2 answers
Adeline
Student
Madison, Wisconsin
1
Question
Asked
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What are the next steps after completing my undergrad education as a STEM major to get a career in my field of study Is graduate school a must? ?
I am pursuing a degree in entomology and life science communications. I'm exploring career options/ next steps for my majors.
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2 answers
Joseph Ford
241
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
It wouldn't hurt and can only make you more valuable within your career. The Life Sciences environment has really taken off especially with AI. Look for internship opportunities and check BioSpace web sites for opportunities.
Cecilia Lopez
Grant Management
1
Answer
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Updated
Cecilia’s Answer
I have a PhD in Engineering, so I can mainly offer a general perspective:
A master’s degree can be very useful outside academia—it gives you a closer look at how science is practiced in a specific field (e.g., entomology), helps you gain hands-on experience, connect with researchers, and get familiar with current developments.
A PhD is typically more relevant if you’re interested in pursuing a career in research or academia, or if you want a deeper specialization.
On the other hand, in fields like entomology and science communication, there are also roles in industry, NGOs, policy, and outreach where practical experience can be as valuable as advanced degrees.
That said, as suggested in the previous reply, getting an internship or a short lab experience can be extremely valuable. It can help you better understand the different career paths available and make a more informed decision about whether graduate school is the right next step given your interests and goals.
A master’s degree can be very useful outside academia—it gives you a closer look at how science is practiced in a specific field (e.g., entomology), helps you gain hands-on experience, connect with researchers, and get familiar with current developments.
A PhD is typically more relevant if you’re interested in pursuing a career in research or academia, or if you want a deeper specialization.
On the other hand, in fields like entomology and science communication, there are also roles in industry, NGOs, policy, and outreach where practical experience can be as valuable as advanced degrees.
That said, as suggested in the previous reply, getting an internship or a short lab experience can be extremely valuable. It can help you better understand the different career paths available and make a more informed decision about whether graduate school is the right next step given your interests and goals.