BSc Biochemistry + lab experience = no entry level job?
Hey guys,
So let's start from the beginning. 4 years ago, upon entering university I decided that instead of doing a life sci major that I'd rather do a biochem major so that I would have an upper hand (compared to other BSc) when applying to jobs. 4 years later and having graduated couple months ago, I've applied to hundreds of jobs with minimal luck. I first started off applying specifically within the pharmaceutical industry (which is where I'd actually like to work) but after no call backs, started broadening my approach + fixing/tweaking my resume. Eventually I ended up getting around 5 interviews.
-2-3 interview was a phone interview for CSR position at a biotech company --> after phone interview, haven't heard anything back
-1 interview was at a pigment company --> went through 1st interview, 2nd interview and was told by the interviewee as well as HR manager that i was sure to get the job....but then was told that the company didnt have the money to hire me
-1 interview was at a small pharm development company for lab assistant position, however it was a 2 1/2 year contract with a 21G/yearly salary (which I thought was ridiculously low)
Now, I dunno how hard it is for recent BSc grads out there to get a job with a decent salary considering the economic condition, but for me it certainly isn't easy. So i've considered attending private college to get a pharmaceutical QC/QA diploma hoping that this will give me the 'hands on/practical experience' that the employers seem to be looking for. The program is 10 months, and after talking to the course coordinator at the college, she informed me that 90%+ of their graduates obtain a job within months, and that the college will continually help you to look for a job otherwise. Given my current situation, this seems like the best option for me.
I just want to get a general idea about what you all think, or those of you that are working within the pharmaceutical industry? Is this the best way to go, or is there an alternative approach that would save me money and time (15G for the course).
Btw I completed senior thesis with amazing grades, got an NSERC USRA grant, and also have work experience within a clean room laboratory/analytical lab setting...
Any thoughts, or words of advice? I don't really see any BSc job related career threads so thought I'd post and see if anyone can help.
So let's start from the beginning. 4 years ago, upon entering university I decided that instead of doing a life sci major that I'd rather do a biochem major so that I would have an upper hand (compared to other BSc) when applying to jobs. 4 years later and having graduated couple months ago, I've applied to hundreds of jobs with minimal luck. I first started off applying specifically within the pharmaceutical industry (which is where I'd actually like to work) but after no call backs, started broadening my approach + fixing/tweaking my resume. Eventually I ended up getting around 5 interviews.
-2-3 interview was a phone interview for CSR position at a biotech company --> after phone interview, haven't heard anything back
-1 interview was at a pigment company --> went through 1st interview, 2nd interview and was told by the interviewee as well as HR manager that i was sure to get the job....but then was told that the company didnt have the money to hire me
-1 interview was at a small pharm development company for lab assistant position, however it was a 2 1/2 year contract with a 21G/yearly salary (which I thought was ridiculously low)
Now, I dunno how hard it is for recent BSc grads out there to get a job with a decent salary considering the economic condition, but for me it certainly isn't easy. So i've considered attending private college to get a pharmaceutical QC/QA diploma hoping that this will give me the 'hands on/practical experience' that the employers seem to be looking for. The program is 10 months, and after talking to the course coordinator at the college, she informed me that 90%+ of their graduates obtain a job within months, and that the college will continually help you to look for a job otherwise. Given my current situation, this seems like the best option for me.
I just want to get a general idea about what you all think, or those of you that are working within the pharmaceutical industry? Is this the best way to go, or is there an alternative approach that would save me money and time (15G for the course).
Btw I completed senior thesis with amazing grades, got an NSERC USRA grant, and also have work experience within a clean room laboratory/analytical lab setting...
Any thoughts, or words of advice? I don't really see any BSc job related career threads so thought I'd post and see if anyone can help.