Are you one of those people who enjoy both chemistry and biology? If so, then the field of biochemistry is for you.  So hold on to your hats, because we are about to embark on a journey exploring the life of a biochemist.
 As a biochemist your job will be studying the chemical structure in living things, as well as changes in the cells, tissues, and organs, of all creatures on this planet.  You will have a chance to learn about how life processes such as reproduction, respiration, and digestion, occur and why they are so important. You will also see the effects that different foods, hormones, and drugs, have on these creatures.  (Wiser, 89).  A biochemist studies the substances found in living organisms, and of the chemical reactions underlying life processes.  This science is a branch of both chemistry and biology.  The prefix “bio” comes from, the Greek word for “life”.  The chief goal of the biochemist is to understand the structure and behavior of biomolecules.  These are the carbon-containing compounds that make up the various parts of the living cell and carry out the chemical reactions that enable it to grow, maintain and reproduce itself, and use and store energy.  (Encarta).
 The jobs found in the field of biochemistry are broken down into two different areas, basic research and applied research.  Scientists doing basic research, also known as pure research, will be discovering things that expand the common knowledge about the science.  People involved in applied research work to create new products that solve practical problems.  (Wiser, 89-90).
 Biochemical research may be directed to such questions as:  How do living things obtain energy from food?  How do green plants convert carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates with the aid of sunlight?  How can we learn to imitate this process in the laboratory?  What is the chemical basis of heredity?  What biochemical processes are involved in memory, learning, and thinking?  How do hormones work?  What causes abnormalities?  What fundamental changes occur in disease?  What are the biochemical accompaniments of death?  Can the changes in disease or death be modified so that health can be restored?  These are only samples of the many questions that biochemical research may seek to solve.  (Winter, 88).
 About half of all biochemists work for colleges and universities.  This is because at these places they can teach or do research.  The other half of biochemists are employed by private firms.  These include breweries, drug companies, petroleum producers, and the manufacturers of cosmetics and insecticides.  Some even work for nonprofit organizations such a research centers or government agencies and a few are self-employed consultants who advise the government or industry.  (Wiser, 90).
 If you are a high school student who is interested in biochemistry you should take chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, English, and a foreign language.  You should also try to become involved in such activities as science clubs, science fairs, summer programs, as well as anything else that can assist you in getting practical experience.  (Wiser, 90).
 As for college degrees an advanced degree is usually needed.  It is a good idea to major in biochemistry, biology, or chemistry.  You should then continue with specialized training in biochemistry at a graduate school.  (Wiser, 91).
 People who have just a bachelor’s degree in this field are often hired as research assistants or technicians.  They often do routine teaming but there is very limited chance for advancement.  People with a masters degree are qualified for more responsible jobs.  However, the professors at colleges usually have their doctoral degree.  This track of education usually takes four years to earn a bachelor’s degree and another one to two years to earn a master’s degree.  Finally you need an additional three to four years to earn a doctoral degree.  However, if you are interested in research involving humans it is a good idea to get a doctoral degree in medicine prior to the doctoral in biochemistry.  (Wiser, 91).
 In order to start the journey through college toward becoming a biochemist it will be a good idea to apply to Institutions such as Yale, Harvard, Dartmouth, Notre Dame, Boston College, Cornell, Grove City, Brown University, and the University of California.  All of these schools are among a list of about 30 schools that are considered the most selective in the field of biochemistry. (US News).
 Having a career in biochemistry is a really good idea for many reasons and these reasons may change depending on your education and experience as well as the location and kind of job.  First, biochemists with bachelor’s degrees starting in private industry will be earning a starting salary of about $25, 400. a year.  Biochemists with more advanced training and some experience usually start between $28, 400. and $50, 000. a year.  Some of the additional benefit generally include paid holidays and vacations, health insurance, and pension plans.  (Wiser, 92).
 However, the position of a biochemist may also require some hour juggling which may include late shifts due to experiments that involve constant monitoring.  Biochemists must possess the skill to work in a team as well as by themselves on experiments.  These disadvantages are beside the fact that just to become a biochemist involves four to 14 years of education beyond that of high school.  The cost of earning this education could and usually is monstrous.  However, if the job description of this field is to your liking it may all be worth it.  (Wiser, 90).
 Chances at finding a job as a biochemist are very good.  College placement services are one of the best ways to find a job in this field.  Also, professional journals, newspaper classifieds, and interment job banks can help to find jobs.  It is also possible to apply directly to research centers, private firms, and government agencies.  Unfortunately, you may have to pass a civil service examine if you wish to receive a job for the government.  (Wiser, 91).
 The number of jobs available for biochemists increase faster then average up to and through the year 2006.  However, even though jobs are increasing, so are the number of advanced degrees being earned by people.  This is going to cause some severe competition for research positions.  Colleges and universities can only add a few positions per year.  (Wiser, 91).
 Opportunities for people with bachelor’s or master’s degrees in biochemistry are expected to be better than the opportunities for those with doctoral degrees.  Jobs will become more plentiful in private industry, large hospitals, and medical centers.  Research in sales-related positions are growing.  Jobs are opening for research in sales, marketing, and research management.  The recent interest in genetics have sparked some jobs in this field on the commercial level.  Most importantly, there is an increased public awareness for finding cures to such diseases as AIDS, cancer, heart disease, and arthritis.  This increased awareness will cause many job openings in this field.  (Wiser, 91).
 As a biochemist you will be doing important work dealing either with expanding the basic knowledge of already existing information in the field of biochemistry or discovering practical uses to the problems that currently face our world.  You will be finding the answers to questions like is their a cure for cancer and AIDS.  Your work as a biochemist will change the world as you make important discoveries.  (Wiser, 91).
 The road to becoming a biochemist is a long one requiring much determination and hard work.  If you can handle up to 31 years of formal education before earning your dream job, then the life of a biochemist is for you.  It is a job where you will have an opportunity to make a serious difference in life.  It is a long road.  Do you have determination to make the goal a reality?