Biology Seminar - Career Services, Skidmore College

A. Lots to do, but, take one step at a time like your senior research!

B. Self-Assessment is necessary to identify satisfying options and to convince employers to hire you. We can help through exercises and counseling.

C. Good News! The skills and knowledge developed by Biology majors are valued in the marketplace and leave many options open to you.

What Can I Do With a Biology Major? http://www.skidmore.edu/administration/career/majors/biology.html

D. Most aware of options directly related to Biology - Scientific research, lab work, field research etc. Faculty and our staff can help you to explore these options.

E. Many other options that are not as directly related but draw strongly on your Biology background. Examples of ways to use scientific knowledge in career fields outside science:

For those who are creative with a marketing orientation - medical advertising.
Interest in environment, politics, law - Environmental Law.
Interest in finance, analytical skills and science - Investment analyst in biotech or pharmaceutical industries.
Combining counseling and science - genetic counseling, medical social work.
Interest in books - librarian for scientific materials.
Writing and science - Public Relations for hospital, Editorial Assistant for scientific publication.
Verbal/Persuasive skills and science - Pharmaceutical sales, fund raising for hospital.

We can help you to figure out how your unique set of skills, values and interests can be played out in a career.

F. Biology graduates make excellent candiates for a professional school in a broad range of disciplines.

G. Next Step - Researching / Testing Options

Informational interviews with alumni contacts (Career Network) (http://www.skidmore.edu/administration/career/network.htm)
Job Shadowing in January (http://www.skidmore.edu/administration/career/jobshadow.htm)
Spring and summer internships (http://www.skidmore.edu/administration/career/interncentral.htm)

All of these are great job search strategies as well!

H. Job Search - Posted Opportunities

Career Services Website (http://www.skidmore.edu/administration/career/)

Students can get all passwords with your Skidmore user name and password
Recruiting Programs in Boston NYC, Chicago, DC and West Coast
http://www.skidmore.edu/administration/career/rec.htm
Skidmore College CareerLink
Other Entry Level Job Sites – keyword – "Biology" (http://www.skidmore.edu/administration/career/entry.htm)
Biology Sites – (http://www.skidmore.edu/administration/career/science.htm); Environment - (http://www.skidmore.edu/administration/career/envir.htm - SCA, Environmental Careers, Job Seeker)

I. Job Search - Accessing the Hidden Job Market or Creative Approaches

Networking - Our contacts and yours thru family, friends faculty, ex-employers (http://www.skidmore.edu/administration/career/network.htm)
Direct contact - phone or letter to interesting organizations to see if they are hiring (http://www.aamc.org/); Career Search web address: http://www.skidmore.edu/administration/career/careersearch.htm
Prospecting - contact researchers doing interesting work and discuss opportunities, join professional associations and network with members, go to conferences.

J. Complete Senior Registration (http://www.skidmore.edu/administration/career/registration.htm) and receive specific messages about opportunities and resources related to your interests.

K. Resume Development

Optimal - Resume development software to get you started.
Workbook for basics - http://www.skidmore.edu/administration/career/resumeguide/index.html; see staff for critique
Incorporate non-employment experience, which document relevant skills - i.e "Research Experience " including Senior Thesis and Independent Study and cocurricular activities or "Lab. Skills" developed in classes.

Career Services staff is eager to help you out.

We know this is scary stuff but we’re warm and friendly. Come in and check us out!

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