<p>Whoa, back up here.</p>
<p>I don’t understand where half of these people are getting off spewing these diatribes. You have to keep in mind when someone says, “Most PhD scientists are working in post grad,” that cannot be proven by any one person here, so it begs the question: how do they know? Even if they knew 200 PhD biochemistry students to the point of being told every detail about that individual’s job, that is hardly 1% of all Biochem PhD graduates. Essentially, most people here just spew out nonsense out of anger or biased information.</p>
<p>The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 35% growth in the field of Biochemistry, as well as an average of $78,000 a year for the profession. Bachelor’s graduates can expect to make roughly $30,000 a year or more as long as they make good grades and can have proper work experience. It is more Chemically based than Biology, and is sort of that branch between the two sciences that a lot of companies seek (not to mention fun.)</p>
<p>Everyone will tell you, “This career field sucks,” because there is a misconception going around that everyone who graduates college deserves $60,000 a year without experience, regardless of GPA or work ethic. All I can see is people whining about “fierce competition”, arguing that not being able to sit on your ass and make good money isn’t beneficial to your future. I consider making a 3.5+ GPA in Biochem a healthy challenge, and you know what, I can guarantee there will be job offers with that GPA + internships. Not to mention, if you discover something in your research you can start up a pharmaceutical company. Essentially, if you’re not willing to take out the trash your first few years, then you don’t deserve to be there in the first place. Getting to the top requires hard work, dedication, and moments of hardly being able to live.</p>
<p>Most importantly, do what you love. I was, for a long time, considering becoming a Chemical Engineer because of the travel and the money. While it is Chemistry based, I regretted not going into the field of Biochemistry, which I considered a much more self-fulfilling program. I loved everything about chemistry and Biology, but I did the engineering portion just for the money. You will be working for the better part of 40 years, so having a job where time flies because it’s so interesting and engaging by finding cures for diseases and unlocking the mystery of life, is better than being bored off your ass sitting at a computer regulating plants.</p>