Internships and Careers

Academics / Majors and Minors / Biology / Internships and Careers

At Lake Forest, both quality academic programs and internship experiences help students prepare for the working world. Our proximity to Chicago offers access not only to extensive internship options, but also to a network of powerful alumni and friends.

Career Pathways

Lake Forest College facilitates five career communities called Career Pathways to help students explore major/career options and position themselves for the internships that will help them to further prepare for productive and rewarding careers after graduation. Students from all majors can participate in the Career Pathways to shape their career goals alongside of their academic interests.

To get an idea for which pathways students might join based upon some common biology interests, check these out:

Health professions – Science and Health Care
Law and policy – Law and Public Service + Science and Health Care
Research – Science and Health Care
Industry – Science and Health Care
Nonprofit management – Law and Public Service
Pharmaceutical sales – Business and Finance + Science and Health Care
Conservation and environment – Science and Health Care
Scientific illustrator – Creative Arts + Science and Health Care
Biotechnology – Science and Health Care

Explore the Career Pathways by participating in events, reading profiles of students’ and alumni experiences, and by joining a pathway (or two). Remember to look at the next steps pages to get ideas for immediate ways to prepare yourself for great internships and a productive, rewarding career after graduation.

Get a job after graduation!

We take advising very seriously at the College. Skilled faculty teach students in the classroom and advise them on how to utilize their skills and interests. Some students choose to major in biology without realizing how many career paths are available to them with this versatile degree. From identifying work environment compatibility to discussing the right coursework, faculty mentors help students make important academic and career decisions.

From identifying work environment compatibility to discussing the right coursework, faculty mentors help students make those important career decisions.

We have a strong track record of getting our hardworking students into medical, dental, nursing, optometry and veterinary schools.

MD/PhD Programs

University of California, San Diego Medical School
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine

Beyond the MD: Health Professionals Programs

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Rush University School of Nursing
University of Michigan College of Pharmacy
Midwestern University Physician Assistant Program
University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine
Marian University Osteopathic Medical School
Illinois College of Optometry
Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine

PhD Programs

Baylor University
University of Rochester
Cornell University
Columbia University
Northwestern University
Texas A&M University

Master’s Programs

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

Biology graduates are hired by top organizations and have developed successful careers at employers like these:

NorthShore University Health System
AbbVie pharmaceuticals
Thermo Fischer Scientific
Tarte Cosmetics
Tyson Foods
Illinois Bone and Joint Institute
Baxter Healthcare
Chevron Phillips Chemical
Northwestern University
GEI Consultants Inc.

From cosmetic science to MBA programs, biology students pursue advanced degrees in a variety fields.

Kayla Ahlstrand ’12 is pursuing a veterinary medicine degree at University of Wisconsin Madison after studying neuroscience and biology.

Alina Elperin, MD ’07 became an Internal Medicine Residency Site Director after studying chemistry and biology.

Biology Internships

Biology internships provide Lake Forest students with a wide range of options for gaining valuable experience outside the classroom. Some students even earn recognition for the quality of their contributions by having their names listed on scientific publications and presenting at scientific meetings.

Lake Forest students can pursue up to three internships for college course credit, and our location in the Chicago metropolitan region offers a wide variety of internship possibilities. We have established partnerships with many organizations, who provide Lake Forest College students preferred access to highly competitive internship and research experiences.

For example, our distinctive program with Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS) provides 15-20 undergraduates the opportunity to be placed with scientists at RFUMS and to gain 10-12 weeks of research experience; its close proximity and our strong relationships provide students with year-round access to top scientists at RFUMS.

Types of internship and other settings include:

Healthcare