Tufts Blogs

When I tell people I am majoring in Biopsychology and Biotechnology, the very next question is almost always, “So, are you pre-med?” I get it. It makes sense. A lot of us in biology-related majors are thinking about medical school. And yes, technically I am on the pre-med track. I meet with pre-health advisors. I attend info sessions on the MCAT. But I am not part of the Early Assurance Program, and that decision was deliberate. I want to keep my mind open so I can explore where I truly belong in the world of science and healthcare.

I have always been captivated by the intricate dance of molecules in our brains—how a single chemical signal can influence the way we think, feel, and move. But at the same time, I get just as excited about communication, innovation, and strategy. I love learning complex topics and then figuring out how to make them make sense to others. That blend of interests made me start to ask: do I really need to go to medical school to help people? Or is there a different way I can use my strengths?

Exploring Beyond the Clinic
Over the past year, I have started looking into fields like biotech consulting, research and development, and health-focused innovation. These areas still rely on a strong foundation in biology, but they also emphasize big-picture thinking, collaboration, and creativity. I find myself drawn to questions like: How do you bring a scientific product to market? What does it take to build a successful health tech company? How can we use research to inform public health—not just in a lab, but on the ground?

I’ve spent time reaching out to Tufts alumni who work in life sciences strategy and biotech industries. One of them walked me through his journey from studying biopsychology to doing research, getting an MD, and now working in a biotech consulting company. He described how her day involves diving into data, creating pitch decks, and helping clients make decisions that affect real patient outcomes. That conversation changed how I think about impact—it showed me that practicing biology can mean solving problems, not just treating symptoms.

Mentors, Peers, and Possibilities
Another mentor encouraged me to explore internships in biotech or public health research before committing fully to the medical track. That advice stuck with me. Since then, I have tried to build a wide range of experiences—some clinical, some not. I shadowed in a healthcare setting, but I also joined student-led initiatives that focus on entrepreneurship and science communication. I have realized that my passion lies in connecting science with the people it’s meant to serve.

Keeping the Door Open
I still have deep respect for medicine. The idea of becoming a physician who listens to patients, advocates for change, and leads community efforts is something I find meaningful. But I also want to explore how nutrition science, behavioral health, and biotechnology can shape preventative care. Maybe my future is in clinical practice. Or maybe it’s in designing the tools that help others live healthier lives before they even step into a hospital.

Right now, I am giving myself the space to try different things. I apply to labs focused on drug development. I attend panels on health tech and emerging careers in science. I talk to professors and peers who are asking the same kinds of questions I am. Each step gives me more clarity about what energizes me—and reminds me that there is more than one “right” way to be a science student.

Your STEM Degree Can Tell Many Stories
If you love biology but do not feel drawn to becoming a doctor, you are not alone. A STEM degree can open doors to consulting, business, policy, design, and more. You can build apps that improve mental health. You can research how nutrition affects disease prevention. You can help biotech companies bring new therapies to market. You can still help people, just in a different way.

At Tufts, I have learned that science is not one-size-fits-all. There is room to explore, pivot, and create your own version of success. So if you are asking yourself big questions like I am, know that it is okay not to have all the answers yet. What matters is that you keep showing up with curiosity, keep seeking out mentors, and keep giving yourself permission to discover.

Because the truth is, there is no single path through STEM. There is only your path. And that journey starts not with certainty, but with openness. The kind that says: Why not me? Why not now?