Career Paths: What to Do with a Biotechnology Degree for High School Students

Did you know that the biotech company, Colossal Biosciences, has been researching how to bring the wooly mammoth back from extinction? According to an article by NPR, Colossal believes that through the latest cloning and genetic engineering techniques and scientific advancements, they may be able to reintroduce these amazing creatures back into our ecosystems. Biotechnology promises lots of amazing advancements — especially in regards to medicine, agriculture, and sustainability practices. 

Why Biotechnology? The Growing Opportunities in This Field

With ongoing breakthroughs in biotechnology, experienced professionals are essential for driving innovation across multiple industries, including medicine, agriculture, and sustainability. In medicine, biotechnology offers the potential for personalized treatments and advanced therapies, such as gene therapy and regenerative medicine. In agriculture, biotech innovations promise to improve crop resilience and yield. Biotechnology also plays a pivotal role in sustainability practices, such as the creation of biofuels. 

Overall, the demand for biotech professionals is rising, offering exciting career prospects in the medical and scientific research industries. This is why high school is an ideal time to start exploring biotechnology. By taking courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics, students can build a strong foundation in science and critical thinking, gaining essential knowledge that will serve them well throughout college and in their future careers. 

What Can I Do with a Biotechnology Degree?

So you’re interested in studying biotechnology — now what? What can you do with a biotechnology degree, anyway? What career paths are available to you? 

Biotechnology opens doors to diverse careers across multiple industries, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental science. We live in a technology-driven world after all, so technology plays a crucial role in innovation and advancements, regardless of the industry. 

Here are some of the most exciting career paths in biotechnology for you to consider:

Biotech in Medicine and Healthcare

Are you interested in medicine and healthcare? With growing medical technologies, there are lots of job opportunities in the medical field, including the following positions:

Biomedical Engineer: Designing medical devices and healthcare technologies.

Genetic Counselor: Helping patients understand genetic conditions and testing.

Pharmaceutical Researcher: Developing new drugs and vaccines.

Biotech in Sustainability and Agriculture

Biotechnology plays a vital role in enhancing sustainability in agriculture by developing crops that are more resilient to climate change, pests, and diseases. In today’s changing climate, biotech workers in agriculture and sustainability are of vital importance. Here are a few biotech jobs in this sector for you to consider:

Environmental Biotechnologist: Using biotech to clean up pollution and develop renewable energy.

Agricultural Scientist: Enhancing crop genetics and improving sustainable farming practices.

Food Scientist: Innovating plant-based and lab-grown foods.

Biotech in Data Science and AI

Are you interested in studying AI? Data science and AI offer many job opportunities in regard to biotechnology. Consider the following positions: 

Bioinformatician: Analyzing genetic data to advance medicine and research.

Biotech Software Developer: Creating AI tools for DNA sequencing and drug discovery.

Biotech in Business and Entrepreneurship

The biotech industry offers many opportunities for new businesses and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re interested in healthcare, agriculture, or sustainability, there are business opportunities in many biotech sectors. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you may want to consider the following positions: 

Biotech Startup Founder: Launching new biotech solutions in healthcare, agriculture, or sustainability.

Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Ensuring biotech products meet safety and legal standards.

What Are Some Soft Skills to Gain in High School?

Success in biotechnology requires more than technical knowledge — soft skills matter, too! Here’s a brief list of soft skills students should focus on developing throughout the course of their high school career:

1. Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving

Developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills helps high schoolers make informed choices, approach problems methodically, and create effective solutions. These skills involve analyzing situations, evaluating information, and making reasoned decisions, all of which are essential for personal and academic growth. 

2. Collaboration & Communication

Group projects and team activities are common in high school. By honing these skills, students learn to express their ideas, listen to others, and work towards common goals. Outside of the classroom, students can use extracurricular activities to gain comfort around collaboration and communication. From joining a chess club to auditioning for a play to trying out for a sports team, there are lots of ways to explore your interests while also developing positive communication skills. 

3. Creativity & Innovation

Creativity involves generating new ideas and concepts, while innovation refers to applying these ideas in practical ways. In a rapidly changing world, being able to think creatively allows students to approach problems with fresh perspectives and develop innovative solutions. Whether you’re interested in the humanities, STEM subjects, or both, there are lots of opportunities, inside and outside of the classroom, to practice developing innovative solutions. 

4. Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is crucial in both academic settings and future careers, particularly in fields like science, engineering, and finance. Developing this skill helps students ensure accuracy in their work, avoid errors, and produce high-quality results. High schoolers can be mindful of details by using a daily planner, taking detailed notes during class, and annotating assigned reading materials. Overall, these practices will help students pay closer attention to fine details. 

5. Adaptability & Resilience

Cultivating adaptability and resilience prepares students to handle change and stress effectively. These skills are crucial in both college and the workplace, where flexibility is often necessary to work effectively with others within a variety of settings. 

How to Prepare for a Career in Biotechnology as a High School Student

In addition to cultivating soft skills, students can gain practical experience in the sciences by joining science clubs, pursuing research opportunities, participating in science fairs, and more! If you’re interested in pursuing a career in biotechnology, consider some of the suggestions below. Not only will these steps help you to stand out from your peers on your college applications, but they will also allow you to explore your interests more fully so that you can find out if biotechnology is truly the right field for you!

1. Take STEM Classes

First and foremost, if you want to pursue a STEM career, you’ll need a really solid foundation. This means that you should focus on taking classes like biology, chemistry, physics, and math. If possible, take advanced courses in these subjects to adequately challenge yourself.

2. Join Science Clubs & Competitions

The next step is to get involved outside of the classroom! Participate in STEM fairs, biology competitions, and research programs. If your school has a robotics, coding, or engineering club, consider joining. Or start up your own! 

3. Pursue Research Opportunities

Hands-on research strengthens college applications and career prospects. One way to gain research experience is to complete an independent research project with Polygence. Polygence pairs motivated students with expert research mentors who help guide students through the research process — from formulating a research question to presenting their final findings. 

Here are a few biology research projects Polygence alums have completed:

• The Applications of the CRISPR/Cas9 Gene-Editing System in Treating Human Diseases 

• In patients with mitral valve dysfunction, how does mitral valve repair using Da Vinci surgery compare to open surgery in terms of safety?

• How can 3D-printed chitosan-based scaffolds be optimised to improve mechanical strength and degradation rates?  

If you’re interested in brainstorming for your own independent research project, check out our AI project idea generator to get started!

4. Explore Internships & Summer Programs

Gain real-world biotech experience early on by participating in biology summer research programs and STEM summer internships. Internships and research programs allow students to explore different career paths and gain insights into various industries. This experience can help them make informed decisions about their future educational and career choices. These programs also help students stand out in their college applications. 

Gain Research Experience with Polygence

If you’re a high school student with a curiosity for science and a passion for innovation, a biotechnology degree could lead to an exciting and impactful carer. Whether you dream of working in a lab, on a farm, or even in a boardroom, there are endless possibilities waiting for you in the dynamic field of biotechnology!

As a high school student, it’s important to focus on taking plenty of biology, chemistry, and mathematics courses. But how can you really dive into biotechnology, specifically? The best way to pursue biotechnology in high school is to complete an independent research project. That’s where we come in. 

Polygence Pods are a great way to explore biotechnology alongside a small cohort of like-minded peers under the mentorship of an industry professional. These programs offer both group instruction and individualized feedback, making it an ideal program for students looking to connect with like-minded peers while pursuing their own individualized interests. For more information about how Polygence Pods can help you reach your goals, consider programs like Cancer and Biology Research and Precision Medicine.