Resources for Career Counselors
Helping students explore career options means motivating them to examine their interests and strengths through diverse activities and experiences. Offering resources such as the Career Hub enables them to gain practical insights and make well-informed decisions about their future careers.
The steps outlined on this page can help counselors guide students toward rewarding and impactful careers in the life sciences. By focusing on these key areas, you can help students navigate the academic and experiential steps needed for success in these rapidly growing fields.
Expose Students to Life Sciences Careers
It is crucial to help students understand the broad range of careers available, including research, laboratory work, healthcare, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs.
- Download our free Career Exploration Worksheet and encourage students to explore the different careers within the life sciences to learn what they involve and the different careers each offers.
- Apply to bring MassBioEd’s Access Biotechnology Program to your high school, and we’ll help you spark students’ interest through extracurricular activities like career panels, hands-on labs, and company tours.
- Encourage your STEM teachers to bring role-playing science careers curriculum into their classes.
Highlight Educational Pathways
Explain the various educational pathways in life sciences, including traditional college undergraduate degrees and specialized graduate programs, as well as potential alternative routes like combining an associate degree with workforce training programs.
Encourage Hands-On Learning and Internships
Encourage students to seek internships, volunteer opportunities, or summer research programs that allow them to gain practical experience in life sciences. Gaining lab experience, whether through school clubs or external opportunities, will be valuable for students as they pursue their next steps.
Promote the Value of Networking
Teach students how to network with professionals in their fields of interest. Encourage them to connect with alumni, attend local career-related events, and use platforms like LinkedIn to explore career paths and gain insights from industry experts.
Stay Informed About Industry Trends
Regularly update your knowledge about current job trends, required skills, and emerging industries within the life sciences. By staying informed, you can provide students with up-to-date advice and help them identify growing fields with strong job prospects.