| CAREERS FOR GRADUATES |
There are many different career options available for Biology graduates. Below is a sample of types of positions that Biology graduates have gone on to.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list as there are many other careers available. Many positions require additional education or experience.
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- Laboratory Technician*
- Quality Control Analyst*
- Teacher/Professor*
- Radiation Therapist*
- Bioinformatics Programmer
- Technical Writer*
- Doctor*
- Research Technician
- Pharmaceutical/Technical Sales*
- Representative
- Environmental Educator
- Toxicologist
- Food Scientist*
- Cytogenetic Technologist
- Biostatistician
- Medical Illustrator*
- Intellectual Property Manager
- Government/Regulatory Affairs Specialist
- Physical Therapist*
- Wildlife Biologist*
- Speech-Language Pathologist*
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- Fresh Water Ecologist*
- Paramedic*
- Genetic Counsellor*
- Veterinarian*
- Optometrist*
- Pharmacist*
- Dentist*
- Microbiologist*
- Massage Therapist*
- Science Magazine Editor/Writer
- Environmental Lawyer
- Epidemiologist*
- Health Policy Analyst
- Medical Librarian
- Bacteriologist
- Dietician*
- Health Records Administrator*
- Audiologist*
- Chiropractor*
- Entrepreneur*
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| Note: career profiles for many of the above jobs are available in the Career Centre. Those marked with an asterisk(*) can be viewed using Career Cruising, a Cdn. electronic career guide available in the Centre |
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WHO EMPLOYS BIOLOGY GRADUATES?
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- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Universities and Colleges
- Government
- Hospitals and Medical Centres
- Environment and Pollution Control
- Conservation Authorities
- Biotechnology Companies
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- Law Firms
- Boards of Education
- Zoos, Aquariums, National/Provincial Parks
- Publishing Companies
- Magazines and Newspapers
- Non-Profit Agencies
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| List of organizations in Mississauga and Toronto that have hired B.Sc. Biology graduates. |
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SKILLS DEVELOPED BY BIOLOGY MAJORS
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| Communication and Interpersonal: |
- write literature reviews and scientific reports; summarize, condense and organize ideas and information; interact professionally with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, technicians, students and professors; adapt vocabulary to suite a wide variety of audiences including the general public and senior scientists; use various visual aids including overhead projectors, computers and posters to conduct oral presentations on research findings; create graphs to visually represent data; read and understand scientific journals
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| Research: |
- collect and preserve field organisms; dissect preserved or euthanized specimens; memorize large amounts of information; inspect specimens; conduct journal research; analyze and evaluate information
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| Technical: |
- use computer programs; perform laboratory procedures; trouble shoot laboratory equipment; maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation; comply with quality control procedures; comply with safety regulations
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| Quantitative: |
- observe and make measurements on organisms; analyze data for trends; apply statistical tests to data to test for significance
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| Thinking Critically and Problem Solving: |
- interpret trends from results; reason logically
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| Organizational: |
- manage time effectively; manage multiple priorities during peak times during the academic year
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| SAMPLE JOB LISTINGS FOR GRADUATING STUDENTS/RECENT GRADUATES |
Below is a sample of the types of positions that have recently been posted with the Career Centre for graduating students or recent graduates. To access full-time opportunities (for up to two years after graduation), you must first attend an orientation. Drop by or call us at 905-828-5451 for more information.
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Junior Regulatory Analyst, Cantox Health Sciences International |
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Research Technologist, Hospital for Sick Children |
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Technical/Science Writer, Baylis Medical Company |
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Project Ecologist, Toronto & Region Conservation Authority |
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Veterinary Assistant, Southdown Animal Clinic |
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Community Facilitator, Acquired Brain Injury Possibilities Inc. |
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Customer Service Representative, BD Biosciences |
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West Nile Virus Technician, Toronto & Region Conservation Authority |
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Pharmaceutical Sales Representative, 3M Canada Company |
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Sleep Technician, Mississauga Sleep Clinic |
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Biotechnology Regulations Researcher, Industry Canada |
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Quality Assurance Coordinator, Livingston Inc. |
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Lab Technician, Toronto Western Hospital |
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Compliance Monitor, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario |
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Tissue Coordinator, Trillium Gift of Life Network |
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Alumni Profiles
UTM Alumni Profile: Nicole Phillips
Majors: Biology and Anthropology
Year of Graduation: 2003
Nicole Phillips is a research coordinator for an international study on hereditary breast and ovarian cancer at the Centre for Research in Women's Health—a division of Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre. [Read more...]
