No idea what to do after a Biology degree

I'm going into my last year of my Biology degree and I have no idea on what I want to do afterwards. I really enjoy studying Biology and if I could spend my whole life just learning theory and writing essays on what I've learnt that would be perfect but unfortunately education has to come to an end at some point.

Like I mentioned I love the theory side of it. I like all the medical-based parts the most. However, I absolutely detest, despise, loath lab work. I hate it with a passion. That obviously rules out the majority of Biology jobs which are research positions in the lab. It's such a shame though because I've been doing really well in my degree, getting high marks and winning awards for my exam results.

We've also had a lot of career talks at uni recently and I hate the whole thing about having to sell yourself in interviews and CV and constantly try and climb up the career ladder. I just thing it's all so false. I'd much rather get a job I can settle into and get into the motions with.

I was thinking of doing a PGCE to work in a primary school because I do like children and that way I can stay in education forever ( :tongue:

). But I've heard so many negative things about it. I'm also apprehensive about being responsible for other people's children. I am also naturally very shy and reserved so a lot of family members have said I would be unable to speak in front of my class or in assemblies, etc. I did do a week of work experience back when I was in secondary school and I did really, really enjoy it.

Does anyone have any advice they could give me please?

Reply 1

BTAnonymous

22

Reading the first couple paragraphs I was thinking teaching... Then I read the start of the fourth paragraph.

I think teaching may be something for you. You should look into it more.

I wouldn't worry too much about being shy and reserved because I am also shy and reserved but I find it very easy to talk about something I am enthusiastic about infront of a large audience. If you teach more mature students, say A Level then I think they won't take advantage of you being shy and reserved as compared to secondary.

Reply 2

Blue_Cow

22

Original post by BTAnonymous

Reading the first couple paragraphs I was thinking teaching... Then I read the start of the fourth paragraph.

I think teaching may be something for you. You should look into it more.

I wouldn't worry too much about being shy and reserved because I am also shy and reserved but I find it very easy to talk about something I am enthusiastic about infront of a large audience. If you teach more mature students, say A Level then I think they won't take advantage of you being shy and reserved as compared to secondary.

I was thinking the OP should look into teaching too :biggrin:

This country needs more teachers, and I have to say some of my best teachers were Biology ones. There's something about biologists that make them so much more approachable as people compared to the other sciences.

Reply 3

BTAnonymous

22

Original post by Blue_Cow

I was thinking the OP should look into teaching too :biggrin:

This country needs more teachers, and I have to say some of my best teachers were Biology ones. There's something about biologists that make them so much more approachable as people compared to the other sciences.

Agreed. This country does need some genuinely enthusiastic teachers.

Reply 4

Sparkliest

OP

12

Original post by BTAnonymous

Reading the first couple paragraphs I was thinking teaching... Then I read the start of the fourth paragraph.

I think teaching may be something for you. You should look into it more.

I wouldn't worry too much about being shy and reserved because I am also shy and reserved but I find it very easy to talk about something I am enthusiastic about infront of a large audience. If you teach more mature students, say A Level then I think they won't take advantage of you being shy and reserved as compared to secondary.

Oh thank you, that's nice to know. The thing is I know for certain I couldn't teach secondary school. I went to a state school and witnessed a newly qualified teacher come into our classroom and leave 10 minutes later in tears. I would prefer primary school but then I'm obviously not using my Biology background. I did consider a-levels but I think if I were to teach a-level students I would want to be a lot older with more life experience. I don't like the idea of them being so close in age to me lol.

Original post by Blue_Cow

I was thinking the OP should look into teaching too :biggrin:

This country needs more teachers, and I have to say some of my best teachers were Biology ones. There's something about biologists that make them so much more approachable as people compared to the other sciences.