Overview
The biotechnology industry is rapidly growing and has many excellent opportunities for career advancement. Many biotechnology companies are interested in hiring people with environmental science degrees. However, these types of positions can be hard to find and get. It takes more than walking into an office with your resume. You will need to use personal contacts and resources to identify and apply for these jobs.
Step 1
Gain experience in developing sustainable processes and technology. Many large biotech companies, such as Genentech, have made pledges to make their work more environmentally friendly. As they work to refine their processes and facilities, these companies need professionals with environmental science degrees who can help them identify ways in which their business can be more stable.
Step 2
Apply for internships. One of the fastest-growing fields is agricultural biotechnology. Such companies as Monsanto and Syngenta will hire recent environmental science graduates for internships. These provide two main benefits: they allow you to gain research experience and help you develop contacts in the field that can help you in the future. Many biotech companies work closely with environmental science programs at universities, so your department may be able to help you find an internship with nearby branches of large biotech companies.
Step 3
Network. Go to conferences and symposiums, talk to other students and faculty, and shadow professionals at biotech companies. Getting a job in the biotechnology industry depends a lot on who you know, so you can find out about opportunities and get recommendations.
Step 4
Apply to biotechnology firms directly. Companies such as Amgen, Serono and Biogen Idec have places on their website where you can see what positions are open and apply for them.
Step 5
Use online resources/job boards. Websites, such as www.biospace.com, have listings where biotechnology companies that want to hire people with environmental science experience can post their openings. These websites are a great resource for job hunting.
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