Planning for your career
Getting started thinking about your future career while you are still in college can help you make the most of opportunities at your fingertips at Calvin.
The role of your advisor
Your advisor has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of biology. He or she will be your best resource as you plan your future career, connecting you with the right program, research opportunities and professional contacts.
Contact a professor »
Your course schedule
Choose advanced-level elective courses that relate to the career you'd like to work in after you graduate.
Expand your knowledge and experience
The biology department at Calvin provides countless opportunities for you to gain real experience in the field you'd like to enter.
- Take part in research projects your professors are conducting, either in the summer, or throughout the year.
- Find off-campus internships during the year, or in the summer.
- Participate in biology-related academic programs off-campus.
- Get a part-time job through the biology department, doing everything from working with animals to writing biology communications.
Consider graduate study
Going to graduate school is a great way to deepen your knowledge of a specific area within or related to biology.
Learn more about graduate study »
Get to know the right people
Even while you're an undergraduate student, expanding your network of contacts within your target career field will help you make your way after graduation. A few ideas on how to build a professional network:
- Get to know your professors. With their years of experience, they know many people in their fields that may be able to help establish your career.
- Attend extracurricular lectures and seminars and introduce yourself to speakers. Department seminars are a good place to start, but watch for college-wide lectures like those offered in The January Series
- Become involved in student clubs to start developing relationships with your future colleagues.
- Do an off-campus internship with a local organization like the Van Andel Institute and keep in contact with those you work with there.
- Work with a professor on a paper or presentation and co-present your findings at a professional conference.
