Students graduating with degrees in Bioengineering have a wide range of career options, and demand for graduates is very high. Recent graduates have found careers such as:
- Academic positions in research and teaching universities
- Professional and research positions in the bioengineering and biotechnology industry
- Business opportunities in the private sector
- Scientists and professionals in Federal and State government agencies
- Additionally, a significant proportion of Ph.D. graduates continue to post-doctoral training positions lasting 6 months to 3 years.
Statistical data on initial placement of Ph.D. graduates can be found on the Division of Graduate Education & Postdoctoral Affairs website’s Initial Placement Data page.
Career Advising Resources
Below please find a variety of resources to assist with career planning and professional development for both masters and doctoral students.
- UC San Diego Career Services Center
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The UC San Diego Career Services Center offers a range of programs and services for graduate students, including:
- One-on-one advising appointments with Graduate Career Coaches and Graduate Career Peer Educators
- Events & Workshops, including quarterly Career Fairs and speaker panels
- Assessment Tools, including strengthsfinder and MBTI assessments
- Career planning and development tools, including ImaginePhD and the IDP
- Job Search Resources, including resume and cover letter review sessions and networking and interview tips
More information about each of the above and other opportunities can be found on the Career Service Center main website and on Handshake, UC San Diego's job posting platform for students seeking employment.
- The Division of Graduate Education & Postdoctoral Affairs
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The Division of Graduate Education & Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) offers a variety of opportunities for professional development for graduate students through grAdvantage, including:
- A Leadership & Teamwork Certificate program
- Workshops in Communicating Your Research
- Quarterly Career Nights in partnership with the Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA)
- Professional Mentorship opportunities
More information about each of the above can be found on the grAdvantage website and in regular email communications sent out to current graduate students from the grAdvantage team.
- Jacobs School of Engineering
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Through the IDEA Engineering Student Center the Jacobs School of Engineering provides career resources to engineering students, including a Job & Internship Portal and Team Internship Program.
The IDEA Center also hosts and provides a number of professional development opportunities, including:
- Engineering Graduate & Scholarly Talks that include topics on professional development, networking skills, and scientific communication
- Engineering Graduate Professional Development Series that includes “workshops focused on professional development, career preparation, networking, and building community”
- Mentorship Opportunities
- Annual Professional Evening with Industry event
Through the Institute for the Global Entrepreneur (IGE), students can participate in:
- The NSF I-Corps
- Technology Management Certificate Program
- Global Entrepreneur Accelerator (GEA)
- Global Innovation Program
- Bioengineering Department
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The Department is proud to host the Annual Bioengineering Career Fair every Winter quarter in collaboration with our Bioengineering Industrial Relations Office, Bioengineering graduate and undergraduate student organizations, the Institute of Engineering in Medicine, and the Bioengineering Industrial Advisory Board. More information about the BENG Career Fair will be sent out regularly each Winter quarter leading up to the event. The BENG Career Fair is a great opportunity to network with bioengineering-specific industry members looking to recruit for internships and career positions.
Additionally, the Department works collaboratively with our student organizations and different campus offices to highlight career and professional development opportunities and resources offered throughout the year. Regular updates will be sent via email to current students when opportunities are announced.
- Bioengineering Graduate Society (BEGS)
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BEGS is a great resource for bioengineering graduate student specific career and professional development opportunities. Please reach out to BEGS directly and visit their Annual Events page to learn more about these opportunities.