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Bachelor of : Track: Minor: Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the study of the of living matter. The KU Biochemistry program provides extensive hands-on experience to develop the skills required for industry and graduate school. Biochemistry majors may go on to have careers in a variety of industries, and government agencies. With a Bachelor of Science degree, graduates may find employment doing routine laboratory work, assisting on a research team, working in product development, or may work in the business-related areas of management, marketing or sales. Employers recommend one or more internships to be successful and competitive when entering this field.

Career types associated with Biochemistry Common interests of Biochemistry majors (Is this a good fit for you? Are you…) • Conducting research and participating in science Investigative - “Thinker” fairs and competitions Realistic - “Doer” • Attending science exhibits, museums, and Social - “Helper” demonstrations Related skills, values, and qualities • Participating in , chemistry or science clubs • Proficiency in reading, writing, thinking, questioning, • Working part-time or volunteering in a pharmacy, analyzing and problem solving hospital, or with an environmental conservation • Ability to organize, analyze and interpret scientific organization research • Watching scientific programs • Strong math skills • Cooking • Proficiency with computers • Good manual dexterity and ability to operate For more information about the major scientific equipment Contact the Physical Department, 425 • Aptitude for accuracy and detail Boehm, 610-683-4447 or visit www.kutztown.edu/ Biochemistry • Ability to conduct and explain scientific research KU Majors related to Biochemistry Biology, Chemistry, , Secondary Education– Science

Courses Biochemistry majors typically enjoy Investigative students may also be interested in: • Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Computer • Chemistry Science, Criminal Justice, Economics*, Environmental • Computer Science Science, Geography, Geology, German Studies, • Earth Science History, International Studies*, Marine Science, • Geometry Mathematics, Multicultural Studies*, PA German • Physical Science Studies*, , Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish, and Women’s Studies*

* minor only

For More Information on Biochemistry careers or to speak to a Career Counselor, contact KU Career Development Center 113 Stratton Administration Center * 610-683-4067 * [email protected] * www.kutztown.edu/careercenter • Enroll in the Career • Meet with CDC career • Enroll in the Career Success Attend your senior kick-off and Exploration Certificate. coach. • Certificate. other info sessions to prepare • Attend info sessions to learn • Attend info sessions to learn • Complete an internship and/or for job search/grad school. about career development about resume writing, and undergraduate research. Update your resume and and personal branding. externships. • • Attend info sessions about LinkedIn profile. • Take a career assessment to • Confirm your choice of major internships, interviewing, job Create cover letter drafts. identify and confirm interests. and consider options for • search strategies, and grad • Gain experience through • Get involved in campus clubs double major or minor. school. and organizations. • Research careers of interest. internships and/or • Build a LinkedIn profile and undergraduate research. • Develop basic workplace skills • Complete a job shadowing continue to monitor your online through jobs or volunteer work. (externship) experience. • Secure references for job/grad presence. school applications. • Talk with professors, family, • Seek meaningful employ- • Complete a mock interview. • Create your “30 second” and friends about career ment or volunteer work in a • Build skills through research ideas. field related to your major. commercial. projects, part-time employment, • Meet with CDC to develop • Conduct informational • Explore options for under- and volunteer work. interviews with professionals graduate research and job search strategies. • Participate in Careers Cafe & • Research employers. working in fields of interest. study abroad. networking programs. • Network with professionals • Develop a relationship with • Write a resume and have it • Attend internship & job fairs. your professors and faculty reviewed by the CDC. through events and social Take on a leadership role in a advisor. • media. • Manage your online student organization or work. presence. • Join a professional organization • Consider graduate school in your discipline. options and prepare for • Attend the senior etiquette admissions tests. dinner. • Participate in job fairs and on-campus interviewing. Sample Career Titles Biochemistry majors can be found working in a wide variety of career fields. Here are just some career titles that may be of interest. Please note that some jobs may require further education and training. To learn more about these careers, visit http://online.onetcenter.org or www.bls.gov/oco.

