3 answers
Keira
Student
Murrieta, California
1
Question
Asked
647 views
New start up in Science Field.
Hello all,
I am a sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry), I'm exploring potential career paths within the scientific field. My current role as a certified nursing assistant has provided valuable clinical experience, but I'm now interested in identifying alternative science-focused professions that could align with my academic background and long-term professional goals.
Could anyone please offer any insights or recommendations on how I might effectively leverage my CNA credential and biochemistry coursework to discover new science-related career options?
I'm particularly interested in learning about emerging interdisciplinary roles at the intersection of healthcare, research, and technology that could complement my existing skillset. Any advice you can provide on conducting informational interviews, identifying relevant certifications or graduate programs, or strategically networking within the scientific community would be greatly appreciated as I continue mapping out my next steps.
Thank you!
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3 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6182
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Keira,
ME:-
Your solid foundation in science, thanks to your biochemistry background and CNA experience, puts you in a fantastic position to delve into new science-related career paths.
I could not do chemistry or biology in senior high school because the classes were overcrowded.
Hence I did not gain entry to medicine at university. But I did a bachelor degree in biological chemistry at university.
I was accepted to a postgraduate diploma in nutrition and dietetics. I had programming training since grade 11 high school. In 1994 I commenced writing nutrition education software.
AI:-
Here's how you can utilize your skills and interests to discover these exciting opportunities:
Look at emerging interdisciplinary roles:
As a Clinical Research Associate: This role acts as the bridge between research and healthcare, coordinating clinical trials. Your CNA experience and science background could be invaluable here. Explore certification programs for clinical research associates.
As a Pharmaceutical Scientist: This role merges research, development, and testing of new drugs. Your biochemistry background could provide a strong base. Think about pursuing a Master's in Pharmaceutical Sciences to further specialize.
As a Genetic Counselor: This role blends healthcare and science to provide patients with information about genetic conditions. Your CNA background could be beneficial in patient interactions. Investigate genetic counselor certification programs.
Conduct informational interviews:
Connect with professionals in these fields on [LinkedIn](URL linked in ON LinkedIn linkedin.com).
Request a short informational interview to gain insights into their daily work and career trajectories.
Engage in networking:
Participate in science conferences or events in your vicinity.
Become a member of professional organizations like the American Chemical Society (https://www.acs.org/) or the National Institutes of Health (https://www.nih.gov/).
Additional steps to consider:
Volunteering in a research lab could provide valuable hands-on experience.
Seek out internship opportunities in science or healthcare environments.
By strategically capitalizing on your skills and exploring these avenues, you'll be well on your way to securing a fulfilling science career that resonates with your interests.
Best of luck,
JC.
ME:-
Your solid foundation in science, thanks to your biochemistry background and CNA experience, puts you in a fantastic position to delve into new science-related career paths.
I could not do chemistry or biology in senior high school because the classes were overcrowded.
Hence I did not gain entry to medicine at university. But I did a bachelor degree in biological chemistry at university.
I was accepted to a postgraduate diploma in nutrition and dietetics. I had programming training since grade 11 high school. In 1994 I commenced writing nutrition education software.
AI:-
Here's how you can utilize your skills and interests to discover these exciting opportunities:
Look at emerging interdisciplinary roles:
As a Clinical Research Associate: This role acts as the bridge between research and healthcare, coordinating clinical trials. Your CNA experience and science background could be invaluable here. Explore certification programs for clinical research associates.
As a Pharmaceutical Scientist: This role merges research, development, and testing of new drugs. Your biochemistry background could provide a strong base. Think about pursuing a Master's in Pharmaceutical Sciences to further specialize.
As a Genetic Counselor: This role blends healthcare and science to provide patients with information about genetic conditions. Your CNA background could be beneficial in patient interactions. Investigate genetic counselor certification programs.
Conduct informational interviews:
Connect with professionals in these fields on [LinkedIn](URL linked in ON LinkedIn linkedin.com).
Request a short informational interview to gain insights into their daily work and career trajectories.
Engage in networking:
Participate in science conferences or events in your vicinity.
Become a member of professional organizations like the American Chemical Society (https://www.acs.org/) or the National Institutes of Health (https://www.nih.gov/).
Additional steps to consider:
Volunteering in a research lab could provide valuable hands-on experience.
Seek out internship opportunities in science or healthcare environments.
By strategically capitalizing on your skills and exploring these avenues, you'll be well on your way to securing a fulfilling science career that resonates with your interests.
Best of luck,
JC.
