College of Biological Sciences

Hear from alumni in a wide range of fields and ask questions about everything from how to apply to medical school to unique career paths for graduates with a background in the biological sciences. Alums will introduce themselves, talk briefly about their career path and give a piece of advice to current CBS students. Students and alumni will then connect for a Q&A period in Zoom breakout rooms.

Learn more about the offerings and sign-up to secure your spot. Each session is limited to 16 participants. 

This series is offered through the CBS Alumni-Student Mentor Network, a new program that connects current students with alumni working in a wide range of fields. 

Wednesday, October 7, 4 - 5 p.m. CT 

Feeling industrious? Explore careers in biotechnology and biomedical fields! 

CBS alumni in a variety of industry roles will offer their take on how to use your degree in biotechnology and biomedical fields. Whether you are interested in entrepreneurship and startups or a career at an established company, this is the session for you. Hear about their professional paths and ask your questions!

Paricipating alumni:

• Issac Zike - (B.S. Biochemistry and Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, ’10) - Biotech Venture Capital Investor - RiverVest Venture Partners
• Makensie Becker - (B.S. Microbiology, ’14) Manager of Cell and Gene Therapy Operations at Be The Match 
• Lauryn Klevorn - (B.S. Biochemistry, ’12) Senior Medical Science Liaison at AstraZeneca

• Julia Hatler - (Ph.D. Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology and Genetics, '09) Senior Director Antibody Business Unit, Bio-Techne

Wednesday, October 14, 4 - 5 p.m. CT 

So you want to be a physician? 

If you are thinking about applying to medical school this is the session for you. CBS alumni -- both current medical students and those established in their fields -- will provide their insights about the best way to position yourself for medical school, the application process and what to expect in medical school and as a working physician.

Friday, October 16, 12 - 1 p.m. CT

Beyond medical school: Exploring the wide world of healthcare careers

Career opportunities in healthcare abound! If you want to explore professions in healthcare beyond becoming a physician, join this session with alumni working in a wide variety of fields from optometry to epidemiology to learn more about what they do and how to position yourself for careers in healthcare.

Wednesday, October 21, 4- 5 p.m. CT

Careers at the intersection of science and society

Are you interested in exploring careers that position you as a translator of complex science? Explore careers in science communication, education, law technology transfer and other fields. CBS alumni will offer their insights and answer your questions.

Wednesday, October 28, 4 - 5 p.m. CT

Graduate school, research and academic careers, illuminated

Interested in applying to graduate school and/or pursuing a career in academia? Join CBS alums who are currently in graduate school or working in academia. They will share their insights and answer your questions about graduate school, research and related topics. 

Are you an alum interested in participating? E-mail Kasey Johnson at kaseyj@umn.edu