By: Abel Abegaz

Overview  The field I would like to go into is biology because to me it is very interesting.  In this field, you could become a marine biologist, micro biologist, biochemist, biophysicist, zoologist, etc.

Job Description  I would like to be a biologist. I think I will like this job because to me life is very fascinating and interesting.  Biologists study all living things—humans, animals, plants—and the environments in which they live. They gather data and conduct tests on everything from the tiniest microscopic cells to entire ecosystems.

Training and Educational Requirements  The minimum requirement to become a biologist is a bachelor’s degree in biology or one of its subfields, such as biochemistry or zoology. However, most research positions require at least a master’s degree. Biologists in these positions direct research and do out-of-lab tasks like site sampling at rivers. Master’s degrees are also generally required for management, inspection, applied research, and product development jobs. Those who want a more influential research or academic role, such as a professorship, must get a PhD.  It takes approximately 4 years to attain a Bachelor of Science degree. A master’s degree takes 1 or 2 more years of study. If they decide to pursue further studies and get a PhD, students usually continue in whichever subject area they chose for their master’s degree. It generally takes at least another 4 to 5 years to complete a PhD.

Job Market  The employment in this job and jobs related to it in Georgia in 2010 was 60 and is expected to hopefully be 80 in 2020.

Advantages and Disadvantages  Advantages: Working with cool things, working outside, sometimes traveling, the hours can be short.  Disadvantages: Sometimes the hours can be really long.

Salary Opportunities  Biologists in general can earn anywhere from around $35,000 to more than $100,000 a year.  The level of education achieved also affects biologists’ income. Those with a master’s degree or PhD tend to earn more than biologists with a bachelor’s degree. Other factors affecting salary include experience, employer, and geographic location. For instance, positions in private industry generally pay more than those in colleges.

Advancement Opportunities  With this job you could do a lot of things. You could become a marine biologist, a zoologist, a biochemist, a biophysicist, etc.  To advance in this job and do better you have to do more years in college. This will help you earn your masters, PhD, etc., which will help you do better in this job.

Conclusion  I would still like to have this job when I grow up. Although now I know more about what I would have to do to attain this job.  *The truth is that my dream is to really become a professional soccer player.