Ferguson's Careers in Focus books are a valuable career exploration tool for libraries and career centers. Written in an easy-to-understand yet informative style, this series surveys a wide array of commonly held jobs and is arranged into volumes organized by specific industries and interests. Each of these informative books is loaded with up-to-date career information presented in a featured industry article and a selection of detailed professions articles. The information here has been researched, vetted, and analyzed by Ferguson's editors, drawing from government and industry sources, professional groups, news reports, career and job-search resources, and a variety of other sources. For readers making career choices, these books offer a wealth of helpful information and resources.

Each profession article includes:

• Quick Facts: a snapshot of important job facts
• Overview: briefly introduces duties and responsibilities
• History: describes the origins and history of the job
• The Job: describes primary and secondary goals and duties
• Earnings: discusses salary ranges and typical fringe benefits
• Work Environment: looks at typical work conditions and surroundings associated with the job
• Exploring: offers suggestions on how to gain experience and knowledge about--or even test drive--a career before making a commitment
• Education and Training Requirements: discusses required high school and post-secondary education and training
• Certification, Licensing, and Special Requirements: explains recommended and required certifications or prerequisites for the job
• Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits: summarizes the personal traits and skills and professional experience needed to get started and succeed
• Employer Prospects: gives an overview of typical places of employment and the best ways to land a job
• Advancement Prospects: presents an expected career path and how to travel it
• Outlook: summarizes the job's potential growth or decline in terms of the general economy and industry projections
• Unions and Associations: lists essential and helpful professional groups
• Tips for Entry: additional tips for preparing for a career and getting a foot in the door
• For More Information: lists organizations that provide career information, networking, and professional development
• Sidebars: short features showcasing stats, trivia, and insight about a profession or industry

Careers in Focus: Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology, Third Edition covers 28 jobs, including:

• Biochemical Engineers
• Biochemists
• Bioinformatics Specialists
• Biologists
• Biomedical Engineers
• Biomedical Equipment Technicians
• Biotechnology Patent Lawyers
• Biotechnology Production Workers
• Biotechnology Research Assistants
• Chemical Engineers
• Chemical Technicians
• Chemists
• Clinical Research Coordinators
• Drug Developers
• Genetic Engineers
• Genetic Scientists
• Laboratory