The life sciences industry is a very wide and diverse one. It encompasses the study of plants, animals, diseases, cells, and tissues as well as human health care technologies. The applications are limitless from drug development to gene therapy to medical devices manufacturing. With such a broad range of topics, it’s important for those looking to enter this field to have an understanding of what they’re getting into. In this post, we will be covering six things anyone considering entering the life sciences industry should know about it before making any decisions or taking steps towards doing so. You might find some information here that surprises you!
A Lot of People Are Involved
The life sciences industry employs nearly 2.3 million people in the United States alone, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS). That is a lot of jobs. If you like helping out others and making a difference in their lives, this field would be perfect for you, as most work done in this industry is aimed towards doing exactly that: helping others.
Life sciences include many different types of careers, with the most common one being medical scientists. There are many other jobs in this field that need to be filled as well, however, including professionals in biology, chemistry, physics, and more.
There Are Many Different Industries to Consider
When thinking about what job you would like to do within the life sciences industry, it’s important to first consider which branch of this field interests you most. The main branches are pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, and even consumer products. Each one has its own perks and application in society.
The salary range for this industry is also very wide, with microbiologists typically earning about $48,000 a year at entry-level positions. For those in the field of medical science, the median annual income is around $83,000 per year. You can also get involved in biomedical production that deals with the production of prosthetics, equipment for those who are disabled, and even artificial organs. Additionally, they make sealing material products and components for blood purification, dialysis, and transfusion equipment.
The Education Required for Most Jobs Is Extensive
Just like in any career field, when entering the life sciences industry, you will want to make sure you have the appropriate education for your job, especially ones that are research-based. While there are some options out there for those who don’t want a college degree, this is not advised. Most jobs in the life sciences industry will require at least a bachelor’s degree, with many now expecting their employees to hold advanced degrees as well.
There Is a Lot of Competition
Much like with any industry that is in need of workers and hires employees quickly, there will always be intense competition among job seekers. This is especially true when applying for jobs within the life sciences industry as it continues to grow and become more advanced by the day.
The life sciences industry is especially in need of biologists, chemists, biotechnologies biomedical, medical scientists, and engineers. New employees in these fields should expect a lot of competition.
Areas of Growth
As previously mentioned, the life sciences industry is rapidly growing due in part to advancements in technology. There are many fields that relate to or intersect with this particular industry, and many of them also have a lot of growth potential. The life sciences industry has been growing at an exceptional rate for the past few years, spanning all branches mentioned above.
As technology continues to grow and evolve, so too will the demand for professionals in this field who know how to utilize it. If you’re looking for a career that will keep you constantly learning and on the cutting edge of technology, this is a perfect industry for you.
Most Jobs Are in The City or Suburbs
The life sciences industry operates mainly in two locations: within cities or within suburbs located near universities and hospitals. The vast majority of jobs operate out of these locations so if you’re looking to work in this industry, it is essential that you live or can relocate to one of these areas. Since they are located within city limits, the cost of living is usually higher as well since rents and other associated costs with big cities tend to be more expensive than those found in suburbs and rural areas.
Whether you’re looking for a career that will allow you to help others, learn new skills constantly, make a lot of money, or all three, the life sciences industry provides options for people in every field. If this type of field interests, you now can begin looking into your options now.
There are many different job possibilities within this industry that offer a variety of career paths. It is important, however, to note that in most cases a bachelor’s degree or higher will be required for employment in this field. While many jobs do not necessarily require an advanced degree there are many available in the life sciences industry which require at least a master’s degree for employment consideration.
