I’m currently a high school junior, and this year I’ve discovered that I have a huge love for biology(from AP bio) and specifically, I love Biotechnology, and think it is some of the coolest and most interesting stuff ever. Yes, I know that science majors don’t always make the best money but I figure if you’re doing something awesome and love it life’s gonna be alright no matter what! But I also believe biotech can be very rewarding(more so than many other science majors) especially with experience. And yes, I know, and fully plan on attaining a graduate or PhD. Although schools with biotechnology undergrad programs are hard to find, I have been able to find some, even if they are tucked within another major or as a side Program, but there are some straight up majors in it at a couple schools. But, how important is it to get your undergrad in biotech specifically or have a side program in it available? Although I would much prefer that, is molecular biology or biochem or genetics majors(which I have read to be very similar??) better or even okay in preparing me for a biotech graduate? Id prefer biotech in undergrad but I’ll keep all options open. Also, I’m interested as well in agriculture, and my favorite type of biotechnology seems to be agricultural biotech and genetically modifying plants and things like that, so is there a specific major based on biotech in plants that I also could/should do?(such as plant science, plant genetics, or whatever else?) or is a more open broad biotech undergrad better to find out for sure what I like and specialize later? I’m also(I know, lots of also’s) interested in having a double major or minor along with it in business or agribusiness, so that I could open up lots more doors of being in the business side of biotech or a financial analyst of biotech companies or etc, since I am also great at business(member of both FBLA and DECA and state and national qualifier multiple times in both). Is this advised or possible? Thanks!
I wouldn’t be worried about being in a specifically biotechnology degree program. Grad programs will be looking for a skill set and research experience. You could major in biochem, biology, bioengineering, (you might consider botany if you’re into plant genetics) and be well-prepared for biotech in grad school. The utility of the business portion I think depends on what you want to do: start your own business? Work for a biotech startup? Work in research for a company like Monsanto?
Isn’t that the coolest?
How about modifying the body’s own defenses to do an endrun around a million years of evolution and go after cancer or viruses?
Biotech is big enough and wide enough that you don’t have to get a “biotech” degree. If you go into research and move up to the top of some segment of inquiry, someone will want you.
Unimaginative, uninspired people go down the mainstream path to blend in with the herd, but then are surprised they can’t get a job because they look like everyone else. Don’t do that. Follow your passions.
Yup, in my experience, having a different background that makes you stand out and lets you contribute something new can be a great boost. I’m a neuroscience major who’s going to grad school for bioengineering and regularly works on interesting programming projects. Not being a CS or engineering major I think has given me an interesting and useful perspective.