What should I specialise in after Biomedical Sciences? Highest paying?
I honestly don't mind what I specialise in. Does anyone have an idea of what is the highest paying.
(I've seen people argue on here saying that if you go into science you should go in because you like science, not for the money. But honestly, if your family is not doing well or you have a family to support it does make sense to try and go into the highest paying speciality while you're doing something you like. And obviously, I'm in Biomed because I like it.)
^^ Clearing up the air before anyone attacks me
(I've seen people argue on here saying that if you go into science you should go in because you like science, not for the money. But honestly, if your family is not doing well or you have a family to support it does make sense to try and go into the highest paying speciality while you're doing something you like. And obviously, I'm in Biomed because I like it.)
^^ Clearing up the air before anyone attacks me
Scroll to see replies
"Obviously I'm in Biomed because I like it" is pretty much as broad as saying "Obviously I'm in Science because I like it."
You're going to have to find a balance between a job you'll enjoy and the money. Assuming you're of University age, 18-21, you're going to be spending 40+ years in this career. Good luck lasting if it's not something you love.
You're going to have to find a balance between a job you'll enjoy and the money. Assuming you're of University age, 18-21, you're going to be spending 40+ years in this career. Good luck lasting if it's not something you love.
Original post by RegisteredBMS
"Obviously I'm in Biomed because I like it" is pretty much as broad as saying "Obviously I'm in Science because I like it."
You're going to have to find a balance between a job you'll enjoy and the money. Assuming you're of University age, 18-21, you're going to be spending 40+ years in this career. Good luck lasting if it's not something you love.
You're going to have to find a balance between a job you'll enjoy and the money. Assuming you're of University age, 18-21, you're going to be spending 40+ years in this career. Good luck lasting if it's not something you love.
Any ideas regarding my question?
Do I know what career suits you personally from the vast array of careers that you could potentially progress onto?
No, obviously not a clue. Nobody on here will do.
No, obviously not a clue. Nobody on here will do.
Original post by RegisteredBMS
Do I know what career suits you personally from the vast array of careers that you could potentially progress onto?
No, obviously not a clue. Nobody on here will do.
No, obviously not a clue. Nobody on here will do.
Hi, clearly you've misunderstood my question. I was asking for examples of career options. A small array of examples. Of course at the end of the day I'm going to choose the career that seems the most appealing to me. I'm not asking you to choose what could be the best for me, I was merely asking for career ideas which could potentially help me make a decision. Thank you anyways.
Original post by Rozzz
I honestly don't mind what I specialise in. Does anyone have an idea of what is the highest paying.
(I've seen people argue on here saying that if you go into science you should go in because you like science, not for the money. But honestly, if your family is not doing well or you have a family to support it does make sense to try and go into the highest paying speciality while you're doing something you like. And obviously, I'm in Biomed because I like it.)
^^ Clearing up the air before anyone attacks me
(I've seen people argue on here saying that if you go into science you should go in because you like science, not for the money. But honestly, if your family is not doing well or you have a family to support it does make sense to try and go into the highest paying speciality while you're doing something you like. And obviously, I'm in Biomed because I like it.)
^^ Clearing up the air before anyone attacks me
I personally find it disappointing how many people post this exact question or similar in a biology forum. As much as I disagree with the idea this should be the reality, the reality is there aren't really any careers in biomedical sciences that most people would be considered "well paid"-if you were only/mainly interested in money, you should definitely be looking elsewhere.
The best paid careers in biomedical sciences are usually ones that will take you a long time to progress to, its only really those people that are very motivated (to the point where motivation goes beyond money) that can get them. So if, as this post suggests, you are more interested in what you earn, don't choose this career (if you haven't yet applied), or look elsewhere (if you are on a degree already)
Original post by Rozzz
Any ideas regarding my question?
Medical liason ?
This really is a question you need to search yourself rather than ask strangers. Are you really going to pick from an array of options a group of strangers have provided you?!
Original post by Rozzz
I honestly don't mind what I specialise in. Does anyone have an idea of what is the highest paying.
(I've seen people argue on here saying that if you go into science you should go in because you like science, not for the money. But honestly, if your family is not doing well or you have a family to support it does make sense to try and go into the highest paying speciality while you're doing something you like. And obviously, I'm in Biomed because I like it.)
^^ Clearing up the air before anyone attacks me
(I've seen people argue on here saying that if you go into science you should go in because you like science, not for the money. But honestly, if your family is not doing well or you have a family to support it does make sense to try and go into the highest paying speciality while you're doing something you like. And obviously, I'm in Biomed because I like it.)
^^ Clearing up the air before anyone attacks me
ahaha its not wrong to be in it for the money, realistically everyone wants to live a comfortable life so its inevitable to want to earn good wage. That is very different from being money hungry.
