Combining two specialized college degrees can give you a professional advantage.
In today's bleak job market, you need every advantage. With more work to be done and less staff to do it, employers actively seek candidates who have a wide-ranging skill set that crosses multiple disciplines. Those with degrees in biology and business can be an asset to companies that specialize in energy, research and environmental issues.
Instructions
1. Finish your degree studies in both the fields of biology and business. Obtain degrees in both subject areas. Keep detailed lists and documentation regarding all coursework completed and grades achieved in all subjects. Create a file for potential job searches that contains all of this information so that it is readily available.
2. Make a list of the areas within both biology and business that you excelled in and find the most interesting. For example, if your studies in biology focused on earth sciences and your business classes highlighted project management, you can explore employers with contracts relating to geological surveys, super-fund sites and urban planning as it relates to environmental impact.
3. Review your current resume. Make adjustments so that it equally reflects your skills and knowledge in both biology and business. Keep a general resume handy for entry-level positions and a targeted resume that reflects courses and your expertise for a specialized position.
4. Write a cover letter that outlines your total knowledge base. Describe your desire to work in a position that allows you to combine your two areas of degree study. Explain your ability to work in the field of biology and understand the science aspect of the work and also highlight your business credentials and training to manage others and projects.
5. Make a list of potential companies, firms, organizations and entities that utilize biology graduates. Explore the various work and projects that the firms routinely participate in and determine what business or management positions exist.
6. Contact potential employers and ask to have a face-to-face meeting with a human resources manager. Discuss your combination background and determine if any positions exist within the firm that suit your specialized background. Ask about entry-level positions that use one of your two areas of study and inquire about promotion paths and opportunities for advancement through tenured experience at the firm.
Tags: biology business, both biology, both biology business, entry-level positions, Make list, positions exist, your areas
