Career Information for Biology Majors |
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It is important to understand that employers hire people, not degrees. The skills and knowledge you develop as a result of your education, as well as in your work and community activities, have the greatest impact on hiring decisions. Listed below are some specific knowledge and transferable skills you will acquire as a result of your university education and your focus on Biology.
Specific Knowledge Skills
Valuable Transferable Skills
Some Career Options for Biology Majors
Potential Employers
Websites
Specific Knowledge Skills
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The skills and knowledge to contribute to the discovery of solutions to problems that are often of immediate concern to society, medicine or industry
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Knowledge of life’s organisms, how life systems are linked and the ability to study the impact of changes in the environment on these life systems
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Skills in conducting research, data collection and analysis using laboratory/field techniques
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The ability to gather, assess, evaluate, interpret and then communicate technical and scientific data to both the scientific and non-scientific communities
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An understanding of scientific process and the ability to formulate and test hypotheses/ideas using an objective and analytical focus
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The ability to identify and develop effective resources/materials to demonstrate scientific findings
Valuable Transferable Skills
Information-gathering and Communication Skills
- The skills required to identify and access a wide range of relevant information and resources
- The ability to compile and organize facts and information and to comprehend and apply new and/or unfamiliar information to different situations and settings
- Skills in preparing interesting, creative and informative presentations which target diverse audiences
- The ability to develop attractive and effective reports, presentations and materials using current technology
Thinking, Planning and Organizational Skills
- The ability to learn, understand and interpret information and apply knowledge to new situations
- The ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and effectively plan/manage time, data and resources
- Problem-solving skills and the ability to make well-reasoned decisions, think creatively and search for, identify and consider all sides of an issue
- Skills to effectively analyze and interpret a wide range of information and data to discuss, support and/or reject ideas, opinions, reports, theories and proposals
Teamwork and Management Skills
- Skills enabling you to work effectively as part of a team by identifying your role and contributing, through leading, teaching, motivating and/or encouraging others, to the objectives of the team
- An understanding of how to successfully identify, plan and contribute to the goals of a team/project
- The ability to oversee, supervise and/or contribute to a project from beginning to end including determining outcomes, planning details, making decisions, assigning roles and completing tasks
Some Career Options for Biology Majors
| Arborist | Food and Beverage Inspector | Biotechnologist |
| Biochemist | Biophysicist | Medical Illustrator |
| Geneticist | Forester/Park Ranger | Zoologist |
| Naturopath | Laboratory Technician | Biomedical Engineer |
| Ecologist | Health Policy Consultant | Toxicologist |
| Cytologist | X-Ray Technician | Veterinarian |
| Fisheries/Marine Biologist | Agronomist | Fitness Consultant |
| Environmental Consultant | Forensic Technologist | Museum Technician |
| Quality Assurance Manager | Teacher/Professor | Science Writer |
| Biotechnology Investment Analyst | Landscaper | Crime Scene Analyst |
| Medical Librarian | Greenhouse Manager | Pest Control Consultant |
| Technical Sales Representative | Dentist/Hygienist | Water Quality Inspector |
| Health Care Administrator | Health Compliance Officer | Food and Drug Inspector |
| Medical Professional | Health Spa/Resort Operator | Materials Tester |
| Nutritionist/Dietitian | International Development Consultant | Prosthetics Developer |
| Pathologist | Immunologist | Pharmacologist |
| Entomologist | Microbiologist | Physiologist |
| Animal Services Worker | Chiropractor | Public Health Educator |
| Horticulturist/Florist | Animal Trainer | Aquaculturist |
| Bioinformatics Specialist | Gerontologist Park | Warden/Ranger |
| Biologist | Botanist | Cardiovascular Technician |
| Hydrologist | Technical Writer | Chiropodist |
| Conservation Officer | Cytotechnologist | Marine Biologist |
Potential Employers
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Research Institutions
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Testing Laboratories
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Biotechnology Companies
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Hospitals/Clinics
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Medicine/Health Organizations
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Environmental Organizations
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Science Journals
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Food/Beverage Manufacturers
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Alternative Health Companies
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Wellness Centres
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Food/Drug Consulting Firms
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Botanical Gardens
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Agricultural Agencies
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Health Consulting Firms
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Public Health Organizations
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Spas and Resorts
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Pharmaceutical Industry
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Zoos/Parks
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Museums
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Government
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Law/Drug Enforcement
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| Fisheries |