You can use the career maps below as guides to help you identify courses that are likely to be useful if you are interested in pursuing a career in biotechnology.
- Scientist Career Map
- Laboratory Technician Career Map
- Engineer Career Map
- Process Technician Career Map
- Maintenance and Instrumentation Technician Career Map
- Corporate Scientific Professional Career Map
In addition to any available biotechnology, higher-level mathematics, and higher-level science courses, coursework in business, computers, and communication are valuable in developing career skills. These courses include:
- Business and Electronic Communications
- Computer Programming
- Business Management and Applications
- Small Business Entrepreneurship
You may even be able to earn college credit while still in high school. Check with your school counselor.
In addition to specific coursework, there are a number of extracurricular activities that will help you develop attributes and skills that can enhance your employability. These include:
- Joining a student organization. These organizations provide excellent opportunities to hone professional skills while still in school. A list of some specific student organizations is provided on the resource page that follows
- Participating in science fairs, programs, and internships for high school students.
- Getting a job. Work experience (paid or volunteer) is helpful in developing employability skills, demonstrating a positive work history, and securing an employer reference.
- Researching careers. The resources in this publication will provide a starting place. In addition, take advantage of career fairs.