How are the job prospects in Biological Anthropology?

[Juustin]

I'm getting way ahead of myself here as I'm still working on completing my Associates Degree before transferring for a Bachelors. I definitely want to do something with Biology, but I'm trying to narrow it down.

I'd be happy with anything in the greater field, but I am definitely most interested in either the genetics end of the spectrum, or something along the lines of physical/biological anthropology.

My main question is, has anyone here had any experience with finding a job in a biological field with a bachelors? Eventually I'd love to get a Masters or more, but for the time being (since I'm still planning *how* I'll go to school full time for 2 years for a bachelors in the first place) I'm trying to make sure I'm not going to be an unemployed guy with a degree in his hand.

I probably wouldn't be worried so much about it if I was single. But it's basically a big commitment of my time and money, as well as my wife's time and money, for a number of years. I just want to make sure I don't end up jobless at the end of it. Ultimately I'd like to be able to support both of us on the job I end up with.

[dakotajudo]

When I was an undergrad, years ago, I worked part-time and summers in a commercial research lab (microbiology) for Pioneer Hi-bred. My experience there seems to be consistent with other commercial labs, so, here it is:

A bachelors degree might get you a job as a technician. You would perform experiments as directed - in genetics, that might mean running a PCR, gel electrophoresis to separate bands, take a picture of the bands a bring the results to a higher-up for analysis. You'd also mix the solutions and do general lab cleaning (although you might have a lower-level grunt, like I was, for some of that).

A masters, you might be the lab manager. Still do experiments as directed, but you'd have more discretion on assigning work (to the technicians) and maybe some say in experimental design.

Only at the Ph.D. level, in general, would you have the freedom to plan and design experiments, though that is restricted to the funding sources.

But that's not hard and fast. At Pioneer, there was one lab group where the PI only had a bachelors. On the other end, I worked at one research station where Ph.D.'s were essentially doing technician work - that is, they implemented experiments according to company specs. This was an herbicide company; and this seems to be typical for the industry, where MA and PhD level people are working free-lance to manage experiment stations.

At the university, there are mix of BA and MA levels as technicians, but PI are almost all PhD.

You'll be able to find a job, I'm sure, but the pay isn't that great, compared to what a BA in engineering (from what I remember, both chemical and software are much better) would get, I think - unless you happen to live in a biotech hotbed.

But then, most of my direct experience has been agronomic, maybe health related biology fields different.

[Juustin]

Would you expect there would be a decent pay difference between what you'd make with an MS as compared to a BS?

[CapelDodger]

Would you expect there would be a decent pay difference between what you'd make with an MS as compared to a BS?

Experience is at least as important as qualification when it comes to getting a job. Get the BSc, work for a few years, then go for your MS when you're ready. That's my advice.

[Olowkow]

It is my experience around universities at least that, generally speaking, the higher the degree, the higher the salaries. However, those who take on more responsabilities are rewarded on a merit basis.

Most successful people I know are not motivated by money, but they somehow wind up making enough. What is important is to be doing what you enjoy so that going to work every day for 20-30 years is not an unpleasant task.

I know one technician (chemist) with a MS who has been doing the same routine analyses for many years, day in and day out. I, for one, could not survive that.

Getting a PhD is a grueling process in the sciences. The killer is the "post doc" situation which one must go through but must at all costs escape as soon as possible. If not, one can become a "carreer post doc".

[Juustin]

Yeah, I'm not doing this to become a brazillionaire. I really want to do something I enjoy doing, rather than be bored at work the rest of my life. At the same time, I'm trying to be responsible and make sure myself and my wife won't be begging for change on the streets.

[rissablue]

One thing you might try is to see if your school has a summer research program. My school has one that basically pays you to work in their lab on a project you get to pick. That way, you get awesome experience with really supportive people which will ultimately look really good on a resume. Plus, after you graduate, those people know you well and you could try for a job there. Keep in the school system for your try at a master's later.

[Olowkow]

... I'm trying to be responsible and make sure myself and my wife won't be begging for change on the streets.

From the sound of your attitude, there is honestly very little chance of that. :)

Once into the university atmosphere you will find that there is an overwhelming number of those who just want to be average or get by doing as little as possible. Profs are not stupid, and they can spot this a mile away.

In this type of situation one can excel by avoiding peer pressure and finding one's "niche", or an area of pursuit which is of great interest. Once this "joy of the research" is engaged, it spreads itself like tentacles contagiously to those around you, including influential people who can be of great help in a career.

There is some good advice being put out in this thread, probably because you have tweaked the interest of some people already who sense you have your head in the right place.

On a personal note, I spent many years as a professional grad student, essentially. I finished one PhD, (and ABD in another) and never used it directly, but it taught me how to think. I didn't enjoy that field as I had hoped, so I have spent the last 30 years in a totally unrelated, self taught area, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. And no, I have never regretted getting the degree. Good luck.