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.

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

• Children’s Reconstructive Surgery Highland Park Hospital
• Robb Orthodontics
• Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
• Lake Forest Pediatric Dentistry
• Illinois Bone and Joint Institute
• Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
• Consolidated Pathology Consultants
• North Shore Health Center
• Lake Forest Hospital

Research labs

• Lake Forest College faculty laboratories
• Chicago Field Museum
• Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
• Chicago Botanic Garden

Veterinary

• Glenview Animal Hospital
• Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Medicine for Pets
• Preiser Animal Hospital
• Lincoln Park Zoo

Conservation

• Shedd Aquarium
• Wildlife Discovery Center
• Lake Forest Open Lands Association
• Morton Arboretum
• Safer Pest Control Project

Abroad

• Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama
• Montverde Institute, Costa Rica