How to Get a Biotech Job

Biotechnology jobs are available to those who complete the necessary prerequisites.

A biotechnology career allows students to use a combination of mathematics, computer software applications and physical sciences such as physics. Students learn about potential cures for lung cancer or help improve food production. Some biotechnology careers require an undergraduate degree, while other careers require completing a post-graduate degree. Getting a biotechnology job requires completing a science degree, working with career services, preparing a biotechnology resume, participating in job fairs and practicing for the job interview.

Things You'll Need

• Biotechnology or biology degree
• Biotechnology cover letter
• Biotechnology resume
• Biotechnology job fair

Instructions

1. Complete a biotechnology undergraduate or graduate degree. Look for a biotechnology degree program which provides courses in techniques, research and manufacturing. Verify that the degree program offers a biotechnology internship. This will help students gain hands-on work experience to show future employers.

   The internship can take place in pharmaceutical firms, biotechnology companies or a manufacturing laboratory setting. Discuss with an academic counselor which courses must be fulfilled before an internship can begin. Make a positive impression so the internship can be used as a job reference and work experience.

2. Contact the local college or university career services department for biotechnology job information. Use the college's academic research materials and speak with a career counselor. Visit the career services department in the early mornings before it becomes busy with other students.

   Ask the career counselor about biotechnology job opportunities and starting salaries. The career counselor should be able to provide this information. Upon graduation, some schools also provide job placement opportunities.

3. Prepare a biotechnology resume. Highlight experience, education or awards. Start the resume with a career overview such as working as a biotechnology researcher. List work experience, include biotechnology internships. Proofread it for errors and accuracy.

   Add your resume to online job sites for biotechnology careers. For privacy, use a cellular telephone number and post office box instead of home telephone number and home address. Potential employers can scan the uploaded resume and if interested, make contact about potential job interviews.

4. Participate in a biotechnology job fair to learn more information about the companies that may be hiring. Look in the classified section of the local daily newspaper or enter "biotechnology job fair" into a computer search engine.

   Once a job fair is located, attend the job fair with several copies of resumes for providing to prospective employers.

5. Practice answering potential interview questions before a biotechnology job interview. Employers may ask about education, employment history and career plans.

   Bring extra resume copies to the interview, since some employers ask for more than one copy. During the job interview, make sure to highlight desires to work in the biotechnology field. Send a thank you note to interviewers and restate interest in the job.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a list of all your biotechnology job files.

• Keep an up to date resume for interviews.

• Join a professional organization for science fields.

References

• The University of Houston: Frequently Asked Questions about Biotechnology
• Montgomery County Community College: Biotechnology Courses

Resources

• Biotechnology Institute: What is Biotechnology