UTM Alumni Profile: Mike Mukesh
Major: Biology
Year of Graduation: 1991
Mike Mukesh Sharma is the Manager of Diagnostic Imaging for Headwaters Health Care Centre. [Read more...] |
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| HOW TO GET EXPERIENCE |
| Start early by seeking relevant summer, part-time and volunteer opportunities that will help you gain experience and develop the skills that employers want. Below is a sample of the types of temporary positions that have recently been posted with the Career Centre. To access the summer, part-time, temporary and volunteer postings, register with the Career Centre Online. |
| Summer Positions |
Part-Time Positions |
- Summer Events Coordinator
Toronto Bay Initiative
- Summer Research Program
UofT Banting and Best Institute
- Summer Student Lab Technician Conagra Foods
- Plant Taxonomist/Botanist
Toronto Zoo
- Field Biologist
Toronto Conservation Authority
- Research Assistant
UTM Biology
- Science Instructor
UofT Science Outreach
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- Volunteer
Punjabi Community Health Centre
- Emergency Response Team Volunteer
Canadian Red Cross Society
- Technical Analyst
Pfizer Inc.
- Species Information Assistant
Lake Ontario Conservation Authority
- Botanists, Biologists, Ecologists
Ministry of Natural Resources
- Laboratory Technician (Microbiology)
Pepsi Bottling Group
- Naturalization Crew Leader
Credit Valley Conservation
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| Work Study |
Summer Employment Programs |
Previous postings have included:
- Research Assistant
- Bioinformatics/Genome Research
- Insect Lab Research Technician
- UTM Recycling Coordinator
- M. Biotech Assistant
- Animal Lab Assistant
- Herbarium Assistant
- Environment Health Policy Research
- Fruit Fly Research Assistant
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National Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) - If you would like to gain research experience in an academic setting, these awards can provide you with financial support through your host university.
Science Outreach - A not-for-profit program at the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering. |
| Extern Job Shadowing Program |
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Previous Placements:
- Senior Scientist and Researcher in Cell Biology, Amgen Institute, Princess Margaret Hospital
- Medical Microbiologist, (Organization not stated)
- Director of Genetic Research, Centre for Applied Genomics
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| RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM (ROP) at UTM |
UTM's Research Opportunity Program (ROP) allows students in their second year to earn one full course credit by participating in a faculty member's research project. 2005-2006 projects include: "Neuropeptide Distribution and Activity in Insects"; "Neuropeptides and amine function in the central and peripheral nervous system of insects"; "Feedback between Ragweed and Soil Microflora"; among others. Deadline for applications is usually mid-March.
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| OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED |
UTM Clubs and Community Associations: Join on-campus clubs and community associations that demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for particular industries. On-campus clubs include: Erindale Biological Society (EBS), Erindale College Special Response Team (ECSpeRT), and the Lets Talk Science Partnership Program.
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Professional Associations:
BioTalent
BioTalent (formerly the Biotech Human Resource Council) has a guide titled "Careers in Biotech." This guide provides an excellent overview of biotechnology, the career opportunities available in this field and what level of education they require. A CD-ROM and print version of this resource are available in the Career Centre library.
Environmental Careers Organization Canada (ECO Canada)
This website provides comprehensive career profiles for jobs in the environmental industry.
Toronto Biotech Initiative
As a student member, gain invaluable networking opportunities at TBI breakfast meetings. |
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| RESOURCES |
| Career Centre Library Resources: |
Web Links: |
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| Books: |
- Mississauga: A Leading Canadian Bio Cluster
- Vault Career Guide to Biotech
- Opportunities In: Biological Science Careers
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| The Career Centre Resource Library is located in DV 3094. For more information please visit us, call 905-828-5451 or e-mail: careers.utm@utoronto.ca |
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What's your next step? Take a look at our Sample Career Plan to see suggested steps that you can take towards developing your career-work search plan. Check out our Events Calendar for upcoming career related events.
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