Original post by QuentinM
I personally find it disappointing how many people post this exact question or similar in a biology forum. As much as I disagree with the idea this should be the reality, the reality is there aren't really any careers in biomedical sciences that most people would be considered "well paid"-if you were only/mainly interested in money, you should definitely be looking elsewhere.
The best paid careers in biomedical sciences are usually ones that will take you a long time to progress to, its only really those people that are very motivated (to the point where motivation goes beyond money) that can get them. So if, as this post suggests, you are more interested in what you earn, don't choose this career (if you haven't yet applied), or look elsewhere (if you are on a degree alread
The best paid careers in biomedical sciences are usually ones that will take you a long time to progress to, its only really those people that are very motivated (to the point where motivation goes beyond money) that can get them. So if, as this post suggests, you are more interested in what you earn, don't choose this career (if you haven't yet applied), or look elsewhere (if you are on a degree alread
Original post by Rozzz
I honestly don't mind what I specialise in. Does anyone have an idea of what is the highest paying.
(I've seen people argue on here saying that if you go into science you should go in because you like science, not for the money. But honestly, if your family is not doing well or you have a family to support it does make sense to try and go into the highest paying speciality while you're doing something you like. And obviously, I'm in Biomed because I like it.)
^^ Clearing up the air before anyone attacks me
(I've seen people argue on here saying that if you go into science you should go in because you like science, not for the money. But honestly, if your family is not doing well or you have a family to support it does make sense to try and go into the highest paying speciality while you're doing something you like. And obviously, I'm in Biomed because I like it.)
^^ Clearing up the air before anyone attacks me
i think being a pharmacologist is a good career.
Original post by fatimalatif806
i think being a pharmacologist is a good career.
Pharmacologist or pharmacist? Theres a big difference. Pharmacologists are your lab researchers, looking at mechanisms drugs use to work and trying to develop new drugs and other similar treatments. Pharmacists are the people that dispense the drugs to you at a...well, pharmacists.
Pharmacists are more than likely better paid than pharmacology researchers, but you have to get a very specific degree (in Pharmacy). Pharmacology researchers are typically not well paid in academia, probably not that much better pay in industry (in comparison to some jobs you can get after a degree)
Original post by QuentinM
Pharmacologist or pharmacist? Theres a big difference. Pharmacologists are your lab researchers, looking at mechanisms drugs use to work and trying to develop new drugs and other similar treatments. Pharmacists are the people that dispense the drugs to you at a...well, pharmacists.
Pharmacists are more than likely better paid than pharmacology researchers, but you have to get a very specific degree (in Pharmacy). Pharmacology researchers are typically not well paid in academia, probably not that much better pay in industry (in comparison to some jobs you can get after a degree)
Pharmacists are more than likely better paid than pharmacology researchers, but you have to get a very specific degree (in Pharmacy). Pharmacology researchers are typically not well paid in academia, probably not that much better pay in industry (in comparison to some jobs you can get after a degree)
yes pharmacologist, that why i said it and not pharmacists
Original post by fatimalatif806
yes pharmacologist, that why i said it and not pharmacists
Ok I only ask because an alarming number of people here don't know the difference.
I agree it's a good career (I should given I'm involved in that kind of research at the moment!) but the OP's question was about getting high paid work. To get to the higher paid jobs in pharmacology usually requires a PhD (4 years of your life earning minimum wage), probably a masters degree before that, then several years postdoctoral work, then a decade or two as a principal investigator-then the job starts paying pretty decent salaries. Given how that career path is realistically ~25 years away for someone in the middle of an undergraduate degree...well, there are better ways to earn similar amounts in much shorter time frames
Original post by QuentinM
Ok I only ask because an alarming number of people here don't know the difference.
I agree it's a good career (I should given I'm involved in that kind of research at the moment!) but the OP's question was about getting high paid work. To get to the higher paid jobs in pharmacology usually requires a PhD (4 years of your life earning minimum wage), probably a masters degree before that, then several years postdoctoral work, then a decade or two as a principal investigator-then the job starts paying pretty decent salaries. Given how that career path is realistically ~25 years away for someone in the middle of an undergraduate degree...well, there are better ways to earn similar amounts in much shorter time frames
I agree it's a good career (I should given I'm involved in that kind of research at the moment!) but the OP's question was about getting high paid work. To get to the higher paid jobs in pharmacology usually requires a PhD (4 years of your life earning minimum wage), probably a masters degree before that, then several years postdoctoral work, then a decade or two as a principal investigator-then the job starts paying pretty decent salaries. Given how that career path is realistically ~25 years away for someone in the middle of an undergraduate degree...well, there are better ways to earn similar amounts in much shorter time frames
Ohhh I didn’t realise it took that long. But I’m sure there are many jobs that we don’t even know about that are available.
