Looking for your first “real” job out of college can feel like shouting into the void. Why does it seem so hard to break in—even when you’ve got a degree, certifications, and experience? If landing an entry-level job has you feeling stuck (or even a little desperate), you’re definitely not alone.

Why Entry-Level Jobs Are So Tough to Land

It’s frustrating: you send out dozens of tailored applications, update your resume constantly, and still get either silence or rejection emails. For many recent college grads with degrees in fields like biology—or honestly, just about anything—this is more common than you might think. According to National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the job market is competitive even at the entry level.

Part of the challenge is that “entry-level” often means “one to two years of experience,” which doesn’t always make sense if you’re just starting out. Many companies also use automated systems that filter resumes before anyone ever sees them. It’s no wonder so many graduates feel lost or undervalued—especially when pay rates don’t match living expenses.

Fields Hiring Grads Now (and Pay Decently)

If you’re open to changing fields—or working remotely—you actually have more options than you might think. While it’s true that clinical healthcare roles are competitive and sometimes underpaid at first, your biology degree plus healthcare experience is still valuable in other industries too. Here are some fields actively hiring new grads:

• Healthcare Administration: Roles like medical scribe, claims analyst, or patient coordinator don’t require clinical work but benefit from your background.
• Clinical Research: Positions such as research assistant or study coordinator often accept candidates with bachelor’s degrees in science.
• Data Entry & Analysis: Life sciences companies need data folks—even at the entry level—to manage records and reports (sometimes remotely).
• Regulatory Affairs Associate: Oversee paperwork for drug/device approvals; lots of biotech firms hire science grads.
• Environmental Consulting: Junior consultant or field technician roles use analytical skills from biology.
• Customer Support (Tech/Biotech): Companies value employees who understand their products—many offer full-time remote support roles.
• Teaching/Tutoring: Online tutoring platforms like Varsity Tutors or Chegg Tutors let you teach remotely with a science background.
• Medical Writing/Editing: If you like writing about science topics, check sites like AMWA.
• Sales (Pharma/Medical Devices): Many sales reps have science backgrounds and make solid starting salaries—with bonuses!

Most of these roles start at $18–$25 per hour (or higher), especially if you’re willing to take on full-time hours or move into tech-adjacent industries. Remote options are growing fast—check out resources like We Work Remotely, FlexJobs, or the career sites of major healthcare/biotech firms.

Your Resume Isn’t Broken—But Your Strategy Might Need Tweaking

If you’ve already worked with a professional on your resume and tailor each application but still aren’t getting interviews, it may be time to rethink your approach:

• Focus on Skills Over Job Titles: Highlight transferable skills—like communication, data analysis, project management—instead of just listing duties.
• Add Keywords from the Job Description: Automated systems scan for specific words; sprinkle them throughout your resume naturally.
• Network Creatively: Join industry groups on LinkedIn or attend virtual events. Sometimes knowing someone inside helps get past algorithms.
• Bounce Back from Burnout: Mental health matters! Take breaks between applications and consider speaking with a counselor if the grind gets overwhelming (NIMH tips here).

A Real-Life Example—and Hope for New Grads

A friend graduated last year with a similar biology degree and only part-time experience in a lab. After months of rejections applying to clinical jobs (and feeling totally defeated), she shifted gears. She pivoted into a junior data analyst role at a small biotech company—using her knack for Excel and attention to detail—and now works fully remote making $24/hour plus benefits. The secret wasn’t having perfect experience; it was finding an employer desperate for someone who could learn fast and communicate clearly.

The Takeaway: Focus on What You Can Control

The market for entry-level jobs is tough right now—but it isn’t impossible. Keep broadening your search beyond what seems “obvious,” lean on transferable skills from your degree and work history, and don’t be afraid to try something new—even outside your original field.

What’s one skill from college or previous work that could help you land a role outside your major? Share below!