[Biotechnology] UCIrvine or Columbia

[saracani]

I got the admission from Biotechnology MS Program in UCIrvine and Biotechnology MA Program in Columbia University.

Columbia has higher rank but it is a one-year program which provides less time for research.

The program in UCIrvine is a two-year program and student participant in research in the second year.

I am kind of struggling where to go. My current goal is find a job in pharmaceutical company after graduation. Which one may be better for me?

Thanks!! 

[rewindmind]

Wow, tough choice.

 

If you're looking to jump into industry right away (and are sure about it): I'd go for Columbia. Its well-known, can't hurt you.

 

If you're looking to get into research and development (and are sure about it): I'd go for UCI, according to you its a better research program. I can attest to the fact that they are an underrated campus (they have tons of new stuff!). Good in physics and sciences.

 

Maybe you should go visit. If you feel like you can rock it, New York might be good to you. Otherwise, peaceful, serene, amazing Irvine is always there for you.

Edited April 23, 2014 by rewindmind

[RedGradDevils]

I graduated from MS Biotech at Northwestern, so I got experience into it. In my opinion, research experience increases your opportunity to find a job in biophar companies. But you should choose a preceptor whose research area fits the field you want to work in the future.

[yellowcat]

Hey Saracani,

 

Congratulation! 

I'm also interested in applying to Biotechnology MS Program next year too! (or sometime in the future)

Can you please tell me about your past experiences? That would help me a lot! 

Thank you!

 

I'd say go with your gut because you have to stay there for 2 years! or go visit the campus first? 

 

[saracani]

Wow, tough choice.

 

If you're looking to jump into industry right away (and are sure about it): I'd go for Columbia. Its well-known, can't hurt you.

 

If you're looking to get into research and development (and are sure about it): I'd go for UCI, according to you its a better research program. I can attest to the fact that they are an underrated campus (they have tons of new stuff!). Good in physics and sciences.

 

Maybe you should go visit. If you feel like you can rock it, New York might be good to you. Otherwise, peaceful, serene, amazing Irvine is always there for you.

Thanks for your response, rewindmind!

I am actually more intended to go into industry after graduation. You are right. The big thing of Columbia is its reputation. In addition, this program provide more flexibility of courses. Besides biotechnology, students can select classes varying from business, engineering to statistics. UCI is better for research.

As for the place, I am not a fan of big city so NY is not really attracted to me. I guess I will like Irvine more.

It seems you are in UCLA. Do you know whether there are lots of pharmaceutical or biotechnological companies in this area?

Thanks!

[saracani]

I graduated from MS Biotech at Northwestern, so I got experience into it. In my opinion, research experience increases your opportunity to find a job in biophar companies. But you should choose a preceptor whose research area fits the field you want to work in the future.

Thanks for sharing your opinion with me! I actually applied the MS Biotech at Northwestern, which's my dream program, but they put me on the wait list...

I really want to work in biophar companies, but I have heard it's getting harder and harder for international students because the companies do not want to provide sponsorship. 

Do you know which field in biotechnology is widely used and good for job finding?

Thanks again!

[saracani]

Hey Saracani,

 

Congratulation! 

I'm also interested in applying to Biotechnology MS Program next year too! (or sometime in the future)

Can you please tell me about your past experiences? That would help me a lot! 

Thank you!

 

I'd say go with your gut because you have to stay there for 2 years! or go visit the campus first? 

Thank you!

My major in college now is Microbiology and I spent more than one year in multiple research labs. In addition, I am a science tutor and TA.

I think good grades and research experience are important for graduate school application.

Hope it helps and good luck!

[Grumpycat]

Hey! I actually sent you a message but I'm not sure if you read it.

 

I'm not sure about the NY area (http://thelabrat.com/jobs/companies/BiotechNewYork.shtml) as most seem to be upstate, but Irvine has a lot of biopharma companies in the area (http://thelabrat.com/jobs/companies/BiotechCalifornia.shtml)

 

Might I ask --- when did you hear back from Columbia?

[RedGradDevils]

Thanks for sharing your opinion with me! I actually applied the MS Biotech at Northwestern, which's my dream program, but they put me on the wait list...

I really want to work in biophar companies, but I have heard it's getting harder and harder for international students because the companies do not want to provide sponsorship. 

Do you know which field in biotechnology is widely used and good for job finding?

Thanks again!

To be honest it is really up to you. Our program focuses on bioprocess development. In biophar companies you can find such jobs in product manufacturing and recovery. Co-op will increase your chance to find a job.

[yellowcat]

Hi there! 

Thanks for replying!

May I ask where did you do your bachelor degree? And where about are your research labs?

Yea I think good grades really do matter for graduate school application.

Thanks again. 

[rewindmind]

As for the place, I am not a fan of big city so NY is not really attracted to me. I guess I will like Irvine more.

It seems you are in UCLA. Do you know whether there are lots of pharmaceutical or biotechnological companies in this area?

Thanks!

 

Trust me, Irvine is really nice (I grew up there). You won't be disappointed.

 

LA is cool, but the biotech scene is huge from Irvine down to San Diego. Lots of high-technology start-ups I've never heard of.

[saracani]

To be honest it is really up to you. Our program focuses on bioprocess development. In biophar companies you can find such jobs in product manufacturing and recovery. Co-op will increase your chance to find a job.

Thank you! I know the program in Northwestern provides lots of engineering courses which I think is very helpful. Since the biotech and pharma markets are so competitive, I really want to be prepared more about the future. Do you have any recommended classes you think are really useful?

[saracani]

Hi there! 

Thanks for replying!

May I ask where did you do your bachelor degree? And where about are your research labs?

Yea I think good grades really do matter for graduate school application.

Thanks again. 

I am studying in Colorado State University(CSU) now. I have worked in two labs belonging to Mycobacteria Research Laboratories in CSU.

I feel the most important thing is your experience and interest in this field.

Good luck!

[saracani]

Trust me, Irvine is really nice (I grew up there). You won't be disappointed.

 

LA is cool, but the biotech scene is huge from Irvine down to San Diego. Lots of high-technology start-ups I've never heard of.

Yeah, I have heard before Irvine was really nice, but expensive at the same time. 

It's good to hear Irvine has lots of opportunities. Hope I can catch one chance there!

[RedGradDevils]

Thank you! I know the program in Northwestern provides lots of engineering courses which I think is very helpful. Since the biotech and pharma markets are so competitive, I really want to be prepared more about the future. Do you have any recommended classes you think are really useful?

If you are determined to go to the industry, I would suggest some business and management classes.

[zlwjoe]

Hey Saracani, Congradulations! When did you get the admission from Columbia? I'm applying to biotech MA at Columbia too.

[saracani]

Hey Saracani, Congradulations! When did you get the admission from Columbia? I'm applying to biotech MA at Columbia too.

Thank you! I received the email of admission on last Friday.