Biochemistry is one of the most alluring sub-fields of STEM studies. The subject delves deep into the chemical processes occurring in living organisms. Besides being a unique area of study, it offers lucrative career prospects. There cannot be a better academic option for an enterprising student looking for the best of both worlds.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, biochemistry as a career is projected to witness staggering employment growth of 15.3% between 2021 and 2031. An estimated 5,700 jobs will likely open up for biochemists during this period.
Biochemist salaries in the US range between $47,000 and $110,000 yearly, with the average salary being $72,910. Biochemistry is also among the gender-neutral careers in the country, with a fair balance between males and females.
While everything about the academic field sounds compelling, you shouldn’t expect an easy road. The subject is complex from the outset, so you may end up struggling right from the early years. A little guidance can help you navigate the journey smoothly and build a successful career.
Here are a few valuable insights to get the right smart as a budding biochemist:
Build A Solid Foundation
Although students opt for biochemistry majors at the university level, they need to build a foundation early. It begins with STEM studies in high school to ensure a basic understanding of the concepts of biology and chemistry. You cannot expect to study biochemistry in college after opting for literature or music in high school.
The level of study and concepts you learn as a high-schooler will be basic, but they give you a head start once you enroll in an undergraduate program. Additionally, you know how to manage time and balance academics and social life as a young STEM student. Studying these subjects also help you develop traits such as hard work, persistence, and curiosity.
Go The Extra Mile
Biochemistry is perhaps one of the most complex fields of science as it combines both biology and chemistry. Students get to study fascinating yet complicated topics and concepts. Chargaff’s rule is one of the topics that replicate the complexity of the subject. According to this rule, DNA from any cell should have a 1:1 ratio of pyrimidine and purine bases. The ratio means that:
- The amounts of guanine and cytosine are equal
- The amounts of adenine and thymine are equal
Likewise, there are countless tricky concepts aspiring biochemists need to master. The best way to do that is by going the extra mile. Proprep recommends leveraging video tutorials to get an interactive experience that helps you understand and retain concepts.
You can go a step ahead by earning higher degrees such as a Ph.D. Remember that a bachelor’s or master’s degree isn’t enough even for some entry-level positions.
Focus On Hands-On Experience
Biochemistry is a hands-on academic discipline, with practical experience having a crucial role in learning. Most courses require extensive lab work, where students perform complex experiments comprising enzymology, gene expression, and protein purification. You will also need to explore advanced techniques such as DNA cloning and RNA hybridization.
Working in lab settings can be overwhelming for beginners, though it eventually becomes the favorite part of learning for most students. Lab work teaches more than experiments and practical concepts. It also imbibes research and analytical skills. Working closely with peers fosters teamwork. Enjoying this part of the journey sets you up for success as a biochemist.
Embrace Your Passion
Getting the right start with biochemistry as an academic discipline is also about following your passion. You have to be extra dedicated toward your goals if you are serious about pursuing a career in this field. It requires relentless hard work and commitment to digging deep into complicated chemical and biological phenomena. You also need to stay ahead of the latest research in the industry.
Embracing your passion enables you to enjoy learning, no matter how challenging things get. It also drives you to pursue higher goals and focus on in-depth knowledge instead of memorizing your chapters. Biochemistry is all about understanding how chemicals carry out life processes within a living organism. Only the passion for learning can help you ace it.
Summing Up
Biochemistry is a rewarding and lucrative field for passionate STEM professionals looking to contribute to life science research and development. But the road to developing a career as a biochemist is long and challenging.
These challenges shouldn’t keep you from pursuing your goals. A good start is all you need to get the momentum and move in the right direction at an optimal pace. These actionable measures can give you the perfect beginning to start from scratch and build up from there.