Chris Schule
Consultant
12
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Chris’s Answer
Hi Keira,
Great question! Because you mentioned that you want to get into a more technical profession, you should try supplementing your curriculum with more technical courses and potentially investigate whether switching to a bachelor of science is feasible. When it comes to research and technology in the pharmaceuticals, life sciences, and healthcare space, pursuing a graduate degree after your undergraduate degree is often the best route to secure those coveted jobs.
To your second part of the question, there are many different applications of data analytics and data science as it applies to the healthcare field. In fact, bioinformatics is such a large sub-discipline of the life sciences and healthcare fields that many universities have their own degrees dedicated to them. If taking these courses is not an option for you, then learning data analytics on the side can work as well. There are tons of free online resources and plenty of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) where you can learn about coding, analytics, and how they can be applied to biology. Figuring out your end goal is tough, however, and the possible career paths available to you are not always obvious. This is where the networking comes in.
In any kind of networking, I believe it is best to work from the inside out. In this way, reach out to the people closest to you that you think have the most familiarity with these fields and slowly open up a wider net as you exhaust your network. Often times, a professor is a great resource that is within arms reach. Your professors likely conduct research at the university or did in the past, so you can learn about their experience and see if that interests you. They also are often connected with people in the space on the corporate side or have ties to professional groups for different therapeutic areas. Connecting with these people is a fantastic way to learn about the industry while also making a good impression in case there are any job openings at their firm!
Lastly, take advantage of any programs or events offered at your school. There are generally many interest groups, clubs, and recruiting events offered by your school, but you may not know about them if they are not marketed well. Make sure you research and ask around to see what you might not be taking advantage of!
Hope this helps!
Best,
Chris
Great question! Because you mentioned that you want to get into a more technical profession, you should try supplementing your curriculum with more technical courses and potentially investigate whether switching to a bachelor of science is feasible. When it comes to research and technology in the pharmaceuticals, life sciences, and healthcare space, pursuing a graduate degree after your undergraduate degree is often the best route to secure those coveted jobs.
To your second part of the question, there are many different applications of data analytics and data science as it applies to the healthcare field. In fact, bioinformatics is such a large sub-discipline of the life sciences and healthcare fields that many universities have their own degrees dedicated to them. If taking these courses is not an option for you, then learning data analytics on the side can work as well. There are tons of free online resources and plenty of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) where you can learn about coding, analytics, and how they can be applied to biology. Figuring out your end goal is tough, however, and the possible career paths available to you are not always obvious. This is where the networking comes in.
In any kind of networking, I believe it is best to work from the inside out. In this way, reach out to the people closest to you that you think have the most familiarity with these fields and slowly open up a wider net as you exhaust your network. Often times, a professor is a great resource that is within arms reach. Your professors likely conduct research at the university or did in the past, so you can learn about their experience and see if that interests you. They also are often connected with people in the space on the corporate side or have ties to professional groups for different therapeutic areas. Connecting with these people is a fantastic way to learn about the industry while also making a good impression in case there are any job openings at their firm!
Lastly, take advantage of any programs or events offered at your school. There are generally many interest groups, clubs, and recruiting events offered by your school, but you may not know about them if they are not marketed well. Make sure you research and ask around to see what you might not be taking advantage of!
Hope this helps!
Best,
Chris
bill Bill Latter
chiropractor
58
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
bill’s Answer
That's a fascinating question you've posed! Firstly, your CNA qualification might not take you very far in most scientific fields. However, a B.S. in nursing could! The field of nursing offers a wealth of career opportunities. Progressing to a P.A. role can be both rewarding and fulfilling. Many doctor's offices, clinics, and similar establishments often use P.A.s as the primary liaison between the office and the public. In many cases, they act as the doctor in charge, not just a nurse.
In the realm of science, you might need to earn an M.A. or P.H.D. to secure a job. Many young people are eager to work in the pharmaceutical industry because these jobs often come with great pay. If you're interested in medicinal chemistry, this could be the path for you. So, buckle down, study hard, and you're sure to find a path that suits you perfectly.
Incorporating computer science into your chemistry degree could prove beneficial in the future. This combination is poised to be at the forefront of many scientific endeavors. Best of luck to you!
In the realm of science, you might need to earn an M.A. or P.H.D. to secure a job. Many young people are eager to work in the pharmaceutical industry because these jobs often come with great pay. If you're interested in medicinal chemistry, this could be the path for you. So, buckle down, study hard, and you're sure to find a path that suits you perfectly.
Incorporating computer science into your chemistry degree could prove beneficial in the future. This combination is poised to be at the forefront of many scientific endeavors. Best of luck to you!