Biotechnology is a field where the application of biology and biological processes in medicine, technology and engineering are central. Working as a biotechnologist may allow you to work in an allied medical profession, depending upon what field you choose. It is possible to obtain online biotechnology training from accredited universities. These classes are convenient and affordable, and provide the training you need to break into this exciting field. Here are some things to think about if you are interested in pursuing a career in biotechnology:
- Background: If you want a biotechnology career, you will need to have a good grasp and should be interested in science, technology, mathematics and biology. These subjects are usually offered in high school, and how well you fare in these subjects will give you an idea of whether you are suited for a career in biotechnology.
- Education: You need to apply at an accredited university if you want to work as a biotechnologist. There are institutes that offer degrees in biotechnology and other universities where you can take courses in biology with a specialization in biotechnology. A lot of biotechnologists, however, chose to take an undergraduate degree program in biology and follow that up with a postgraduate specialization in biotechnology. This approach has the advantage of allowing you to have the theoretical background in biology given in undergraduate courses, paired with the more practical and applied aspect of biotechnology through the postgraduate specialization.
- Networking: The number of biotechnology jobs has been increasing quickly. According to the Biotechnology Institute the number of job openings for biotechnologists has increased by up to 90 percent. Nonetheless, the easiest way to get a job in the biotechnology careers is by networking. Usually, job openings from hospitals and research institutions are given to the professional organizations; instead of being posted directly in classifieds or career Web sites. Therefore it is paramount that you are comfortable networking and getting to know people as well as keeping up with the goings on inside a professional organization. Unlike other career choices, this aspect of biotechnology is a huge part of maintaining a healthy career. There are many roles that a biotechnologist can play in medical research and the hospital, yet the profession of biotechnologist is not limited to that scope.
- Pharmaceuticals: One of the most lucrative careers based on biotechnology are those in the pharmaceutical industry. Drug production is usually done with the help of biotechnologists and chemists. Chemists often handle the raw chemicals needed to create the base for medicines, while biotechnologists test and analyze the biological compounds that can be transformed into medicine. For example, insulin crystals are made by the efforts of biotechnologists.
- Gene Work: Jobs in biotechnology also include gene work. A fine example would be the field of applied genetics. In the Human Genome Project, for instance, many of the professionals who contributed to the project were biotechnologists. Biotechnologists also work in agriculture and animal husbandry; especially in the field of hybrid production and gene mixing.
- Testing: In most hospitals and clinics, biotechnologists work in lab settings providing services such as testing human cells and tissues for diseases and reactions to certain drugs and chemicals.
Maintaining a thriving field in biotechnology requires the continued education for purposes of keeping abreast of the latest advances in the field. You will need to attend seminars, conferences, and professional events to keep yourself updated. Promotions in the field of biotechnology are very competitive and you will need to prove that you have a comprehensive understanding of the field in order to keep advancing your career.
The field of biotechnology is one of the fastest growing and most exciting careers in the applied sciences community today. Earnings for these careers has a huge range of variation, spanning from around $45,000 to $110,000, depending on what the job entails, the employer, and the location. The demand for these careers is expected to grow 21% until 2018. Get started on a thriving and fulfilling career and start looking for quality programs for a degree in biotechnology today!