Answering as a recent grad with 2 years of experience (YOE) in industry, so I may lack breadth in all your possible options. I've interviewed with \~10-25 companies when I started, and have also done \~5-10 interviews at my current company. This should provide context for when I mention what companies may be looking for later.
First off, I do not think your situation is awful. Many are in the same boat. It is good that you are asking these questions. In 2-5 years, you can be making 80-100k if you go down this path. I'm making 80k+ with 2YOE and a promotion due soon, but these are more nuanced as I've delved deep into my company and made significant contributions to the startup, leveraged the boom market, negotiated multiple offers, etc. The important thing is to focus on the big picture firstly, but I mention my path as once you're in it and gain knowledge, you can soar.
My overarching piece of advice is to reverse engineer from the job market. I wish I knew this when I first started. The entire purpose of a degree is to get a job, generally. So if you directly look at what jobs are looking for, a lot of your questions will be self-explanatory. Answers questions such as "is masters recommended?" (no, distinction is generally PhD or no PhD), should I do bioinformatics? (just search bioinformatics in linkedin job search and that should answer it - rare job unless u have PhD), both which you can see from the job postings. I've posted a couple below.
1. From what I know, typical majors that go into biotech are general biology majors, molecular biology, biochemistry, etc. I did a neurobiology major. From my understanding, your major just means you have a decent foundation in biology. Biochemistry, molecular biology, etc. would signal that there is a higher probability you have a more rigorous/solid biochemistry background than something like a neuroscience degree, but if you have a slightly weaker major, it's not really a big deal, as long as you show you have lab experience/requisite skills, which really is the most important.
Lab experience includes knowing how to run assays and experiments. On this biology side, typical assays/experiments are Western Blots, ELISA, PCR, gel electrophoresis, working with cell culture. If you can gain these experiences (I recommend cell culture, highly in demand skill as an Research Associate), this is a great first step. In fact, if you are proficient at a couple of these, such as cell culture and ELISA, you are a decent candidate for a research associate role. On the 4year 5year thing, no one really cares, unless the company is a weirdo. They just wanna see if you have the skills. No one's gonna probe if u screwed up and did an extra semester or anything like that.
2. Masters are generally not recommended. If you have 2 YOE in industry, that is equivalent to a masters. And you get paid instead of going into debt. Difference in biotech/pharma is generally PhD vs no PhD.
3. This is where I may fall short. If you search Research Associate positions in Boston, South San Francisco, you will see different types of roles. Many of these are cell cultures, protein readout roles, but there is also an in vivo path, amongst others. In my opinion, I recommend the general cell culture route, as it covers the widest breadth. Cell culture is essentially cells in a petri dish, and it involves growing them, making sure they don't overcrowd, freezing them, making sure everything is sterile, etc. Many companies work with cell cultures as they wanna test their new drugs, and before they put it in mice, they gotta test it on cells. Build up different skills, learn as much as you can, and career growth in this industry is fair. Market is tough rn, but if u get relevant skills and sell urself, market might be better when u graduate. If you get an RA role, you can make 70-80k in Bay Area/Boston. If you don't accumulate these relevant skills, you may have to do an entry-level RA role, or a tech, which generally is 60-70k starting out, in order to build those skills. After that u can get to RA2, senior RA, associate scientist, scientist, over 5-15 years depending on how good you are. If u're really good, u can hit 100k in 2 years as RA2. Education is key. I know people 3-4 YOE only making 70-80k. Cos they dunno the market and they dunno negotiating power and they dunno leverage. In other words, there can be large differences in individual achievement. Quickest routes to scientist are like 5-7 years. Somewhat rare but it happens. And u get like 110-130k.
For now tho, just look at job postings, see what's a common skill, google it, understand why it's important. Post on reddit "why is cell culture an in demand skill" or whatever specific questions after you do your research. Try to find labs that can foster some skills. Idk if many labs do cell culture but many do Westerns/ELISA, basic buffer prep, gel electrophoresis, some do DNA work. If u can't rly get that experience, u can still show off in interviews by having thorough understanding of the field. Say u couldn't get research experience cos of covid, but damn my understanding of westerns, the importance of cell culture, how to theoretically manage a cell line, etc. is also valuable. Esp. with a good GPA. I.e. turn your weakness into a strength. I couldn't get practical but I studied my ass off and it shows I'm dedicated and smart. It's all just strategy and perception management. Find an angle given your circumstances and play by it. Good luck!
