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Your Guide to Biology Internships

Explore our comprehensive guide to the best biology internships for college students.

Internships for biology majors

As a major with so many career path options, choosing to study biology gives you many types of internships to consider. There will always be an opening for a great biology internship, as the field is always looking for capable biology focused college students to help and hire.

In your biology internships you’ll gain skills in research, teamwork, organization, accountability, and problem-solving among many others. Internship opportunities for biology students can foster great exploration of the field, since there are so many paths in biology to consider and understand.

How do I get a biology internship?

Getting an internship in biology is very exciting considering the sheer amount of opportunities in different biologyes. biology internships during summer 2021 will provide you with many valuable experiences, giving a real taste of what it’ll be like to work in biology down the line. You’ll connect with potential mentors, learn biology trade secrets, and build relationships with coworkers with a range of expertise. It’s also a plus if it’s a paid biology internship!

The best biology internship programs strengthen resumes, provide valuable avenues to letters of recommendation, and can even turn into full-time jobs. If you consider all of these perks of a biology internship and add the benefit of exploring different facets of one field, then start your biology internship search now!

Tips for your resume and profiles

Before you get started on sending out applications, make sure that you have your resume up to date and have fully filled out all your Handshake profile details. With a complete profile, an impressive biology internship is more attainable than ever. Recruiters are much more likely to message a student with a complete profile that says you want to work in biology than an unfinished one.

Tips for your internship interview

When you do land your first interview, be it a virtual interview or in person, make sure to come prepared and dressed to impress. Review your resume and cover letter to make sure you have specific examples of your experience to share, from clubs or coursework. You can even schedule a mock interview with your university’s career center or, if you’re tight on time, ask a trusted friend to grill you on some common interview questions.

Tips for networking at your biology internship

Once you’ve landed an internship in biology and settled into the flow of day-to-day life at the office, start chatting with your coworkers. Whether they’re industry professionals or fellow interns, it’s important to treat them with equal respect. You never know what insights they could lend, or who could be a valuable connection down the line, five or ten years from now. Don’t be afraid to ask your new colleagues out for quick coffee chats, or request 15-minute informational interviews about their career trajectory.

Want more tips for getting the most out of your internship?

Looking for specific advice before your internship begins? Or are you hungry for further information even after your internship is over? A good way to delve even deeper into your career path growth is to attend a virtual event or two. Not only will you be learning more about your own career, but there will also be chances to network with employers, industry specialists, and other students sharing different perspectives.

Jobs you can get as a biology major

Wondering where the “biology internships near me” are? Internships in biology can fall under any of the following roles we’ve listed here for you! Internships are meant to guide you towards your true desired career path and your summer 2021 biology internship could kick it off in the right direction.

For internships, it doesn’t matter if you’re on the hunt for marine biology internships or paid biology internships or biology internships in NYC summer. The following job roles and suggestions on where to apply for biology internships can guide you in the right direction for whatever you’re looking for.

Microbiologist

Microbiologists study and research microorganisms. They often work in labs and clinical environments to further knowledge on life forms such as fungi, parasites, and bacteria.

Companies you can apply to: USDA Forest Service, Greening Youth Foundation, Seaspine

Average pay: $75,650

Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists and specialists work with companies to inform policy decisions, conduct research, and advocate for environmental causes. They also often work with nonprofit organizations to inform lawmakers and the general public on important environmental and conservation issues.
Companies you can apply to: Olsson, Clean Harbors, Parsons

Average pay: $71,360

Zoologist

Zoologists study and work with animals and how they interact with their ecosystems.

Companies you can apply to: Great Basin Institute, Southwest Conservation Corps, New England Aquarium

Average pay: $63,270

Biochemist

Biochemists study, conduct, and analyze experiments pertaining to chemical and physical properties.

Companies you can apply to: VForce Infotech, Abbott, Genentech

Average pay: $94,490

Tips and tricks for your biology internship

Want tips for getting and acing your biology internship? Look no further.

How do you get a biology internship in college?

When searching for biology internships, it’s key to use the location filters provided on Handshake. You’ll be able to pinpoint biology internships exactly where you want to intern just by selecting the city you want in the search bar. Easy biology internships in your preferred city are just a search away.

You can even research possible job roles that you might want to explore during your biology internship. Handshake also makes it easy to learn about roles in biology simply by using the job role search bar.

And if you want to take your research one step further, you can even research top employers in the biology field on Handshake. Just by using the Handshake employer search feature you can discover companies that are hiring in your specific field by filtering by “Industry.”

Where can I intern for biology?

Some companies that would be great for biology majors looking for internships: Great Basin Institute, Abbott, or Clean Harbors.

biology internships for college students can be found all over! Even companies that don’t seem to have a main focus in biology are looking for bright interns to help them develop a voice.

Are biology internships paid?

Yes, you can find paid biology internships on Handshake by using the search filters!

The average annual pay for full time biology jobs range from $63,270 to $94,490.

How much does a biology intern make?

The average annual pay for full time jobs in biology range from $63,270 to $94,490.

Are internships necessary for biology majors?

While it's not required, internships are great opportunities for growth and experience. From microbiology internships for undergraduates to great summer biology internships, you’ll be able to build both hard and soft skills and even network.

What does a biology intern do?

Along with networking and gaining mentorship, biology interns will spend time working on skills great for later in their career journeys. Biology interns will learn research practices, how to plan and execute projects, communicate their visions effectively, manage and collaborate with a team on a shared goal.

Where can I intern for biology?

Some companies that would be great for biology majors looking for internships: Great Basin Institute, Abbott, or Clean Harbors.

What can you learn from a biology internship?

During your biology internship, you’ll learn some great generic skills like time management, accountability, organization, and teamwork. Additionally, you’ll be immersed in the world of biology which will help you develop your knowledge of research tactics, how to manage biology projects effectively, and about your company’s impact on your industry.

What should biology interns put on their resume?

When putting together your resume, make sure to have all your skills, courses, and accomplishments laid out for employers to view. Also having your preferred job role and location on your Handshake profile is a great way to signal your interest to potential recruiters.

For biology interns, some great skills to list would be specific technical skills, time management, ability to follow through and execute, and ability to contribute and collaborate in a team setting. It’s also key to mention organizations or projects that you led and can explain thoroughly.

Photo by Nhia Moua on Unsplash

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