Senior seeks bio alumni for career exploration

I’m graduating this May, and I’m exploring the types of jobs available for biology grads. I’d love to speak with other bio alumni to hear what you’ve done and hopefully help me narrow in on the options!

Name: Stephanie Heimler ’17
Email: sheimler@brandeis.edu
Major: Biology

To reply to this ad, email Stephanie directly at sheimler@brandeis.edu and cc: wisdomwanted@brandeis.edu for tracking purposes.

Archived Ad: Advice on temporary jobs before med school

I’m a senior pre-med student majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry. I’ve always known that I want to be a doctor and my experiences during my years at Brandeis have only reinforced that desire. In the last 10 years or so, it has become clear that taking a year or two off between being an undergraduate student and enrolling in a medical school is a path that these institutions prefer to see their applicants take. Therefore, I have recently begun a job search for gap year opportunities in clinical research or public health service projects. However, I have found the process of searching for a job that I know I will likely only hold for a short period of time to be somewhat awkward and difficult to approach. It has been challenging to express my interest in potential jobs while being perfectly honest about my intended path in life because most employers don’t want to hire someone who they know is there temporarily. That being said, does anyone have advice for an appropriate way that pre-med students can earnestly express interest in jobs they plan on holding for only a year or two?

Name: Alex Landau ’17
Major: Biology
Hometown: Fairfield, CT

Archived Ad: Still undecided about med school

I am currently a sophomore on the pre-med track with an intended double major in biology and HSSP, and an interest in neuroscience. I am interested but still unsure about pursuing medical school, and would appreciate any advice from anyone who might have been in a similar position. I would love to gain insight on why you chose to go to medical school or pursue an alternative career in the health field. If you are a recent grad, I would love to learn about your post-graduate/current medical school experience.

Name: Maytal Babajanian ’19
Majors: Biology, HSSP
Hometown: Roslyn Heights, NY

Archived Ad: Senior seeking career advice on food science / pharma

Hi, I am a senior who is freaking out a little about post-grad life.

I would like some advice on how to find an entry level position that will help advance my career in a field in which I do not have any experience. I am a neuroscience and biology major who has an interest in pursuing a potential career in food science and pharmaceutical development; however, I do not have much of a chemistry background. Entry level positions in this field seem to require candidates with either the necessary classes such as a food science course or research experience but I have neither. Is it even worth me applying to a job that I have little to no qualifications for? Should I apply to a job that I do not want to do just to obtain experience so that I will become a more qualified candidate for the actual job I would like to do in the future? Any insight will aid me greatly! Thanks in advance.

Name: Ricky Braithwaite ’17
Majors: Biotechnology (MS), Neuroscience, Biology
Hometown: Chelsea, MA

Archived Ad: Post-grad Seeks Science Research Lab Opportunities

My name is Jodecy Colon and I am currently living in New York City. I graduated from Brandeis University in 2015 with a Bachelors in chemistry. I am seeking employment in a science research lab in New York, preferably in a cancer biology or biomedical research lab. I have research experience in cancer biology, biophysics and neuroscience. I also have experience in teaching and I have volunteered at Massachusetts General Hospital and I would love to work in a hospital or university setting. If you can help me in anyway with my job search, I would be very thankful. Thank you very much and have a nice day.

Name: Jodecy Colon ’15
Major: Chemistry
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

Archived Ad: Junior Seeking Health, Entrepreneurship Career Insight

As a junior at Brandeis, studying health: science, society, & policy (HSSP), I am interested in integrative healthcare, social entrepreneurship, political activism, graphic design and social media. I am goal-oriented and work well with others. I enjoy traveling, exploring diverse cultures and thrive in hand-on experiences.My previous work experiences include: assisting in the physical therapy department in an Israeli hospital, coaching a swim team and instructing individuals of all ages on proper swimming techniques for multiple summers, and teaching graduate students how to swim. I excel in social environments and in helping others achieve their potential. I am looking to complete the required observational hours for graduate school in physical therapy, and/or gain additional integrated healthcare experiences.I am looking to further explore career options that align with my studies and interests. I sincerely welcome the opportunity of speaking with you.

Name: Jonas Singer ’17
Major: Health: science, society, & policy
Hometown: Millburn, NJ

Archived Ad: Aspiring Animal Behaviorist Seeks Advice

Hello! I am graduating this May and looking to go into animal behavior, wildlife conservation, zoology, or a combination of those fields. I am looking to work at zoos to gain experience before going on to earn a PhD in animal behavior. If anyone has experience in these areas I would appreciate any advice you have to give. It would be great to learn you got to where you are today. Thank you!

 

Archived Ad: Seeking Advice on MD/PhD Programs & Gaining Experience in Food Science

I have been interested in the science of nutrition and food since middle school and hope to incorporate those passions into my career. I have worked at Dr. Hayes’ diabetes lab for 1.5 years studying dietary influences of various foods and compounds on development and prevention of dyslipidemia and Type 2 Diabetes. It was the most rewarding and enjoyable job I have ever had, but was unable to return to work after studying abroad in Thailand. Originally, I was thinking of going into research, but now I am also considering medicine. An MD/PhD focusing on nutrition science and preventative medicine seems like the best of both worlds, but I don’t know if I’m qualified enough or if it is possible to do research and practice medicine because of grant competition. For those in medicine and research, do MD/PhD programs have any advantages over other degrees? What else should I consider when deciding on a post-graduate program? What should I do now to prepare? Are there any particular graduate programs I should consider – medical or research based? I have emailed many PIs at universities and hospitals for research positions and opportunities, but everyone said they were full. How can I get into a lab and gain more research experience?

Archived Ad: December Grad Seeks Neuroscience and/or Psychiatry Research Advice

I am a senior graduating in December with a B.S. in Neuroscience & Biology. I am looking for help in finding organizations or labs that are looking for someone to start towards the end of January/early February. My specific interest is in neuroscience and psychiatry, but I am open to other research areas as well. I’d love some guidance in who to reach out to and the best way to do so.