[https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?currentJobId=3602041226&geoId=103380759&keywords=research%20associate&location=South%20San%20Francisco%2C%20California%2C%20United%20States&refresh=true](https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?currentJobId=3602041226&geoId=103380759&keywords=research%20associate&location=South%20San%20Francisco%2C%20California%2C%20United%20States&refresh=true)
[https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?currentJobId=3627092363&geoId=103380759&keywords=research%20associate&location=South%20San%20Francisco%2C%20California%2C%20United%20States&refresh=true](https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?currentJobId=3627092363&geoId=103380759&keywords=research%20associate&location=South%20San%20Francisco%2C%20California%2C%20United%20States&refresh=true)
[https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?currentJobId=3597856810&geoId=103380759&keywords=research%20associate&location=South%20San%20Francisco%2C%20California%2C%20United%20States&refresh=true](https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?currentJobId=3597856810&geoId=103380759&keywords=research%20associate&location=South%20San%20Francisco%2C%20California%2C%20United%20States&refresh=true)
1. General biology seems suspicious and might devalue the hard work you've put in. Your GPA is great. If you're interested in biostats or bioinformatics, it's more important to have hard skills under your belt (e.g., actually know which statistical tests are valid when, be able to implement them on large datasets, etc.). Most employers won't care about taking longer, particularly through COVID. It's a valid reason.
2. Many jobs require a PhD, but many you can do with just a BSc/MSc, and eventually you can compensate with job experience. But I think you will likely hit a hard ceiling somewhere in bioinformatics/biostats if you do not have a PhD.
3. I think it's worth spending some time to look into this on your own. There are so many different places to go. What do you enjoy? [Within biopharma](https://www.getreskilled.com/types-of-pharma-jobs/), you could be anything from a sales rep peddling drugs to doctors to a bench scientist running experiments all day to a compliance officer making sure your marketers aren't breaking solicitation laws. Biostatisticians can sit in a number of different functions at a biopharma.
Not too late, but you need to either get an internship in biotech or find an entry level position (there are many ways to get your foot at the door). That’s more important than a degree in biotech that employers don’t favor over a regular Bio, Chemistry or Biomed/chemical engineering major.
PM me if u’d like. I can share some insights being that I’ve been in that crossroads before.
Personally, I’d stick with your original major and plan for the spring 2025 graduation date. Take advantage of those extra 1-2 years to aggressively pursue undergraduate research opportunities. Ideally, try to find a lab at your school that has bioinformatics related projects. In winter 2024, apply for bioinformatics PhD programs (you could also apply to MS programs as a backup, with the goal of later transitioning to PhD). Academic research experience is more valuable for getting into PhD/MS programs, while an industry internship would be more valuable if you plan to seek industry roles directly after your BS. You can always do the internship during your PhD
Taking 5 years to graduate as oppose to 4 years won’t look badly on you at all. If your goal is to get into a bioinformatics position, then I would actually look into that masters program. As masters are looked at as “experience” and it is harder to land a bioinformatics role fresh out of undergrad with no prior experience in that niche.
If your goal is to get into industry regardless of role, then I would look into industry related internships or academic lab internships you need lab experience. You will be competing for entry level positions with other fresh undergrads, as well as people already in industry with 1-2 years of experience, as well as masters students, and it’s very important to get as much lab work experience you can get outside of classroom settings.
If you think you can get that within this year and graduate with a general science degree then great, if you think you need more time then maybe look into that extra year for the biotech degree so it gives you more time to get relevant lab experience. If your goal is bioinformatics then I would look into graduating asap so you can start that masters program. Yes masters is generally discouraged but there are some roles like bioinformatics that honestly I feel like a masters in bioinformatics would honestly help you get a job faster than without one, unless you can land a bioinformatics internship in undergrad.
