<p>Does anyone know a link which shows job placement for Biochem graduates at Penn? I plan on getting a Ph.D. (and hopefully even first submatriculating in the Vagelos MLS program for a MS in chem). I know I love chemistry, but I think my passion is in biochemistry; I know I will really figure this out in college. However, I am worried about life after Penn. Wharton kids obviously have many top-notch career options, but I do not want to be working for a lab as a temp or else make 35K in a miserable lab. I have faith in Penn, but should I be considering a different major if I can come to love it?</p>
<p>Well there’s many options in chemistry/biochemistry/other sciences. Some peope go work for drug companies, others go to medical school, some go to MD-PhD programs (I’ve heard of some Vagelos scholars doing this), or into academics (as in working at a university and doing research, hopefully becoming a professor). At a different part of the spectrum, my friend’s Dad has a PhD in biophysics and now he is a patent lawyer. I’ve also heard some TAs in the physics department (maybe this doesn’t apply to biochem) discussing physics TAs taking jobs in finance (they are valued for their math skills).</p>
<p>I understand what you are saying, which is a good reason why I wanted to focus in biochemistry–it has so many options in which I would be interested. I just want to see where specifically some Penn grads have gone to after grad school and what their salaries are, as secondary as that is to enjoying career choice. I want to be on the frontiers or be allowed freedom to research at will, and not operate a machine all day. If I want it, I know it will happen because these things are a matter of will; I’d just like some figures.</p>
<p>If you look on the Vagelos scholars page under Graduates, you can see some of the programs that students have gone on to. I’ve heard from people in the Physics departments that lots of students go on to top programs, quite a few get PhDs at places like Harvard and MIT, top programs. I don’t think you can really go wrong if you work hard. I’m just a freshman and already I’ve seen tons of research opportunities. CURF is a an organization on campus that is dedicated to helping students find research opportunities. Professors are incredibly helpful, they make it clear that if they see that you are motivated and willing to work, they will help you get started on real projects as soon as possible. A junior I’ve talked to is working on her own independent project making sensors. Tons of neat opportunities, but you have to have the initiative to find them.</p>
<p>I saw that and it sounds great! I know Wharton secures very unique, prized jobs, so I was wondering if there are like Merk or Pfizer executives, NIH researchers, etc from Penn’s CAS. Like you are saying, though, regardless of who is doing what, if I actively pursue it, there is always the chace I will get it. I was accepted ED to CAS Class of 2015–I’m so pumped for next year! What are you studying?</p>
<p>Hmm if you plan on getting a PhD, then what will really affect your later job prospects will be your grad school, the kind of research you eventually do, how good your future PI is, and how dedicated he/she is to seeing you succeed. </p>
<p>If you come into Penn in the Vagelos MLS program and work hard, win some research awards, publish, maintain your GPA, get involved in extracurriculars, you’re pretty much guaranteed to get into a top 5 grad school in your field. From then on, it’s all about the quality of your research during your PhD years that will affect your job placement.</p>
<p>I’ll warn you now though, PhDs are not in demand. There is an oversupply of PhD scientists and not enough jobs to meet the supply. The private sector is turning over all the time, with lots of outsourcing to places like India and China. If you’re looking into academia, it’s hypercompetitive, as there are few tenure track openings and tons of people applying.</p>
<p>If after a few years at Penn and you still want to do the PhD, prepare to work your ass off in grad school. Choose a great PI and remember, name of PI > name of school. You will need a top publication record to get a job you really like, and that will offer job security. Even then, nothing is guaranteed. </p>
<p>It’s a good idea to also consider the MD/PhD, if you really like research. You will be able to do things with the MD that will be very helpful down the road, even if it does add an extra 4 years to your education. (And the MD is paid for) It’s also a good idea to consider other career paths as mentioned above.</p>
<p>And submatriculating is very easily done–even without AP credits, you should be able to complete all the Master’s courses by the end of senior year.</p>
<p>AsTheMoonBleeds I forgot to mention, Roy Vagelos whom MLS is named after got his B.A. at Penn majoring in Biochem. I think that’s the kind of example you are looking for. Also, if you go down the stairs in the chem building right by the entrance on the corner of Spruce, you will see a number of portraits, all of people affiliated with the chem department (masters, pHD, and undergrad I think) who have won nobel prizes. The chem department really emphasizes that they want nobel prize winners (so does Dr. Lu from what a few Vagelos scholars tell me). The winner this year, Ei-ichi Negishi, got his PhD from Penn. Pretty much by the morning after he won his portrait was already put up.
As for me, I plan to major in physics with a concentration in chemical principles and submatriculate in physics or chemistry. I’m interested in condensed matter, so that’s pretty much the intersection between physics, chemistry, and materials science.</p>
<p>Poeme, that is too funny! I knew the chem dept was top notch, so at least they earned that attitude. Please be honest: do you like Penn? I am very excited to attend and it seems to have a pretty positive atmosphere, but are you happy and do you like Penn? I hear lots of mixed views.</p>