What can you do with a Biochemistry degree from Virginia Tech?

First, some facts. Of the Biochemistry graduates from Virginia Tech we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 18 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 73%, Biochemistry graduates from Virginia Tech have a higher likelihood (+6%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 73%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, 66% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Biochemistry graduate.

See the details:

View a random Biochemistry graduate from Virginia Tech and our analysis:


Relevance score: 50%

We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2023 from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Inventory Specialist
CVS Pharmacy
Sep 2023 - Present
The position of Inventory Specialist at CVS Pharmacy may require some knowledge of biological products and substances, but it does not substantially utilize the core biochemistry skills or knowledge obtained from the Bachelor's degree.

ABOUT

I am a recent graduate of Virginia Tech with a major in Biochemistry. My goal is to join the pharmaceutical industry as a pharmacist with my present goal of getting into pharmacy school. I currently live in Northern Texas and work as a pharmacy technician where only after 4 months of working I was promoted to inventory specialist

What jobs can you get with a Biochemistry degree from Virginia Tech?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


Looking at the jobs that people with a Biochemistry degree from Virginia Tech have taken on, we see quite a mix. Many graduates have pursued careers that are directly related to their field, especially in areas like pharmaceuticals and healthcare. For example, several individuals have found positions as pharmacists or in various scientific roles within renowned companies like AstraZeneca and Thermo Fisher. These roles require a strong foundation in biochemistry, as they often deal with the interaction of drugs and biological systems, which is right up the alley of what they studied. Additionally, roles like Research Associate and Scientist also highlight a significant alignment with biochemistry, letting them use their knowledge in more specialized, research-based settings.

However, not all paths taken by these grads are directly linked to their biochemistry background. For instance, some have ventured into positions like project management or operational roles at companies like E. & J. Gallo Winery, where the focus may be more on logistics than on applying biochemistry principles. Similarly, jobs in areas such as sales or as patient care technicians do not always utilize the specialized knowledge acquired from their studies. So, while it's clear that many Virginia Tech Biochemistry graduates land relevant jobs, there’s also a noticeable number who pursue careers that only tap into their biochemistry skills on a surface level, or not at all. It shows how versatile the degree can be, but also highlights the reality that not every job will directly use the core concepts learned in school.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Biochemistry graduates (this is across all Biochemistry graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Virginia Tech):

What kind of career trajectories do Biochemistry graduates from Virginia Tech have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

So, if we're looking at the career trajectories of Biochemistry graduates from Virginia Tech, it seems like a good number of them are landing solid jobs right after graduation and are following fairly relevant paths over the years. Many of the earlier graduates have stepped into roles that are closely related to their studies, like residency in medicine or positions in pharmaceutical companies, showing a strong connection to health and science fields. For instance, we see graduates starting as technicians and moving up to roles like Scientist and even Project Manager at respected firms like AstraZeneca and Raytheon. It suggests that they're utilizing their education effectively, contributing to biotech or healthcare sectors right out of school and growing in their responsibilities over time.

However, there’s also a mix of experiences, especially with some graduates shifting into roles that might not seem directly tied to Biochemistry, such as positions in sales or operations within the wine industry. It’s an interesting mix of career paths—some are sticking closely to science-based careers while others are exploring diverse opportunities. As we look ahead 5 to 10 years, it seems like those who pursue further education or specialize—like becoming physicians or advanced researchers—often find themselves in strong, impactful positions. On the flip side, those who veer off into unrelated areas might find themselves in jobs that don't quite align with their Biochemistry background. Overall, it's a bit of a mixed bag, but there certainly are plenty of successful cases where alumni are thriving in relevant fields!

How hard is a Biochemistry degree from Virginia Tech?

Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, whether at Virginia Tech or elsewhere, can be pretty challenging, but it’s definitely doable if you’re motivated and interested in the subject. You’ll dive deep into complex topics like molecular biology, organic chemistry, and biochemical techniques, all of which can feel overwhelming at times, especially with the coursework and lab work involved. Some students find it tough to balance the heavy science load and the rigorous exams, while others who really love science and put in the effort tend to do just fine. Overall, I’d say it’s a bit harder than your average degree because it requires a strong grasp of both chemistry and biology, but if you’re passionate about it, it can be super rewarding, too!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Biochemistry.

Do Biochemistry graduates from Virginia Tech tend to make good money?

Looking at the job trajectories of these Virginia Tech Biochemistry grads, it seems like they generally are making decent money, especially those who pursued careers in healthcare or as scientists. The ones who became resident doctors or moved into positions like assistant professors and project managers in big companies are likely raking in a pretty solid income. Even the pharmacists and scientists seem to be on a path to good salaries as they advance in their careers. On the flip side, some recent grads are still working through internships or entry-level positions, which won't pay as much initially, but those roles are often stepping stones to better-paying jobs. Overall, most of these alumni seem to be doing well financially, especially those who stuck with their fields in medicine and tech.

What buzzwords do Biochemistry graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Biochemistry (this is across all Biochemistry graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Virginia Tech). This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Biochemistry?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Biochemistry (ordered by the average relevance score of their Biochemistry graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
Penn State University 86 16
The Ohio State University 85 13
Georgia Institute of Technology 85 10
University of California San Diego 84 10
University of California, Santa Cruz 83 20
West Chester University of Pennsylvania 81 12
Binghamton University 81 10
University of California, Berkeley 80 35
Northeastern University 80 16
University of Nebraska-Lincoln 79 14
University of Massachusetts Amherst 77 16
Stony Brook University 76 13
University of California, Davis 75 34
North Carolina State University 74 11
Appalachian State University 73 10
Virginia Tech 73 18
University of Washington 71 51
University of Wisconsin-Madison 71 25
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 71 24
University of South Florida 70 17
University of California, Los Angeles 70 32
University of Michigan 70 16
San Francisco State University 70 14
Arizona State University 69 27
University of Florida 69 10
University of Arizona 69 16
Missouri State University 68 11
University of Colorado Boulder 66 15
University of California, Riverside 65 18
Boston University 65 10
Towson University 64 14
Boston College 63 13
Kennesaw State University 61 11
University of Oklahoma 61 11
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 60 14
Clemson University 60 13
The University of Texas at Austin 59 36
University of Connecticut 59 15
Temple University 58 10
The University of Texas at Dallas 56 10
University of Tennessee, Knoxville 49 10