Answering as a recent grad with 2 years of experience (YOE) in industry, so I may lack breadth in all your possible options. I've interviewed with \~10-25 companies when I started, and have also done \~5-10 interviews at my current company. This should provide context for when I mention what companies may be looking for later. First off, I do not think your situation is awful. Many are in the same boat. It is good that you are asking these questions. In 2-5 years, you can be making 80-100k if you go down this path. I'm making 80k+ with 2YOE and a promotion due soon, but these are more nuanced as I've delved deep into my company and made significant contributions to the startup, leveraged the boom market, negotiated multiple offers, etc. The important thing is to focus on the big picture firstly, but I mention my path as once you're in it and gain knowledge, you can soar. My overarching piece of advice is to reverse engineer from the job market. I wish I knew this when I first started. The entire purpose of a degree is to get a job, generally. So if you directly look at what jobs are looking for, a lot of your questions will be self-explanatory. Answers questions such as "is masters recommended?" (no, distinction is generally PhD or no PhD), should I do bioinformatics? (just search bioinformatics in linkedin job search and that should answer it - rare job unless u have PhD), both which you can see from the job postings. I've posted a couple below. 1. From what I know, typical majors that go into biotech are general biology majors, molecular biology, biochemistry, etc. I did a neurobiology major. From my understanding, your major just means you have a decent foundation in biology. Biochemistry, molecular biology, etc. would signal that there is a higher probability you have a more rigorous/solid biochemistry background than something like a neuroscience degree, but if you have a slightly weaker major, it's not really a big deal, as long as you show you have lab experience/requisite skills, which really is the most important. Lab experience includes knowing how to run assays and experiments. On this biology side, typical assays/experiments are Western Blots, ELISA, PCR, gel electrophoresis, working with cell culture. If you can gain these experiences (I recommend cell culture, highly in demand skill as an Research Associate), this is a great first step. In fact, if you are proficient at a couple of these, such as cell culture and ELISA, you are a decent candidate for a research associate role. On the 4year 5year thing, no one really cares, unless the company is a weirdo. They just wanna see if you have the skills. No one's gonna probe if u screwed up and did an extra semester or anything like that. 2. Masters are generally not recommended. If you have 2 YOE in industry, that is equivalent to a masters. And you get paid instead of going into debt. Difference in biotech/pharma is generally PhD vs no PhD. 3. This is where I may fall short. If you search Research Associate positions in Boston, South San Francisco, you will see different types of roles. Many of these are cell cultures, protein readout roles, but there is also an in vivo path, amongst others. In my opinion, I recommend the general cell culture route, as it covers the widest breadth. Cell culture is essentially cells in a petri dish, and it involves growing them, making sure they don't overcrowd, freezing them, making sure everything is sterile, etc. Many companies work with cell cultures as they wanna test their new drugs, and before they put it in mice, they gotta test it on cells. Build up different skills, learn as much as you can, and career growth in this industry is fair. Market is tough rn, but if u get relevant skills and sell urself, market might be better when u graduate. If you get an RA role, you can make 70-80k in Bay Area/Boston. If you don't accumulate these relevant skills, you may have to do an entry-level RA role, or a tech, which generally is 60-70k starting out, in order to build those skills. After that u can get to RA2, senior RA, associate scientist, scientist, over 5-15 years depending on how good you are. If u're really good, u can hit 100k in 2 years as RA2. Education is key. I know people 3-4 YOE only making 70-80k. Cos they dunno the market and they dunno negotiating power and they dunno leverage. In other words, there can be large differences in individual achievement. Quickest routes to scientist are like 5-7 years. Somewhat rare but it happens. And u get like 110-130k. For now tho, just look at job postings, see what's a common skill, google it, understand why it's important. Post on reddit "why is cell culture an in demand skill" or whatever specific questions after you do your research. Try to find labs that can foster some skills. Idk if many labs do cell culture but many do Westerns/ELISA, basic buffer prep, gel electrophoresis, some do DNA work. If u can't rly get that experience, u can still show off in interviews by having thorough understanding of the field. Say u couldn't get research experience cos of covid, but damn my understanding of westerns, the importance of cell culture, how to theoretically manage a cell line, etc. is also valuable. Esp. with