Biology Career Preparation and Resources

As a student at UNC Charlotte, it is never too early to begin focusing on your professional development as you prepare for your career after graduation.

Within the Department of Biological Sciences, students’ career preparation is prioritized and integrated into the curriculum. Students have access to a wide variety of career development tools and resources throughout their educational program, continuing into their status as alumni. The Department of Biological Sciences actively partners with the Career Center to support students in their career preparation through career coaching, experiential learning, employer engagement, and much more!

Review the top career skills acquired in this degree program, student experiential learning and career outcomes, and career development resources. 

CAREER SKILL DEVELOPMENT

As a biology major, you will gain valuable career skills that can help you prepare for life after graduation. These are the specific career skills emphasized within the Department of Biological Sciences.

• Communication – Through varied coursework, internships, and research experiences that include writing, speaking, and presenting, students will enhance communication skills, learning to effectively convey scientific knowledge to diverse audiences. 
• Critical Thinking – In the biology curriculum, students will not just memorize facts about biology, but will learn to apply biological concepts to analyze data, evaluate evidence, and solve real-world problems. Many students are also involved in research projects, further honing critical thinking skills.
• Technology and Technical Skills – Through biology courses and co-curricular opportunities, students gain hands-on experience integrating digital tools for research, data analysis, visualization, multimedia presentations and using cutting-edge laboratory techniques and equipment.
• Teamwork – Biological sciences lab courses and many lecture courses involve students working collaboratively to solve problems and learning valuable teamwork skills such as appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities.
• Leadership – Biology students gain leadership skills through participating in teamwork and research experiences. There are additional opportunities to build leadership abilities, such as working as a peer mentor, preceptor, communication consultant, or leading student organizations.
• Professionalism – Biology students work as course preceptors and lab assistants, participate in internships, travel to conferences, lead workshops, and produce their own research. These opportunities develop students’ abilities to present themselves in professional environments.

DATA & STUDENT SUCCESS

Access data on experiential learning and post-graduation career success of students studying in this department.

• Explore Experiential Learning Data 
• See post-graduation Career Success Data

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES CAREER RESOURCES

• Participating in Research Opportunities provides valuable career skills such as critical thinking, technology and technical skills, and professionalism.
  • Individualized Instruction Courses such as BIOL 3900, BIOL 3800, BIOL 3405
  • Office of Undergraduate Research Scholar 
  • Course-based Research Experiences (CURES) such as BIOL 4164, BIOL 4165
  • Field Courses such as BIOL 3229, BIOL 3234, BIOL 3244 
  • Research Experiences for Undergraduates

• Participating in Biology Student Organizations provides valuable career skills, such as leadership and teamwork.

CAREER CENTER RESOURCES

In addition to your academic department, the Career Center provides valuable career development resources to assist you in developing your professional brand and preparing you for purposeful work.

• Make a Career Coaching Appointment with a Career Community specific Career Coach through Hire-A-Niner
• Explore example career paths you can pursue with your major: WCIDWAMI 
• Find and apply for on- and off-campus internship and career opportunities on Hire-A-Niner
• Gain Experience through a variety of short and/or long-term experiential learning opportunities
• Develop your Personal Branding Materials (i.e., resumes and CVs, cover letters, LinkedIn & portfolios, practice interviews, professional attire, etc.)
• Learn and develop the Career Skills that employers highly value
• Make Connections with professionals:
  • Career Fairs
  • Career Meet Ups
  • Career Treks
  • Employer Information Sessions
  • Career Center Study Abroad Program
• Download the Virtual Career Guide for visual examples of the career preparation process

The Career Center is located in Atkins Annex, next to the main Atkins Library. Students can utilize Career Center Drop-In Hours, Monday-Friday from 10 AM – 3 PM, to get their quick questions answered and get connected with career information.