First, some facts. Of the Biology graduates from Carleton College 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 11 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 78%, Biology graduates from Carleton College have a much higher likelihood (+11%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 27% 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 a Bachelors degree is enough for most Biology graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
Relevance score: 100%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2013 from Carleton College with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Biology. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONPostbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) FellowNational Institutes of Health Jul 2013 - Jun 2015 FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGM.D./ Ph.D. Biomedical EngineeringDrexel University College of Medicine 2015 - 2022 ABOUTFor a complete list of published work, please view My Bibliography:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/browse/collection/53267073/?sort=date&direction=ascending |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
So, when you look at the jobs that alumni from Carleton College with a degree in Biology have taken on, there’s a pretty interesting mix. A lot of them have ended up in roles that strongly connect to biological knowledge, like working as clinical research coordinators, EMTs, and professors. For example, positions at places like the National Institutes of Health and various hospitals show a clear link to biology, as they involve research and patient care that directly apply what they learned in their degree. This is pretty promising for anyone considering a similar path!
However, there’s also a noticeable number of grads working in roles that don’t directly leverage their biology training. For instance, jobs like swimming coaches, technical service roles, or positions focused on international relations aren’t heavily focused on biology and might even seem a bit random from the outside looking in. It’s a reminder that while a Biology degree gives you valuable scientific and analytical skills, it can also lead you down some diverse career paths, not all of which require the nitty-gritty of biological studies. Overall, while many jobs are relevant to biology, some alumni have definitely ventured into more unexpected territories!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Biology graduates (this is across all Biology graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Carleton College):
The career trajectories for graduates with a Biology degree from Carleton College seem pretty diverse, with many finding themselves in roles that are either directly or indirectly related to the field of biology. It's interesting to see that several alumni have pursued advanced studies or research, which is common in the life sciences. For example, graduates who became fellows at prestigious institutions like the National Institutes of Health indicate a strong foundation for a career in research or academia. Others have transitioned into teaching roles and clinical positions, such as dentistry residents and assistants in medical settings. This suggests that many of these graduates are using their biology background to carve out successful careers within health and science-related fields right after graduation.
As we look further down the road, like five or ten years later, the trend continues with many staying in or advancing in these specialized areas. For instance, some former graduates have moved into higher education positions, like professors, which illustrates the potential for growth within academic paths. Additionally, roles like clinical research coordinators and practicing paramedics are indicative of a solid career direction, aligning closely with their biology training. However, it's also clear that a few graduates have taken their degrees in different directions—like into finance or coaching—showing that a biology degree can be quite versatile. Overall, while not every path leads to an obvious biology application, many graduates seem to leverage their education in meaningful ways, especially in healthcare, research, and teaching.”
Okay, so diving into a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at Carleton College, or really any solid liberal arts school, can definitely be a challenge! Carleton is known for its rigorous academics, and the biology program is no exception. You’ll encounter a mix of tough concepts in classes like genetics, ecology, and molecular biology, plus there's usually a fair amount of lab work that requires both time and attention to detail. It's not impossible, though! If you have a genuine interest in the subject and a good study routine, you can definitely handle it. Just be ready to invest some serious hours outside of class on readings and assignments. Overall, it’s probably a bit harder than an average degree, but it can be super rewarding if you're passionate about the sciences!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Biology.
So, looking at these Carleton College Bio grads, it seems like they’ve got some pretty diverse career paths lined up. Folks like the dentistry resident and the assistant professor probably score well when it comes to salary, given that those roles typically offer good pay. On the flip side, some of the others, particularly the more entry-level positions like coaching or the Americorps member, might not be raking in the dough just yet. A lot of them seem to be gaining experience in fields related to healthcare and research, which can eventually lead to solid earnings down the line. Overall, it looks like some are doing well monetarily, while others are still in the grind, but are likely on their way to better pay in the future!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Biology (this is across all Biology graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Carleton College). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Biology (ordered by the average relevance score of their Biology graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: