Build Your Reputation While Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology

Earning a bachelor's degree in biology is the beginning of a rewarding career but finding that first position can be difficult if you don’t plan ahead. It’s doesn’t need to be though. Follow these quick tips to build your reputation while earning an online degree in biology. Create a name for yourself by contributing valuable feedback or collaborating on real life assignments especially on open source biology forums or publishing sites like JaMBW or PLoS Biology. These open source biology related forums are hot topics of debate in some circles but they provide unique opportunities for newcomers to the field. PLoS in particular is an interesting hybrid of peer review meets open access for those wishing to be published. To do this most successfully you will want to create a public persona with a name that becomes recognizable then routinely and regularly participate in forums or projects that represent the type of work you hope to eventually pursue full-time. It’s also a good idea to create a personal website with dedicated email and link back to the site when possible and take advantage of inexpensive blogs to showcase your interest areas and knowledge. Finally, consider joining a social networking site to cultivate professional affiliations early in your college career with peers, professors and business leaders. If you make a habit of this beginning early, you will create an impressive and sizable history by the time you graduate!