UO returns to the road with a local bioscience career bus tour

After two years of virtual Onward Career Tours, the University of Oregon is finally taking the event back on the road.

On Friday, March 4, faculty members, staff and students can join Liisa Bozinovic, executive director of the Oregon Bioscience Association, on a bus tour around Eugene to meet with leaders in the growing field of bioscience.

“The bioscience industry – which includes biotech, med-tech and digital health – provides one of the world’s truly transformative mission-driven career opportunities,” Bozinovic said. “People I work with come in every day with a mission to cure patients, protect our climate and feed the world. Students will take part in discovery to gain insights into those careers.”

Courtesy of Lane Transit District, participants will have the opportunity to ride on a brand-new LTD electric bus. The tour, sponsored by Onward Eugene and the University Career Center, will provide an overview of bioscience opportunities in Oregon and teach students tips on applying for jobs and internships, and how to build a career in an innovative field. Bozinovic emphasized that the local bio-industry is not only for scientists; it needs accountants, salespeople and operations managers, too.

“You never know what careers are out there until you start exploring,” said Holly Tate, job and internship developer at the University Career Center. “It's so rare to get a behind-the-scenes look at your future career or to ask questions of industry leaders about how to make yourself a top candidate in a growing field like bioscience.”

Tour members will meet outside Matthew Knight Arena, board the bus and head off to their first stop in Eugene: Abcam. From Abcam, students will visit ThermoFisher Scientific and InVivo BioSystems, all while networking with other students who share similar interests.

With all that bioscience has to offer, the tour through some of Eugene’s local bioscience businesses will help students explore potential career paths. UO student Tang Tumbahangphe said he is looking forward to engaging in an enriching experience.

“I'm excited to learn more about career opportunities in Eugene by building my understanding of growing local industries like bioscience,” he said. “I also hope to expand my professional network as I start my job search by meeting the company representatives on the tours.”

The event is free, but space is limited. Register on Handshake to reserve a seat.

By Sarah Bathke, Student Services and Enrollment Management