BioSci Experiential Learning & Career Readiness

Explore an ecosystem designed to help you build your career.

BioSci’s Experiential Learning & Career Readiness offerings connect undergraduate and graduate biology students with the experiences, opportunities, and resources needed to confidently navigate and build their career pathway. From industry experiences, employer connections, and hands-on learning to career exploration and professional development support, students can discover the unlimited places their biology degree can take them, build the skills employers value, and prepare for their future.

Launching Fall 2026: Career Scholars Program

Are you committed to securing an internship or full-time position by Summer 2027 and ready to dedicate the time and effort needed to achieve your goal?

Consider applying to our new Career Scholars Program. Designed for highly motivated students, this selective program provides a structured pathway to accelerate your career readiness through workshops, mentorship, hands-on professional development opportunities, and internships and job application support.

Applications open in late Summer 2026. All BioSci undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply.

Questions? Contact mhoon@ucsd.edu.

Experiential Learning

Build the skills, confidence, and connections to launch your career. Gain real-world experience through interactive workshops, employer panels, mock interviews, onsite company tours, and our selective Career Scholars Program. These hands-on opportunities are designed to prepare you for full-time jobs upon graduation and internships that are available to you with a biology degree. Looking for even more experiential learning? Explore Career Opportunities below this section to discover summer internships and our Co-Op Program, a year-long internship and career development course.

Career Scholars Program

Ready to land an internship or full-time position by Summer 2027? The selective Career Scholars Program is designed for highly motivated BioSci undergraduate and graduate students committed to investing the time and effort to accelerate their career success. Scholars complete a structured pathway featuring workshops, Career Treks, mock interviews, mentorship, and personalized internship and job search support while building the skills, experience, and professional network to stand out to top life sciences employers. Applications open in late Summer 2026.

Career Treks

Step inside San Diego's leading life sciences companies. Career Treks give BioSci undergraduate and graduate students exclusive behind-the-scenes access to employers through onsite company visits that include employee panels, facility tours, and networking opportunities. Explore career paths, gain firsthand insight into workplace culture, learn what employers look for when hiring, and build meaningful connections with industry professionals. Whether you're exploring options or preparing to apply, Career Treks help you confidently take the next step toward your career.

Explore Treks

Mock Interviews

Interview with the professionals who make hiring decisions. After completing a behavioral interview preparation workshop, you'll participate in a one-on-one practice interview with an experienced life sciences recruiter or hiring manager. Receive personalized, real-time feedback on your interview performance, communication, and responses from the people who regularly evaluate candidates in real-life. This unique opportunity gives you the confidence, insight, and competitive advantage to excel in internship and full-time job interviews. Registration opens in early Fall 2026.

Workshops & Panels

Build the skills, knowledge, and connections to launch your life sciences career. Throughout the academic year, BioSci workshops and panels bring industry experts from all career stages and diverse career fields directly to students to share real-world insights and strategies for career success. Explore topics including resumes, LinkedIn, interviewing, networking, career pathways, and the business of biotech. Sessions generally combine expert panels with interactive small-group activities, giving you the opportunity to learn directly from professionals and put your skills into practice.

Explore Workshops

Career Opportunities

Discover opportunities and resources to launch your career. Whether you are exploring career paths, preparing for the job search, or seeking hands-on experience, BioSci provides the tools and opportunities to help you succeed. Explore careers available with a biology degree, access professional development resources, discover research opportunities, apply to paid summer internships, and gain valuable industry experience through the paid, year-long BioSci Co-Op Program at leading life sciences companies.

Co-Op Program

Launch your life sciences career with a year of paid industry experience. The BioSci Co-Op Program gives undergraduate students the opportunity to spend a full year or more working at a leading life sciences company while earning academic credit through a career development course. In addition to gaining technical and scientific skills through hands-on experience in their internship, students build professional skills through coursework focused on career preparation, leadership, and science communication. Connect your UC San Diego education to real-world impact and prepare for your future in life sciences.

Learn More

Internships & Research

Explore paid summer internships with leading life sciences companies in San Diego and discover opportunities to build research experience in UC San Diego labs. These experiences help you develop the scientific, technical, and professional skills employers seek when hiring for full-time positions. Access resources to strengthen your applications, identify opportunities, and successfully connect with faculty and postdoctoral researchers. Start building the experience and professional relationships needed to stand out to future employers and launch your future in life sciences. Opportunities will be posted in early Fall 2026.

Exploring Careers

Your biology degree provides the foundation to go anywhere. Start exploring what’s possible. With countless career paths across life sciences, healthcare, research, government, nonprofits, environmental fields, and beyond, finding the right direction can feel overwhelming. This guide helps you discover opportunities based on your interests, skills, degree level, and goals—from scientific roles to careers in communication, business, and more. No matter your background, experience, or career aspirations, there is a place for you with a biology degree. Access this resource in late Summer 2026.

Resources

Build your career readiness toolkit with resources designed for every step of your journey. Career development looks different for every student and support can come from many places. While BioSci offers a variety of programs and opportunities, we encourage you to explore the many additional campus resources available to help you reach your goals. Use this resource page to discover additional career programs in BioSci and across campus, as well as to access practical tools for resumes, LinkedIn, networking, interviewing, and more. Regardless of where you are starting, there is a resource for you. Access this resource in late Summer 2026.

Questions? Contact Melissa Hoon, Director, Corporate Relations and Professional Development at mhoon@ucsd.edu.