r/Biochemistry • u/Icy-Nebula5658 • 14d ago
Almost 3 years after graduating with a Biochemistry degree — feeling stuck and unsure how to break into biotech/clinical research
I graduated with a BSc in biochemistry a few years ago, and honestly, I feel pretty lost about what to do with my career.
I initially wanted to work in science/lab-related fields, and I did get some hands-on research/wet lab experience after graduating. However, I haven't been able to turn that into a stable career. I've worked outside of science as well, and now I'm trying to get back into the field.
I've been applying to entry-level lab, research, clinical research, and biotech positions, but I'm struggling to get anywhere. A lot of the jobs seem to want experience that I don't have, and I'm starting to feel like I'm going in circles.
I also applied to graduate school because I thought that might be the next step for me, but I was rejected. Now I'm questioning whether I should keep trying for grad school, focus on getting more work experience, or take a different direction.
I've also been trying to network through LinkedIn, but honestly, people rarely respond to my messages, and I'm not sure if I'm approaching it the wrong way. I don't want to randomly message people asking for a job, but I also don't know how you're supposed to build genuine connections when you don't already know anyone in the industry.
For anyone who has been in a similar situation:
- How did you get your first real job after a science degree?
- How do you actually network when you're starting from zero?
- Is LinkedIn actually useful for this, or is there a better way to make connections?
- Should I keep pursuing grad school, or focus on getting work experience first?
- What would you do if you were in my position?
I'm feeling pretty discouraged and would really appreciate honest advice, especially from people who have built careers in biotech, pharma, research, or lab work without having connections starting out.
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u/Barbhad 14d ago
I began this podcast specifically for students who did Biomedical Science or science degrees who dont know where to go or what to do. Have a listen to a few episodes, most of them ended up in places they never expected but they also give great advice and have stories on how they got there. Hope it might help. Career uncertainty is awful, especially when everything is getting more and more expensive. Please reach out to me if you'd like to chat about your future possibilities or what to do next. I probably dont have all the answers but would love to listen to you and help you find a way to move forward. https://pod.link/6789442590?view=apps&sort=popularity
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u/Steamer61 14d ago
Sadly, you have to take a shit job at some lab and get a few years experience working in a lab. If you get 20/hr you're doing good.
Im really amazed at how shitty BioChem people get paid. It has to be one of the most difficult Stem BS degrees you can get yet it pays the shittiest.
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u/perkswoman 14d ago
Have you reached out to former classmates that were in your program/ your program head/advisor? My undergrad wasn’t science, but the program head has an alumni email and sends out job posts periodically. I have also had more luck networking with people I know and not cold-emailing people.
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u/Icy-Nebula5658 8d ago
Yes I have. My classmates are in the same positions as me, some of them switched careers and previous advisors just stop talking to you after you graduate, so no luck with those.
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u/danbob138 14d ago
I have a BS in biochemistry and got a job in biotech/ manufacturing about a year after graduating, where before I worked as a lab assistant in a university. I’m quite happy with my job, the benefits and pay are decent, work atmosphere/culture is mostly positive, and all things considered it’s well worth the money I spent on the degree. My perspective may differ from many here, I’m middle aged and starting over, but I can say from experience what I do now is way better than anything I’ve done before that didn’t require a degree.
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u/One_Investigator_295 13d ago
You could consider working as an embryologist in the IVF field. That’s what I do. It’s a growing field. Feel free to PM me for info.
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u/meow-chemist 13d ago
tell me 😕
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u/One_Investigator_295 13d ago
Basically you work in the IVF field and make and handle the embryos for infertile couples. It’s a pretty exciting career and meaningful. It used to be you just learned as an apprentice but nowadays most get jobs by attending a training course like ARTLAB /NC Wesleyan has. The offer Job Placement to connect you with a position. I would check it out. Most people stumble on the field by accident.
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u/meow-chemist 13d ago
i do see them locally where i work and i always wonder why it pops up when i search biochemistry jobs. so you recommend the training courses?
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u/One_Investigator_295 11d ago
Yes very much so they teach you the basic knowledge and hands on skills and help with job placement
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u/2025025L 14d ago
i snuck in when the industry was still good, 2019. I've seen people join on de novo via internships and one at a very irreputable company.
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u/Various-Classic-4229 12d ago
Get into a master’s program and while you are in, apply for internships. Going into the industry with no master’s or doctorate degree will be extremely hard.
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u/Busy-Particular5119 14d ago
I wrote this for a Canadian BME graduate. Try something similar plugging in your particulars. You might be surprised at the results.
Try some ChatGPT searches like List Entry Level positions or internships a BME graduate of abc university in Biomedical Engineering (you can add with interests in i.e. (prosthetics,CT Imaging, engineering, design, product development, evaluation/pre-market testing, etc.) Located in (Canada, Ontario CA, Vancouver...) and anything else to see what results you get. You might be surprised.
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u/Sufficient_Count_644 13d ago
maybe try to pivot into genetics? genetic counseling is a growing industry
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u/Inevitable_Ad7080 14d ago
Ok, i should really make a bot that does this (if i knew how)...bio chem degree? Want to get a good career? Get into a pharma company! Dont focus on research. You can and should get into several areas: manufacturing operations, drug, device, engineering, process support, clinical, regulatory. Go!
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u/Icy-Nebula5658 8d ago
I have been applying to pharma companies and haven't had a single interview. I feel like the moment I submit my resume, it goes into the junk folder. I have had my resume edited by someone who works in pharma and still don't know what more I can do
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u/Inevitable_Ad7080 8d ago
Keep going. Try for low level jobs. I have a stack of rejection letters from some great companies. But one hired me and off i went
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u/2025025L 13d ago
It makes me angry. In Washington the university tripled the size of its Biochemistry degree graduating class (225 -> 750) over the 3 years of Covid, right as the local industry was getting demolished
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u/Naive-Suit3916 14d ago
How many grad schools did you apply to? Reach out to your old professors for guidance
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u/another420username 14d ago
Sorry to tell you but if you’re not getting a masters or a PhD you’ll be stuck.
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u/bluntbossbex94 13d ago
Not necessarily but most likely yes. Im in progress for my bs in biochemistry yall are scaring me lmao
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u/another420username 13d ago
If you’re not networking, have internships lined up or have any real world experience within the industry it will be extremely hard for you.
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u/Patient_Light7123 14d ago
hey, i am actually in the exact same position as you. i've been applying to jobs but getting rejected, im burnt out and discouraged too. feel like im stuck in my current job, making no progress and also regretting i did biochem. i don't now what to do either..