Opportunities for MMB Students

Twenty-first century biology students need more than just a degree and class time to pursue their professional and academic careers. Many employers (including GMU) now require a written statement of "knowledge, skills and abilities" specific to the job being offered. A successful resume should include hands-on experience and job-specific skills in order to meet the rigorous new application requirements.

To get quality knowledge, skills and abilities requires a considerable effort on your part. This page will assist those students willing to make that effort to obtain the marketability needed in today's job search.

Listed below are several ways to obtain a broad array of knowledge, skills and abilities.

Networking on Campus - Be sure to attend seminars, journal clubs, job fairs and other department social events. Turn these events into opportunities to speak directly with other students, faculty and speakers from outside agencies and corporations. Find out what is going on in the field that interests you. Explore job options and learn how others have achieved success in biology and science careers.

Volunteering - although there is no pay for volunteer work, you do make an investment of time that pays off in jobs skills and experience. Volunteer work often leads to paid positions, develops contacts in your field of interest and provides you with references needed in your job search. Speek with your academic advisor as well as MMB faculty who are conducting research that is of interest to you.

Cooperative Education - A structured program through which students who meet eligibility requirements may gain paid, professional-level work experience. Current Co-op opportunities are listed on GMU's PatriotJobWeb.

Internships & Fellowship- Work experiences, with companies or organizations affiliated with MMB can provide high-quality knowledge, skills and abilities. Under certain circumstances, internships can be credit-bearing. A student needs to contact his or her academic advisor in advance to arrange for academic credit. Internship & Fellowship Listing
Also some opportunities may be listed on GMU's PatriotJobWeb.

Part-time/Summer Jobs - Occassionally, part-time and summer jobs are available in MMB laboratories or on research projects sponsored by external organizations. They will be listed on this page when they are available. Also, visit the GMU Human-Resources employment opportunities and GMU's PatriotJobWeb for current job openings.