Drug Developers

There are a number of Web sites devoted to the pharmaceutical industry, including the home pages of drug companies such as Abbott Laboratories (http://www.abbott.com) and the Bristol Myers Squibb Company (http://www.bms.com). Many of these sites include lists of career opportunities, information about new products, and details about the research and development process.

Join a science club and initiate some of your own research projects involving the principles of chemistry and biology. You may also be able to find part-time work in a hospital, nursing home, or pharmacy, which can familiarize you with drug companies and their products.

Visit https://www.bio.org/what-biotechnology to learn more about biotechnology.

Participate in information interviews and job-shadowing experiences with drug developers to learn more about the field. Ask your school counselor and science teacher for help setting up these experiences.

Participate in science-related summer exploration programs that are offered by colleges and universities, high schools, companies, and professional associations. For example, the National Student Leadership Conference offers summer exploration programs in biotechnology and other areas. Learn more at https://www.nslcleaders.org.