🚀 go-pugleaf

In <monca001.802152571@maroon.tc.umn.edu> monca001@maroon.tc.umn.edu
(Kristine M Moncada) writes: 
>
>Hi, I am currently engaged in a frustrating job search.  I would like 
>advice from professional biologists about what steps I should take to 
>find employment.  Here is my history:
>
>*EDUCATION*
>
>-  National Merit Scholar from U of MN - Twin Cities with a B.S. in 
>   Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior with a minor in Physical
Anthropology.
>-  Performed field research in Costa Rican cloud forest.
>
>*EMPLOYMENT* (Since graduating, I have only found temporary/seasonal
work.)
>
>-  1993 (6 months)  Office Asst./Database Administration.
>-  1993/1994 (6 months)  Food Quality Control Lab Technician.
>-  1994 (6 months)  Research Asst. for Deer Tick Distribution Study.
>-  1995 (3 months)  Research Asst. evaluating software for paint co.
>
>*VOLUNTEER*
>
>-  1994 to present  I volunteer with the MN Dept. of Natural Resources

>   assisting with forest and prairie restoration.
>
>Here are some of the steps I've taken to find work:
>
>1.  I've applied to the few ads in the newspaper, in the state job 
>    newsletter, and in an ecology job newsletter.
>2.  I am registered at the resume services at my college career office
>    and at the state Job Service.
>3.  I call several joblines in the Twin Cities area.
>4.  I've researched companies and sent out resumes.
>5.  I've posted my resume on some newsgroups.
>6.  I've bought reference books for job seekers.
>
>I am not the only one having problems, as I have met other
biology-majors 
>with difficulties like mine.  I am considering going back to school,
but 
>I don't see many indications that a Master's in Ecology will solve my 
>dilemna.  I want a job in science that utilizes my background and
offers 
>opportunities for advancement.  Should I get some type of
environmentally- 
>related Associate's Degree?  Or should I just go into a different
field?  
>What about going into Landscape Architecture or GIS Management (two 
>topics that interest me)?  Where are the jobs?  I would like to hear
any 
>advice and about other people's experiences.  Thanks for any help.
>
>				Kristine M. Moncada
>
>Post reply or e-mail me at monca001@maroon.tc.umn.edu 

Kristine,

With the B.S. in Ecology/Biology, you are most likely going to be able
to get low paying tech jobs in medical research or medical
manufacturing.  Over 10 or 15 years, you might be able to push yourself
over into an engineering capacity if your company likes you.

A better bet would be to go back and get a Masters in Biomedical or
other engineering discipline.  In particular, a good dose of statistics
courses in that program will help in getting work in medical
manufacturing regulatory affairs or quality assurance work.  Add an MBA
for good measure so that you know how to "talk the talk" and you can go
to the top if you're good.

I speak from personal experience with a Bachelors in Bio...it is a long
tough road and it still leaves you pretty vulnerable to unemployment.

Good Luck.

Paul Mullin

pmullin@ix.netcom.com