Biotechnology

Description

Many of you have probably heard the term "biotech".  I had many times.  Yet it wasn't until I spoke with a 30+ year industry veteran that I really understood it.  Simply put, biotech is anything that uses biology, biological building blocks or biological processes.  Did you love biology in high school?  Then you may have found the industry that is right for you.  The following cities are hubs for the biotech industry: San Diego, San Francisco, Boston, Austin, Seattle, Madison, Raliegh-Durham.

Something Cool

Biotech is very broad.  You can even get your own DNA as a piece of art.

Information Source

Interview with 30+ year industry veteran (and one of my best friends and mountain biking buddies!).

Further Education & Credentials Required

• None.

Types of Companies

• Pharmaceutical: Phamaceutical companies make drugs and diagnostics to treat illness.  This is a massive part of the industry.  Pharmaceutical companies developed the Covid-19 vaccine.  Examples: Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Roche, Merck.

• Agriculture & Food Production: We all need to eat.  The biotech industry plays a role in making agricultural and food production more efficient.  Examples: Bayer CropScience, Syngenta, Corteva Agriscience, Monsanto.

• Cosmetic: The global cosmetic market is valued at over $260 billion.  Biotech is used to research, develop and produce ingredients for cosmetics.  It is a way to leverage the power of nature.  Examples: L'Oreal, Unilever, Estee Lauder, Procter & Gamble.

• Software: These are companies that model biological processes.  These models can then be used to accelerate drug development and other biological based products.  Examples: Illumina, Genomatica.

• Academia: Many ideas for new applications of biotech come from universities and colleges.

• Entrepreneurs: There are countless startups focused on biotech.

• Finance: There are many venture capital companies that focus on biotech.  This helps fuel the startup industry.

Entry Level Roles

• Research Associate (Heads Down / Experiments, Analytical, Engineer): You are wearing multiple hats focused on creating a new product.  You may be reading, experimenting or designing.

• Project Management Associate (Project Management / Create): This role differs from the Research Associate role in that it focuses on organizing the people doing the work.  Just like a Producer in the video game industry or the Asset Manager in the real estate industry, Project Management Associates make sure things get done. 

How To Learn More

• Talk to someone doing the role you want.  Check out my writings on The Gift of Asking for Help, Mentors and Networking 101 on The Search page to learn how to do this.

  • Better understand your own skills and where you will be successful at Roles.

  • Check out my writings on various industries and departments at the Industries page.

  • Already know what you want to do but are looking for guidance on how to find a job within that industry?  Check out The Search for advice.