•Agricultural and Drug Analyst •Perfumer •Agronomist •Food Scientist •Pharmaceutical Sales Rep. •Anesthesiologist •Forensic Chemist • •Assayer •Genetic Counselor •Pharmacologist •Biochemist •Geneticist • •Bioterrorism Expert •High School Teacher •Physicist •Cepalometric Analyst •Hospital Administrator •Plastics Engineer •Ceramic Engineer •Hydrologist •Product Tester • •Industrial Health Engineer •Quality Assurance Manager •Chemical Oceanographer •Industrial Hygienist •Risk Manager •Chemist •Internist •Soil Scientist •Chemistry Technologist •Laboratory Assistant/Technician •System Analyst •Clarifying Plant Operator •Medical Illustrator •Technical Writer •College Professor •Medical Librarian •Technician •Color Development Chemist •Medical Technologist • Technologist •Consumer Protection Specialist •Metallurgist •Toxicologist •Crime Lab Analyst •Molecular Biologist •Underwater Technician •Cytotechnologist •Museum/Aquarium Administrator •Veterinarian •Dentist •Mycologist •Vector Control Assistant •Dietician •Nuclear Scientist •Wastewater Treatment Chemist •Environmental Health Specialist •Nutritionist •Water Purification Specialist •Environmental/Patent Lawyer •Occupational Safety Specialist •Wildlife Biologist • Protection Engineer •Patent Examiner •Wildlife Resources Worker

Common Internship Sites and Employers Biochemistry majors often find internships and employment in the following fields/industries.

• Technical Publishers • Mining Companies • Biological Testing Laboratories • Pharmaceutical Companies • Chemical Companies • Research Organizations • Schools, Colleges, & Universities • State & Federal Government • Food Companies/Administration • Zoos & Ecological Organizations

Handshake is the primary online resource for preparing and connecting students and alumni with employers. www.kutztown.edu/handshake

Useful Websites for Biochemistry Majors Whether you are researching related career fields, applying for internships or jobs, or planning to join a professional association, these websites are for you!

Industry Information Job/Internship Search Sites Professional Associations

Careers in Federal Government BioSpace American Academy of Forensic Science www.makingthedifference.org www.biospace.com www.aafs.org

Careers Resources for STEM BioPharmGuy American Association for the www.careercornerstone.org http://biopharmguy.com Advancement of Science www.aaas.org Chemical Week Magazine Chemistry Jobs www.chemweek.com chemistryjobs.com American Assoc. of www.aacc.org CIRRUS—Chemistry Internet Re- Environmental Careers World Job source for Research by Bank American Chemical Society cirrus.chem.plu.edu www.environmentaljobs.com www.acs.org

ChemWeb.com Medical Jobs American Institute of Chemists chemweb.com www.medicaljobs.org www.theaic.org

Chemical Elements MedZilla American Society for Biochemistry and chemicalelements.com www.medzilla.com www.asbmb.org Journal of Chemical Education New Scientist Jobs jchemed.chem.wisc.edu www.newscientistjobs.com Industry Organization www.bio.org Life Sciences World Science Careers www.lifesciencesworld.com www.sciencecareers.org Council for Chemical Research www.ccrhq.org National Academies LinkedIn Jobs www.nas.edu www.linkedin.com/jobs The National Academies www.nas.edu Pharma. Research & www.phrma.org Building Your Resume for a Career in Biochemistry

Building a strong resume for your career field starts long before you ever start your job search. Employers want to hire graduates who not only have the necessary educational background but also have experience applying that knowledge.

Learn more about your field and develop the necessary skills for employment by gaining hands-on experience through clinical practice.

Utilize summer breaks to acquire valuable experience via volunteer or employment opportunities related to your major.

Develop professionally through campus involvement and professional memberships. This illustrates responsibility, leadership abilities and time management skills.

For More Information on Biochemistry careers or to speak to a Career Counselor, contact KU Career Development Center 113 Stratton Administration Center * 610-683-4067 * [email protected] * www.kutztown.edu/careercenter