The CBS career readiness team teaches several career development courses for undergraduate students. Reach out to the instructors or [email protected] with questions.
- BIOL 1021: Intro to Careers in the Life Sciences
- BIOL 2001: Career Planning for Biological Sciences Students
- BIOL 3696: Biological Sciences Internship Seminar
BIOL 1021: Introduction to Careers in the Life Sciences
Offered fall, in person
Instructor: TBD
About the course
This 1-credit S/N (pass/fail) introductory career course exposes students to different career pathways and opportunities in the life sciences and related fields. The class features professors, alumni, and professional guest speakers, lab and facility tours, and small group discussions led by CBS student leaders to foster community and connections. Weekly career content, readings, activities, and reflection assignments support students' academic and career goals. This class is open to all CBS undergraduates.
Students in this course will:
- Be exposed to diverse life science fields and careers
- Explore career pathways and majors
- Build academic and career skills
- Network and build professional connections
- Self-reflect and set career and academic goals
Hear what other students have to say about the course!
This class has made me realize that my options are endless and my career does not have to be limited to my major. –Former BIOL 1021 Student
The class's reflective nature pushed me to look deeper into what I want to do in the future and why while exposing me to different areas that I hadn't even considered in the past. –Former BIOL 1021 Student
BIOL 2001: Career Planning for Biological Sciences Students
Offered spring, in person
Instructor: Katherine Sylvia • [email protected]
About the course
This 1-credit S/N (pass/fail) course offers students the opportunity to develop a personalized roadmap to guide the next steps in their career journey. Throughout the semester you’ll thoughtfully engage in your career development- what difference do you want to make in the world, and what careers will allow you to make a positive impact? The class features alumni, guest speakers, and small group work that fosters collaboration and peer-to-peer support. Coursework includes creating a career portfolio, a professional development plan, and engaging with campus career events. This course is open to all CBS undergraduates.
Students in this course will:
- Examine big-picture issues and challenges in the world that capture their curiosity
- Investigate who is working on these problems and the careers that allow them to contribute to meaningful solutions
- Identify the difference they hope to make and the career options that align with their interests
- Set goals for skill-building experiences
- Build networking skills through in-class and out-of-class assignments
- Create a Professional Development Plan
BIOL 3696: Biological Sciences Internship Seminar
Offered fall and spring, online
Instructor: Kirsten Petersen • [email protected]
About the course
In this 1-credit S/N (pass/fail) course, students earn credit by working at a biology-related internship or job while engaging in structured reflection and career development coursework. Coursework includes: career development-focused readings, videos, discussions, reflective writing assignments, and a final project. Students must secure their own internship (paid or unpaid) and work a minimum of 75 hours during an academic term.
Students in this course will:
- Enhance their theoretical understanding of work
- Apply academic concepts in a professional workplace
- Communicate with peers, professionals, and the instructor about their professional experience
- Gain hands-on experience in a professional setting
- Engage in intentional reflection about their internship experience
- Enhance personal, interpersonal, and career development
Internship requirements
Your experience will qualify if:
- You will spend at least 75 hours working in the experience over the course of an academic term (fall semester, spring semester, or summer)
- Your internship aligns with your academic or career goals
- You will be supervised by someone who is not a family member
- Your position is biology-related in the broadest sense. Example employers include: biotechnology companies, healthcare systems, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and companies in the life sciences.
Registration process and instructions
Before registering for the course, students need to follow the Course Registration Instructions to submit an Experience Request form in Handshake. Students will receive a permission number to register for the course after the Handshake experience request has been approved by their internship supervisor and the course instructor. Note: This process can take about one week.
Students with summer jobs or internships will enroll in the course during fall semester. Students with fall or spring internships enroll in the course concurrently.
Hear what other students have to say about the course!
BIOL 3696 is a class that I will recommend to anyone and everyone. The class in and of itself has allowed me to grow not only as a person, but as a future medical professional. This course has allowed me to reflect on how I feel within a workplace environment, how to grow within the profession, and how to determine if the workplace is one I want to represent or if it is a good fit for me. I have also been able to improve on skills needed to obtain and reach my future career goals such as resume building, interview skills, and more. –CBS Senior
This course gave me a new perspective about my job in the lab with the Dean's Research Program. –CBS Junior
I am happy to say that I have been shown the value of the real, directly transferable skills and information that career readiness courses have to offer. –CBS Junior
BIOL 3696 FAQs
- My internship requires me to provide a letter stating I’ll receive credit for my experience. Who do I contact?
Email the course instructor, Kirsten Petersen ([email protected]) for a letter. If you have already received an internship offer, provide your internship offer letter with your email. If you need the letter to apply, provide the internship/job posting with your email. - I’m an international student and am applying for CPT. What should I do?
Connect with ISSS to learn more about CPT. Please email the course instructor ([email protected]) as well to indicate you’re interested in registering for the course. - I’m interested in the course, but I don’t have an internship yet. Where can I get help finding an internship?
The CBS career readiness team is available to help you! Schedule a career coaching appointment for support with your internship or job search. - Does this course have regularly scheduled course meetings?
BIOL 3696 is an online course taught asynchronously, meaning there is no set weekly meeting time. Students complete coursework on their own schedule each week, but also attend several online meetings with the instructor and other students. These meetings are scheduled to fit as many students’ schedules as possible. If students are not available at the selected time, the instructor will provide a make-up assignment option. - I completed an internship or job in the past. Can I still register for this course?
Students can register for the course if they complete 75+ hours in their internship during the semester they're enrolled or during the previous academic term. Summer interns enroll fall semester, fall interns enroll fall or spring semester, spring interns enroll spring semester. Contact the instructor if you are unsure if your internship qualifies. - Can this course be repeated?
No, students can only take this course one time.