What can you do with a Biotechnology degree?

First, some facts. Of the Biotechnology graduates 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 374 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 76%, Biotechnology graduates have a higher likelihood (+9%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 76%
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, 73% 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 Biotechnology graduate.

See the details:

View a random Biotechnology graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 100%

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

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2022 from Rutgers University with a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Senior Research Assistant
Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research
Sep 2022 - Present
The role of Senior Research Assistant at Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research directly utilizes knowledge and skills from the Biotechnology degree, focusing heavily on research methodologies and analysis in health-related contexts.

ABOUT

No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Biotechnology degree?

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


Through analyzing the LinkedIn profiles of individuals with degrees in Biotechnology, it becomes apparent that many of them have pursued careers predominantly in scientific and research roles, especially within the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and healthcare sectors. Jobs such as Research Assistants, Scientists, and various roles in Quality Control and Assurance are common. These positions typically utilize the essential skills and knowledge directly related to their educational background, involving laboratory techniques, biological research methodologies, and adherence to biotechnological regulations. For instance, many individuals worked in roles at prestigious institutions like the National Institutes of Health, Emory University, and various biotech companies, highlighting a strong connection between their academic training and career paths.

However, while there are numerous relevant positions, it is also evident that a significant number of graduates have ventured into areas that are less closely related to their Biotechnology credentials. Roles in sales, business development, marketing, and project management were also noted, often requiring merely analytical and organizational skills but failing to make use of specialized biotechnology knowledge. This trend indicates that while a Biotechnology degree provides foundational skills applicable in various job markets, many individuals may opt for roles that do not strictly align with their field of study. In conclusion, the analysis reveals a mixed landscape, showcasing a blend of deeply relevant roles rooted in biotechnology alongside a fair share of positions that diverge into broader sectors, suggesting a need for graduates to be adaptable in diverse job environments.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Biotechnology graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Biotechnology graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When looking at the career trajectories of biotechnology graduates, there's a mixed bag of outcomes. For many, the journey post-graduation seems promising. The most typical starting point for these grads is often an internship or entry-level position in research or related fields. This first job serves as a stepping stone to roles that align better with their degree over time. For instance, many graduates began as research assistants or took on intern roles that leveraged their foundational knowledge in biotech. They often continue on this path, narrowing their focus into specific areas like medical writing, quality assurance, or R&D. A notable theme is that several individuals land jobs with prestigious organizations or institutions, establishing a solid foothold in the biotechnology industry almost immediately after graduation.

Fast forward five or even ten years later, and many graduates find themselves well-embedded in specialized roles, often with managerial or senior-level titles. For example, we see some former research assistants progressing to roles such as senior scientists or project managers. Notably, numerous alumni remain within the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors, which suggests a thriving career trajectory in relevance to their field, indicating that the investment in their education paid off. Others branch out into consultancy, become educators, or pursue advanced degrees, advancing the knowledge within biotechnology further. That said, some graduates do appear to stray from the direct biotech application, landing in roles that are tangentially related or even diverging into entirely different sectors such as business development or education. This shows that while there are success stories within biotech careers, there’s also a subset of individuals who, whether by choice or circumstance, may find themselves in less direct applications of their degrees.

In summary, those graduating from biotechnology programs seem to have a promising start, given their proactive pursuit of internships and meaningful roles shortly after finishing their education. The more seasoned graduates illustrate that with time, many of them thrive and gain recognition in their fields. However, the variability in career paths hints at both the adaptability of the graduates and the diverse nature of biotechnology-related opportunities out there. Overall, the outlook appears somewhat optimistic for most, but with each individual’s journey shaped by their choices and experiences along the way.

How hard is a Biotechnology degree?

Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your interests and strengths. You’ll dive into a mix of biology, chemistry, and even some engineering, which can feel overwhelming if you’re not a fan of math or lab work. The labs are a big part of the experience, and they can be time-consuming, so if you like hands-on learning, that might help. Overall, it's not necessarily harder than average degrees out there, but be prepared to put in some effort, especially with the scientific concepts and practical applications you'll need to grasp. If you're curious about science and willing to work through the tough spots, you can definitely make it through!

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 Biotechnology.

Do Biotechnology graduates tend to make good money?

So, looking at the career paths of these biotech graduates, it seems like there’s quite a wide range in terms of earning potential. The people with jobs at big firms like Eli Lilly, McKinsey, and Genentech likely see some impressive salaries, especially as they climb the corporate ladder. For instance, the graduate from Vellore Institute of Technology who’s now an Associate at McKinsey is probably in a high-paying bracket due to the nature of consulting jobs, while others who have taken on roles in academia or small startups might not be raking in as much cash yet. They’re building experience, but it can take a while before they hit the financial sweet spot.

On the flip side, there are graduates who have made their mark quite rapidly, like some in data science or management roles, suggesting they could be making decent salaries early on. However, those working as research assistants or in roles tied to internships may still be on the lower end of the pay scale, which is common in the early stages of a career in biotech or research fields. Ultimately, while some are definitely poised to make good money, others might be in it for the long haul before they really start to see their earnings reflect their hard work.

What buzzwords do Biotechnology 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 Biotechnology. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Biotechnology?

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

College Score Count