CALS Career Services Blog

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The life sciences industry is growing. According to the 2010 U.S. census shown below, college graduates with life science majors have had traditionally low unemployment rates compared to other majors. However, universities are graduating more students interested in this industry every year. In the recent years, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at UW-Madison has seen a 24 percent enrollment increase in life science majors (Bacteriology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biology and Genetics).

The increase in enrollment suggests that students are excited about the opportunity to work in this sector – however we have noticed some outstanding job opportunities often overlooked by life science graduates.

Most notably, careers in agriculture.

Unemployment rates for college graduates with respect to industry. Click the picture for more information. Statistics provided by the 2010 U.S. Census.

As shown in the table above, the unemployment rates for Agriculture and Natural Resources and Science Life/Physical is relatively low. Using both of these industries in your job search will tremendously increase the number of jobs you can apply to.

Many of the skills you learn as a life science major can apply to careers in agriculture – which is an applied life science. The agriculture industry needs biological scientists for jobs that focus on research affecting both animals and plants. From nutrition and health to genetics and sustainability – scientists are key to new and innovative discoveries. And you don’t have to grow up on a farm or major in agriculture to make a difference.

At the CALS Etiquette Dinner a few years ago, I spoke to a representative from  Covance. She had an important role in one of Covance’s labs and a BS degree in a biological science. To my surprise, she didn’t start her career at Covance, but rather at a company called ABS Global, a bovine genetics company. She worked as a lab technician at ABS Global before eventually landing at Covance. This employer was able to use her lab skills and science background to transcend industries.

There are great opportunities in agriculture that are perfect for life science students – even if it might not be so obvious. Start by asking yourself a few important questions:  Do you want to help the planet by conserving resources and increasing food supply? Do you want to help improve the genetics of animals and plants? Do you want to make the food supply safer? If so, consider a career in agriculture!

By Jordan Simonson
CALS Career Services Peer Advisor

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Whenever I look at a job description, the first thing I ask myself is, “Do I qualify for this job?” As students, we are very focused on our dream job – which can actually turn into a stumbling block. Below are a few things to consider when skimming through job descriptions.

1. How much experience is required?

As a college student, experience is the largest hurdle you will face. As a recent or upcoming graduate, stay away from positions that ask for three or more years of experience. When the experience required is below three years, then you need to use your judgement. Think critically about the amount of experience you have in the field and whether it comes close to the amount listed for the position.

2. Don’t focus too much on the major.

Some students get caught up in the major or field of study in a job description. For some positions, looking through the job duties will give you as good of a picture of whether you fit the position as the major listed in the position. In some cases, employers don’t fully understand all of the majors that could work for their open position. Most job descriptions list “or related field” next to their list of required majors. As long as you have the skills to back it up, you likely fall under the “related field” category.

3. Have you done the job before?

When looking at the job description, it is important to analyze whether you have previous experience with any of the job duties – either directly or indirectly. If you have already mastered a large portion of the job duties, you are likely qualified. If there are significant duties associated with the job you have not done, then you need to determine if you are able to learn these things quickly or if it will be too difficult. If you think you can learn – go for it! In a down economy, employers tend to gravitate to previous experience rather than potential. Love it or hate it, it’s expensive to hire people with “potential” alone and little to no experience.

4. What is required?

Many job descriptions have “Required” and “Preferred” qualifications sections. If there are significant required qualifications that you do not posses, then you might not qualify for the position. Whenever an employer lists a job duty or candidate attribute as “required”, it is important that you have the skill – or a variation of the skill. These requirements are considered the bare minimum experiences you must possess in order to be considered for the position. In terms of “preferred” qualifications – this area is where an employer lists skills and attributes that would allow a person to excel in the role. It’s almost like an employer “wish-list” – good to have, but not required to do the job. Much of the required/not required skill determination comes from data provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.

If you still have doubts about whether you qualify for a position, you can always call the employer. It’s better to ask clarifying questions proactively rather than spending time on applications materials only to find out you do not qualify. Asking questions also shows an employer that you have initiative and attention to detail! Happy job searching!

By Jordan Simonson
CALS Career Services Peer Advisor