shriners Hospitals for Children
- Wyeth Biotech
- Sanofi Group: Pasteur, & Genzyme
- MA State House
- Fitchburg State University
- UMass Amherst Aviary Field Research
- Associates of Cape Cod
- Biogen Idec Inc
- UMass Amherst MA Pesticide Analysis Lab
- UMass Amherst Student Legal Services
- UMass Amherst Emergency Medical Services
- University Health Services
- MSM Protein Technologies
- Methuen (City of)
- Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory
- All-Access Fitness Academy
- PrO Unlimited
- PRIMA Pediatrics
- Principle Profits Asset Management
- Centocor
- Dr. Hauschka Skin Care Inc.
- Venilia Gardens
- MIT Lincoln Laboratory
- Richard B. Simches Research Ctr
- Yonsei University (S. Korea)
- Vision Showcase
- Whale Ctr of New England
- US Dept. of Agriculture
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals
- Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society
- Zoo in Forest Park (The)
- National Aquarium in Baltimore
- Boston Biomedical Research Institute
- UMass Amherst Environmental Health & Safety
- UMass Amherst Campus Sustainability Initiative
- UMass Amherst Ctr for Health Promotion
- UMass Amherst Peer Health Educators
- Northampton Area Pediatrics, LLP
- Craig's Doors- A Home Association
- Gimhae Saint Mary's Hospital (S. Korea)
- New York Sports Club
- Neighborhood Physical Therapy
- Harvard University
- Baystate Medical Ctr
- American Cancer Society
- AVEO Pharmaceuticals
- UMass Amherst Biology Dept
- Douglas Treyz DDS
- Peabody (City of)
- Children's Hospital Boston
- Cell Signaling Technology, Inc.
- Joslin Diabetes Ctr
- UMass Amherst
- Hunt and Piech Dental Group
- Differential Proteomics, Inc.
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Target
- World Parrot Trust
- Springborn Smithers Laboratories
- World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF)
- Red Cross Children's Hospital
- MA Environmentally Preferable Products Procurement Program
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
- Amherst Regional Public Schools
- Amgen Inc.
- Amherst (Town of)
Who Could I Work For?
Some of the larger companies, government agencies, and industries that hire biology majors include:
- Air Pollution Control
- Center for Disease Control
- Department of Agriculture
- Fish and Wildlife Service
- Dept of Health and Human Services
- Land Use Planning Commission
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Food and Drug Administration
- National Park Service
- U.S. Forest Service
- Peace Corps
- Bio-medical device makers
- Chemical manufacturers
- Health clinics
- Schools and Universities
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Public utilities
- Research foundations
- Testing labs
- Scientific Journals
Important Transferable Qualities To Include On Your Resume
Analytical skills. Biologists need to able to conduct scientific experiments and analyses with accuracy and precision.
Critical-thinking skills. Biologists draw conclusions from experimental results through sound reasoning and judgment.
Listening skills. Biologists must carefully follow the instructions of biochemists, microbiologists, and other scientists when carrying out experiments and analyses.
Observation skills. Biologists must constantly monitor their experiments. They need to keep a complete, accurate record of their work, such as the conditions under which the experiment was carried out, the procedures they followed, and the results they obtained.
Teamwork. Biologists work together on teams under the direction of biologists or other scientists.
Technical skills. Biologists must be able to set up and operate sophisticated equipment and instruments. They also may need to adjust equipment to ensure that experiments are conducted properly.
Writing skills. Biologists must write reports that summarize their findings and results clearly.
What Do Employers Look For?
(Source: NACE Job Outlook 2022, Courtesy of the National Association of College and Employers | www.naceweb.org)
Top 10 Things Employers Look for on Your Resume
- Problem-solving skills
- Analytical/quantitative skills
- Ability to work in a team
- Communication skills (written)
- Initiative
- Strong work ethic
- Technical skills
- Flexibility/adaptability
- Detail-oriented
- Leadership
7 Things That Give You an Advantage in the Job Market
- Internship with the organization
- Internship within the industry
- Major
- Leadership position
- General work experience
- Extracurricular activities
- High GPA (3.0 or above)