I've applied for pharmacology, I think it's a pretty good course, but I probably won't pursue it as a career, I'll probably end up doing an MBA in pharmaceutical management, as an administrative job usually pays more(or so I've heard).
But it's always good to keep some options open if you aren't sure. universities like kings give students' the flexibility of switching to a different course(It should be related) at the end of year 1, at least for pharmacology and biochemistry.
But it's always good to keep some options open if you aren't sure. universities like kings give students' the flexibility of switching to a different course(It should be related) at the end of year 1, at least for pharmacology and biochemistry.
Biomedical science degree in any specialisation overseas will pay lots and you can do the most interesting specialisation that suits you obviously you’ll need to gather experience but if you can work somewhere in America then you can build your road faster in earning more money in something you’ll like. That’s if you want to go abroad 
obviously you’ll need to gather experience but if you can work somewhere in America then you can build your road faster in earning more money in something you’ll like. That’s if you want to go abroad Original post by SparkleFace
Biomedical science degree in any specialisation overseas will pay lots and you can do the most interesting specialisation that suits you obviously you’ll need to gather experience but if you can work somewhere in America then you can build your road faster in earning more money in something you’ll like. That’s if you want to go abroad
obviously you’ll need to gather experience but if you can work somewhere in America then you can build your road faster in earning more money in something you’ll like. That’s if you want to go abroad Sounds like you are describing a medical degree (training to become a medical doctor) more than a biomedical science degree (training to become a lab-based researcher, usually). Career progression in the US for biomedical sciences is slower (their PhD's take almost twice as long as they do in the UK) and from my experience of speaking to them, they usually aren't paid directly for doing the PhD, having to get part time jobs in their university to make ends meet for their 5-6 years studying. I'm not even sure your statements are correct if you are talking about becoming a medical doctor anyway
Original post by QuentinM
Sounds like you are describing a medical degree (training to become a medical doctor) more than a biomedical science degree (training to become a lab-based researcher, usually). Career progression in the US for biomedical sciences is slower (their PhD's take almost twice as long as they do in the UK) and from my experience of speaking to them, they usually aren't paid directly for doing the PhD, having to get part time jobs in their university to make ends meet for their 5-6 years studying. I'm not even sure your statements are correct if you are talking about becoming a medical doctor anyway
I’m not talking about a medical degree
generally, besides medical degrees in the U.K., science degrees pay more abroad in the right countries. I just used America as an example. But OP still needs to know that the right training and experience is needed and yes, definitely a PhD is needed to progress. I would advise OP to do their masters and their phd in the U.K. I thought it was kind of obvious that’s why I didn’t mention it, since you’re right, PhDs take longer and are expensive in America compared to the U.K. With a phd, career options are far wider and there’s more to choose from and you can get top jobs but there will be plenty of competition.
It depends on what you want to do. As most people have said, doing a PhD is probably the best way to attain the highest paid jobs but it absolutely isn't an easy option and absolutely doesn't guarantee career success. Think the next 3-4 years of your life earning £14,000 to £20,000 a year (if you're lucky) if you can even get onto a fully funded PhD position which are highly competitive. PhDs aren't easy either, very long hours and to stick through it you have to be very resilient and passionate about what you are doing. After a PhD the starting salary for most jobs is £35,000-£40,000 a year at the moment for lab jobs such as post-docs or research scientists in the pharmaceutical industry. There are other careers such as Medical Science Liaisons as mentioned above, these have starting salaries of about £50,000-£65,000 but to get into being a MSL is really difficult and you need a high understanding of a disease area eg. oncology and most jobs ask for experience in the role which is impossible to get if you can't get a job. So you'd probably have to do a PhD then postdoc or PhD then few years of industry experience.
Honestly if you are looking to earn money straight from an undergraduate degree (and you want to stay in science), you'd be best applying for pharmaceutical company graduate schemes or direct roles in companies. These are also highly competitive but they will immediately pay about £20,000-£30,000 a year depending on the company. The progression through your career will be slower and harder than if you'd done a PhD and you will probably end up earning less per year than somebody with a PhD but it's the best option if you want a decent salary now and you would still earn a decent amount in the future. There are obviously careers in finance or business which would pay more than being a scientist (both immediately and in the long term).
Honestly if you are looking to earn money straight from an undergraduate degree (and you want to stay in science), you'd be best applying for pharmaceutical company graduate schemes or direct roles in companies. These are also highly competitive but they will immediately pay about £20,000-£30,000 a year depending on the company. The progression through your career will be slower and harder than if you'd done a PhD and you will probably end up earning less per year than somebody with a PhD but it's the best option if you want a decent salary now and you would still earn a decent amount in the future. There are obviously careers in finance or business which would pay more than being a scientist (both immediately and in the long term).
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