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Is the market for people studying biology growing or shrinking?
#careers #biology #stem #any
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3 answers
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Johnny’s Answer
There will always be a need for people in the field of science. It will depend of course on what you want to do but most everyone has to start somewhere and work their way up. The higher you go the more competition there will be but always try to build your network and reputation. If you work hard and are a good coworker, you will not have a problem finding work.
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Lisa’s Answer
With a BS in Biology you will have a broad range of courses to choose from. You can take courses to study a number of specialty areas. Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, lab research, forensic science, and more. Before applying to college, investigate what minors or specialty science courses different schools offer. They are not all the same.
Research "careers for biology majors"
Look up DOL (dept of labor/careers website
Lisa recommends the following next steps:
Updated
John’s Answer
Job Outlook - biology is a wide area so here's a couple examples.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Percent change in employment, projected 2019-29
Life scientists
5%
Zoologists and wildlife biologists
4%
Total, all occupations
4%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Zoologists and wildlife biologists will be needed to study human and wildlife interactions as the human population grows and development impacts wildlife and their natural habitats. However, because most funding comes from governmental agencies, demand for zoologists and wildlife biologists will be limited by budgetary constraints.
As the human population grows and expands into new areas, it will create threats that endanger wildlife. Zoologists and wildlife biologists will be needed to study the impact of disease, habitat loss, pollution, and other factors on wildlife. Many states will continue to employ zoologists and wildlife biologists to manage animal populations for tourism purposes, such as hunting game, sightseeing, and conservation. Zoologists and wildlife biologists will be needed to develop and implement conservation plans that combat threats to animals and protect our natural resources.
Job Prospects - microbiologist
Zoologists and wildlife biologists may face strong competition when looking for employment. Job candidates who have practical experience gained through internships, summer jobs, or volunteer work completed before or shortly after graduation should have the best opportunities.
Employment of microbiologists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. More microbiologists will be needed to contribute to basic research and solve problems of industrial production.
Microbiologists will be needed to research and develop new medicines and treatments, such as vaccines and antibiotics. In addition, microbiologists will be needed to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies develop drugs that are produced with the aid of microorganisms.
Aside from improving health, other areas of research and development are expected to provide employment growth for microbiologists. Many companies, from food producers to chemical companies, will need microbiologists to ensure product quality and production efficiency. Efforts to find more clean sources of energy will involve microbiologists, such as mycologists and industrial microbiologists, who research and develop alternative energy sources such as biofuels and biomass. In agriculture, microbiologists will be needed to help develop genetically engineered crops that provide greater yields or require less pesticide and fertilizer. Finally, efforts to discover new and improved ways to preserve the environment and safeguard public health also will make use of microbiologists.
Job Prospects
Microbiology is a thriving field that should provide good prospects for qualified workers. Most of the applied research projects that microbiologists are involved in require the expertise of scientists in multiple fields such as geology, chemistry, and medicine. Microbiologists with some familiarity of other disciplines should have the best opportunities.
Much of basic research depends on funding from the federal government through the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. Federal budgetary decisions and private capital availability will affect job prospects in basic research from year to year. There is strong competition among microbiologists for research funding. However, many opportunities for microbiologists are likely to be available.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Percent change in employment, projected 2019-29
Life scientists
5%
Zoologists and wildlife biologists
4%
Total, all occupations
4%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Zoologists and wildlife biologists will be needed to study human and wildlife interactions as the human population grows and development impacts wildlife and their natural habitats. However, because most funding comes from governmental agencies, demand for zoologists and wildlife biologists will be limited by budgetary constraints.
As the human population grows and expands into new areas, it will create threats that endanger wildlife. Zoologists and wildlife biologists will be needed to study the impact of disease, habitat loss, pollution, and other factors on wildlife. Many states will continue to employ zoologists and wildlife biologists to manage animal populations for tourism purposes, such as hunting game, sightseeing, and conservation. Zoologists and wildlife biologists will be needed to develop and implement conservation plans that combat threats to animals and protect our natural resources.
Job Prospects - microbiologist
Zoologists and wildlife biologists may face strong competition when looking for employment. Job candidates who have practical experience gained through internships, summer jobs, or volunteer work completed before or shortly after graduation should have the best opportunities.
Employment of microbiologists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. More microbiologists will be needed to contribute to basic research and solve problems of industrial production.
Microbiologists will be needed to research and develop new medicines and treatments, such as vaccines and antibiotics. In addition, microbiologists will be needed to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies develop drugs that are produced with the aid of microorganisms.
Aside from improving health, other areas of research and development are expected to provide employment growth for microbiologists. Many companies, from food producers to chemical companies, will need microbiologists to ensure product quality and production efficiency. Efforts to find more clean sources of energy will involve microbiologists, such as mycologists and industrial microbiologists, who research and develop alternative energy sources such as biofuels and biomass. In agriculture, microbiologists will be needed to help develop genetically engineered crops that provide greater yields or require less pesticide and fertilizer. Finally, efforts to discover new and improved ways to preserve the environment and safeguard public health also will make use of microbiologists.
Job Prospects
Microbiology is a thriving field that should provide good prospects for qualified workers. Most of the applied research projects that microbiologists are involved in require the expertise of scientists in multiple fields such as geology, chemistry, and medicine. Microbiologists with some familiarity of other disciplines should have the best opportunities.
Much of basic research depends on funding from the federal government through the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. Federal budgetary decisions and private capital availability will affect job prospects in basic research from year to year. There is strong competition among microbiologists for research funding. However, many opportunities for microbiologists are likely to be available.