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Be
a Part of the Biotechnology
Revolution
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To
The Student
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  Imagine
a world where babies are born without defects,
criminals are identified within minutes, diseases
are identified and treated right in your own home,
and there is enough food to feed everyone. The
makings of a science fiction novel you might say,
but this "fiction" is closer than you think. Every
day new advances in the field of biotechnology
bring the possibilities of curing disease, wiping
out hunger, and improving the quality of life for
all people closer to a reality. Some say we are
undergoing a biotechnology revolution where the
discoveries and products made are revolutionizing
the way we live.
Now,
imagine being a part of this revolution. Imagine
working on a team that constructs a vaccine for the
HIV virus, which causes AIDS. Imagine working in a
company that produces a high-protein peanut which
can be grown in drought conditions in third-world
countries. Imagine being in the laboratory that
develops a bacterium, which digests petroleum from
oil spills. Imagine the sense of accomplishment and
gratification you'd feel as a contributor to these
breakthroughs. Imagine how you can help improve the
quality of life for your friends and
family.
You
can be part of the Biotechnology Revolution.
Thousands of employees are needed to staff the
hundreds of new biotech companies starting up every
year. These fledgling companies need scientists and
lab technicians to complete research and
development on potential products.  They
also need workers to perform manufacturing and
packaging. Since testing has to be done on all
products, employees are needed to design, run, and
document these tests. Companies also require
nonscientific support staff including those in
marketing, finance, and law. Human Resource
specialists are needed to ensure that employees are
well compensated. Public Relations people and those
in Corporate Communications keep the public
informed about product development and keep
employees aware of recent news on related
items.
Whether
you aspire to work in a lab, on research and
development, or a career in the financial or
business end of biotechnology there is a surplus of
jobs to entice people of all interests. No matter
what your position, be it entry-level or
Vice-President, when a product is released that you
have had some part in developing, a wonderful
feeling of satisfaction arises.
The
purpose of this text is to provide the reader with
an introduction to the many skills necessary to
work in the field of biotechnology. The emphasis
lies in the areas of research and production. No
matter where an individual's interest lies, or what
position an employee has (science or business),
understanding the tools and techniques of basic
biotechnology research will result in greater
ability to work effectively on a team, bringing a
profit-making product to market.
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