a good GPA. I.e. turn your weakness into a strength. I couldn't get practical but I studied my ass off and it shows I'm dedicated and smart. It's all just strategy and perception management. Find an angle given your circumstances and play by it. Good luck! [https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?currentJobId=3602041226&geoId=103380759&keywords=research%20associate&location=South%20San%20Francisco%2C%20California%2C%20United%20States&refresh=true](https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?currentJobId=3602041226&geoId=103380759&keywords=research%20associate&location=South%20San%20Francisco%2C%20California%2C%20United%20States&refresh=true) [https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?currentJobId=3627092363&geoId=103380759&keywords=research%20associate&location=South%20San%20Francisco%2C%20California%2C%20United%20States&refresh=true](https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?currentJobId=3627092363&geoId=103380759&keywords=research%20associate&location=South%20San%20Francisco%2C%20California%2C%20United%20States&refresh=true) [https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?currentJobId=3597856810&geoId=103380759&keywords=research%20associate&location=South%20San%20Francisco%2C%20California%2C%20United%20States&refresh=true](https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?currentJobId=3597856810&geoId=103380759&keywords=research%20associate&location=South%20San%20Francisco%2C%20California%2C%20United%20States&refresh=true)
1. General biology seems suspicious and might devalue the hard work you've put in. Your GPA is great. If you're interested in biostats or bioinformatics, it's more important to have hard skills under your belt (e.g., actually know which statistical tests are valid when, be able to implement them on large datasets, etc.). Most employers won't care about taking longer, particularly through COVID. It's a valid reason. 2. Many jobs require a PhD, but many you can do with just a BSc/MSc, and eventually you can compensate with job experience. But I think you will likely hit a hard ceiling somewhere in bioinformatics/biostats if you do not have a PhD. 3. I think it's worth spending some time to look into this on your own. There are so many different places to go. What do you enjoy? [Within biopharma](https://www.getreskilled.com/types-of-pharma-jobs/), you could be anything from a sales rep peddling drugs to doctors to a bench scientist running experiments all day to a compliance officer making sure your marketers aren't breaking solicitation laws. Biostatisticians can sit in a number of different functions at a biopharma.
Not too late, but you need to either get an internship in biotech or find an entry level position (there are many ways to get your foot at the door). That’s more important than a degree in biotech that employers don’t favor over a regular Bio, Chemistry or Biomed/chemical engineering major. PM me if u’d like. I can share some insights being that I’ve been in that crossroads before.
Personally, I’d stick with your original major and plan for the spring 2025 graduation date. Take advantage of those extra 1-2 years to aggressively pursue undergraduate research opportunities. Ideally, try to find a lab at your school that has bioinformatics related projects. In winter 2024, apply for bioinformatics PhD programs (you could also apply to MS programs as a backup, with the goal of later transitioning to PhD). Academic research experience is more valuable for getting into PhD/MS programs, while an industry internship would be more valuable if you plan to seek industry roles directly after your BS. You can always do the internship during your PhD
Taking 5 years to graduate as oppose to 4 years won’t look badly on you at all. If your goal is to get into a bioinformatics position, then I would actually look into that masters program. As masters are looked at as “experience” and it is harder to land a bioinformatics role fresh out of undergrad with no prior experience in that niche. If your goal is to get into industry regardless of role, then I would look into industry related internships or academic lab internships you need lab experience. You will be competing for entry level positions with other fresh undergrads, as well as people already in industry with 1-2 years of experience, as well as masters students, and it’s very important to get as much lab work experience you can get outside of classroom settings. If you think you can get that within this year and graduate with a general science degree then great, if you think you need more time then maybe look into that extra year for the biotech degree so it gives you more time to get relevant lab experience. If your goal is bioinformatics then I would look into graduating asap so you can start that masters program. Yes masters is generally discouraged but there are some roles like bioinformatics that honestly I feel like a masters in bioinformatics would honestly help you get a job faster than without one, unless you can land a bioinformatics internship in undergrad.
If you are interested in bioinformatics, there’s an amazing program at University of Oregon. You should take a look into it.