Graduation is a time of celebration for any family. But it also marks the beginning of a new phase in a student's life.

This is also a time when you have to consider your career options. And if you are eyeing the Life Sciences industry, it would be best to understand first what it is.

 

Understanding the Life Sciences Industry

The term "Life Sciences" encompasses various subjects, from Botany and Microbiology to Zoology.

These subjects are not just scientific but also research-based. Hence, if you want to start a career in the Life Sciences industry, you must have a knack for research.

If you think that pursuing a career in this industry is something you want, here are five things that you need to know:

 

1. Know Where Your Passion Lies

Whether it is in the Life Sciences or other industries, you must know where your passion lies.

Perhaps you want to develop a life-saving drug or vaccine one day. Regardless, working in the industry means creating technological breakthroughs that push society to the future.

That's because all scientific breakthroughs are considered as contributions of Life Sciences.

However, this industry also plays crucial roles in other fields like Agriculture and Food Protection. Imagine what life could have been if Louis Pasteur did not develop the pasteurization process.

 

2. Many Job Opportunities are Available

As mentioned earlier, Life Sciences plays a crucial role in other fields. Hence, it would make sense that you can grab various job opportunities, depending on your interest and passion.

Working in the Medical Field

If you would like to jumpstart a career in the medical field, we suggest that you work as a biomedical scientist.

Their primary role is to aid in diagnosis and treatment. What they do is examine tissue samples and conduct research that can help improve human health.

From there, they will test and develop treatment plans and analyze medical data. Life Sciences expert Michelle Dipp also added that biomedical scientists play a role in creating social programs to improve the public health care system.

Beyond the Medical Field

If your interest is not in the medical field, remember that Life Sciences also integrates with other areas. This includes agriculture, ecology, computer science, and more.

Working in these fields could mean that you will be responsible for developing intricate processes. This includes food production and solving environmental issues.

Whether you want to work in the medical field or other industries, being in the Life Sciences means working to better the human race.

 

3. Experience and Understanding are Required

Whether you choose to work in the medical field or not, being part of the Life Sciences requires experience and understanding. And we are not just talking about having work experience from a related field.

Working in the Life Sciences industry means knowing how to best leverage your knowledge and skills.

If you are a data analyst, it is not enough that you have the right skills. It is also imperative that you know how to utilize the data best.

This includes gaining insights into how you can improve product distribution, for instance. Another application could be identifying the first locations that should receive the product.

 

4. You Will Work in a Dynamic Environment

Just because you are in the Life Sciences industry does not mean that you will only work with scientists.

You would be surprised to know that you will work with people in the agriculture sector or with data analyst experts. You will also work with people from other countries. That's because there is a globalization of clients and international product rollout.

Such a work environment allows you to have an enriching career.

 

5. You can Make a Difference

As mentioned previously, working in the Life Sciences industry means helping improve the human race.

Working in the pharmaceutical and biotech fields, for example, allows you to contribute something for the better. This can be the development of a new drug or streamlining the public health care system.

 

Life Science Job Titles and Descriptions

If you deem that you should be working in the Life Sciences industry, here are some job ideas that can help kickstart your career:

Biochemists
Biochemists deals with the chemistry of life. They investigate life's processes at a molecular level to help solve biological problems. 

Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field of computer science, statistics, mathematics, and engineering. Their primary role is to study and process biological data.

Biomedical Scientist
Biomedical scientists examine medical specimens, like blood or tissue samples, to help doctors diagnose and treat diseases. It is imperative to be knowledgeable in pathology, anatomy, and physiology if you want to be one.

Biotechnologist
Biotechs combine biology with technology to research and develop solutions about the following:

• Health care
• Pharmaceutical and chemical industries
• Agriculture
• Food protection
• Environmental protection
  
  

Clinical Research Associate
Clinical research associates organize and run trials to test the safety and efficacy of new medicines. This includes identifying and setting up sites where tests will be conducted, supervising trials, and monitoring data quality.

Computational Biologist
If you are keen on big data analyses, you might want to work as a computation biologist. They use data analytics, theoretical and mathematical models, and computer simulations. This is to study biological, behavioural, and social systems.

Industrial Pharmacists
Industrial pharmacists help in the discovery and development of safe and effective medications. This includes research and development, production, quality testing, and ensuring that new medicines are duly registered.

Microbiologist
Microbiologists deal with the study of the biology and chemistry of microbes. They commonly work in agriculture, food production, water industry, medicine, and pharmaceuticals. They also help in managing and protecting the environment.

Research Assistant
Research assistants are often employed on a contractual basis by a university or research institute. Their job is to aid in academic research.

Choosing a career path is a life-changing event. That's because it allows you to make a difference while providing for your family. Hence, we advise that you pursue something worthwhile and engaging. And what better way to achieve it than working in the Life Sciences industry?