Possible Pathways: Biochemist

Curiosity

Logical

Analytical

Patient

Determined

Possible Pathways: Biochemist

TIME LINE

University

Workplace

High School

• Find good employer
• Have a very good idea of what I'm doing
• Make connections that allows me to ask for more funding, etc.
• BE CONTENT WITH JOB

• Finalize the path I'm taking
• Make connections with people that know about my intended career
• LEAVE ANOTHER PATH OPEN
• Get good grades so I'm looked at as a serious applicant for a job

• Take the necessary grade 11 and 12 courses
• Maintain a high average
• Narrow the field of research I want to go into
• Look for possible post secondary schooling

Future Prospects

Accomplished researches can get larger grants from the government and private investors. Some may be invited to teach at universities. As biochemists find more information about a particular subject, they may switch to engineering to develop a product to use their research.

CANNOT be used as a contingency plan because biochemistry requires many years of university studies and a LOT of money to pay for these courses, plus a lot of dedication.

Possible Career Pathway:

Necessary Skills

Working Conditions

VARIES

BIOCHEMIST

Hours:

• Government agencies
• Labs
• Universities

Dependent upon person. Average is 7-9 hours, but some people work faster and can leave earlier. Some dedicated scientists put 1-3 hours extra in at home.Overtime may be required.

This profession requires the use of many math skills

Biochemists have to want to do their job and feel inclined to find something

Biochemists have to be able to create and draw conclusions from data

• Studies the chemical make-up of living things
• Studies natural chemical processes
• Collects, observes and analyzes data

Average Salary

VISUAL learners with LOGICAL-MATHEMATICAL and SPATIAL intelligences are best suited to this job.

Most of the time, Biochemists won't get anything from their research so they have to persevere until it pays off

They have to be able to stick to one topic until they find results

$35,000 - $130,000

Required Education

MINIMUM: Four years of University to attain a bachelors degree in biology (mandatory) and chemistry. May want to pursue more to broaden understanding of research

MUST have high average in grade twelve and take necessary science and math courses

This profession requires well-rounded people. You may have to use more than logical skills. Writing to the government to ask for a grant is one example.

CONS:

PROS:

• Stressful (have to meet deadlines or won't receive funding
• Unrewarding (there's no knowing IF you'll find anything
• Dangerous (if dealing with infectious diseases etc)

• Feels like you're contributing to society
• Continuous learning
• Meet people with your same passions
• Have the opportunity to become a Pioneer of something

*Note: This career is about continual learning to earn money (paid research)

Kristina Garth