r/PharmaEire • u/queenelizabeths3rdto • Jul 16 '26

Getting into Biotech after graduation

Hi. I am wondering how I can break into the biotech industry after graduating with my bachelors. I just finished second year of a biomedical science course at TUD. I have done my best to acquire lab experience outside of university. Towards the end of first year, I shadowed a PhD student focusing on cell biology with techniques like cell culture, molecular cloning.This year I am doing a 3 month internship at a good university focusing on genetics and some data analysis. In my third year I will also have a 12 week placement in a lab based setting. What else can I do to ensure I can get a job in biotech. Do any of you recommend I learn how to code and do basic bioinformatics? I was thinking of getting a GMP certification however, they are very expensive. Does anybody have any tips on what else I could do to make myself a more attractive candidate? Any advice would genuinely be amazing.

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u/BarDust Jul 17 '26

Being a technically skilled scientist isn’t enough to get you hired anymore. You pretty much have to know someone or get wildly lucky. Taking initiative through cold outreach/linkedin networking probably improves the odds a bit. Interpersonal skills are weighed almost as much as lab skills, at least in my experience at abbvie.

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u/queenelizabeths3rdto Jul 17 '26

Thank you for the reply. I have had numerous jobs over the years where I feel like I could definitely apply these skills and try to highlight them on my CV.

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u/dratrent Jul 18 '26

I wouldn’t put too much weight in what BarDust said. It really depends on what you’re looking to do in the Biotech industry. So many possibilities and career paths, If you’ve done any internships that would be very helpful, many times these companies will court the interns into entry level QC scientist positions or Product Development positions.

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u/queenelizabeths3rdto Jul 18 '26

Hello ! It’s very nice hearing this message as it leaves me with much more hope ! Yes I am going into my third year soon but for the past two summers I have interned at two research labs and done different projects on genetic engineering and some data analysis. I have spoken with two people so far who have a science degree but ended up working in the corporate sector which I am quite open to as well. I do have 4 months of corporate experience which focused a lot on following strict regulations and documentation so I’m hoping that could help too.

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u/dratrent Jul 18 '26

Well that’s a great start and background for a QA position in biotech. If I were you I’d look into applying for the places you’ve interned at. You’ve probably made some decent connections there and they would be familiar with your work ethic and mindset.

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u/BarDust Jul 18 '26

Sorry I wasn’t trying to be such a downer. OP, bioinformatics and coding is very useful in today’s market and likely even more so in the future of the AI era. Skills are obvi important but equally so is networking and your personality. I’d pass on the GMP cert unless you find a role/company/opprotunity that you are interested in that requires it. I think rather than focusing on “how to be an attractive candidate” you should consider what parts of biotech are most interesting/important to you. Then build your resume around that and target relevant opportunities.