First, some facts. Of the Biology graduates from Smith 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 10 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 68%, Biology graduates from Smith College have a slightly higher likelihood (+1%) 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, 60% 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 Biology graduate.
See the details:
Relevance score: 60%We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2021 from Smith College with a Bachelor's degree in Biology. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONCommunications InternThe North American 3Rs Collaborative Mar 2021 - Sep 2022 Emergency Room Technician Burlington Emergency and Veterinary Specialists (BEVS) Nov 2021 - Present National SEO Editor Mommy Poppins Jan 2023 - Present ABOUTB.A. in Biology from Smith College with a neuroendocrinology and behavior research background. Pursuing a career in science journalism.ER veterinary technician at BEVS.Experience working in the veterinary industry in emergency/ICU, wildlife, and small animal practice.Skilled in Data Analysis, Graphic Design, and Social Media Marketing. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Based on the LinkedIn profiles of graduates from Smith College with a degree in Biology, it looks like many have taken a variety of career paths after finishing their studies. A significant number have landed roles that are closely tied to biology, especially in research positions or labs, like the Research Assistant or Lab Technician roles. These jobs utilize the biological knowledge and laboratory skills they would have gained during their time studying, making them a perfect fit for graduates wanting to apply their education directly. However, a noticeable trend is that many alumni have branched out into fields where biology is not the primary focus, like event management, coaching, or communications. While some of these roles may still benefit from an understanding of biology, they don’t necessarily demand a deep knowledge or directly apply the concepts learned in their degree program.
In essence, while there are those who have found rewarding careers that connect strongly to their biology background, there are also quite a few who have ventured into unrelated fields. This showcases the versatility of a Biology degree; while it prepares students for specific scientific careers, it also opens up opportunities in other sectors. So, if you're thinking about studying biology, keep in mind that it could lead to a number of different career paths, some within the sciences and others far outside them!
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 Smith College):
When looking at the career trajectories of graduates with a Biology degree from Smith College, it's clear that many of them initially find roles that are quite practical in the science and healthcare fields. For instance, many of the Class of 2010 started as research assistants or lab technicians, which is typical for recent graduates hoping to build their experience in biology-related roles. As they gain more experience, we see a shift where some move into management positions or specific roles in healthcare, such as nurse practitioners or health analysts, after five to ten years in the workforce.
However, not all graduates followed the traditional life sciences path. A few seem to have taken a more unconventional route, landing in education, event management, or even roles unrelated directly to their biology background, like working as a talent management specialist or a communications intern. This suggests that while many did stay within the life sciences and health sectors, there’s also a subset that ventured into diverse fields, possibly due to personal interests or job market dynamics. Overall, the picture is mixed—while many graduates have found fulfilling careers relevant to biology, others have diversified into different sectors. It’s a reminder that a degree can open various doors, but it sometimes leads to careers that differ from your initial expectations.
A Bachelor’s degree in Biology at Smith College can be pretty challenging, like most biology programs, but it's definitely manageable if you're passionate about the subject. The coursework can be rigorous, with a mix of lectures, lab work, and lots of reading, so you'll need to stay organized and keep up with assignments. Smith is known for its strong emphasis on hands-on learning and research, which is awesome but can also add to the workload. Overall, if you have a genuine interest in the sciences and are willing to put in the effort, you’ll likely find it a rewarding experience, even though it can be tough at times!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Biology.
Looking at these Smith College biology grads, it seems like they're all over the place in terms of salary, which is pretty normal depending on what field they jumped into after college. Those who went into healthcare, like nurse practitioners or working for the FDA, generally seem to be making decent money with solid career progression. On the flip side, some went for education or research roles with nonprofit organizations and coaching, which often don’t pay as much initially. So, while some of them are probably doing well financially, others might be scraping by a bit, especially early on in their careers. Overall, it looks like there's a mix, so it really just depends on the path they chose after Smith.
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 Smith 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: