Career Options for MICROBIOLOGY Majors

Career Services College of Natural Sciences WC Hogg 2.308 512-471-6700 e-mail: nscareer@uts.cc.utexas.edu Web site: http://careers.ns.utexas.edu

Microbiology
Description
Microbiology is the study of living organisms and infectious agents, many of which can be seen with a microscope. Microbiologists study the interaction of microorganisms with people and their environment. Directed genetic change using recombinant DNA is an emerging technology base on microbiological techniques.

Plan of Study/ Course Work

The Bachelor of Science in Microbiology degree program at The University of Texas is intended to prepare students for eventual professional careers as microbiologists, either upon graduation or after graduate study in the sub-disciplines of microbiology or in related fields. This program is broad based, encompasses all the major specialties within microbiology, and emphasizes laboratory work experience. Supporting work in biology, chemistry, physics, and zoology is an integral part of this program. For more information, consult your Undergraduate Course Catalog or contact the Life Sciences Advising Center at 471-4920.

General Interest Areas

Science Research

Skills and Abilities Associated with this Field of Study

Ability to make critical observations Ability to concentrate for long periods Proficiency in reading and writing Ability to operate scientific equipment Proficiency in questioning and analyzing Ability to organize and analyze data Ability to conduct and explain research Spirit of scientific inquiry Desire for preciseness Problem solving and creative thinking

Professional Organizations Involved in this Field

American Society for Microbiology 1325 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20005-4171 http://www.asmusa.org Society for Industrial Microbiology 3929 Old Lee Highway, Suite 92-A Fairfax, VA 22030-2421 http://www.simhq.org Genetics Society of America 9650 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20814-3998 http://www.faseb.org/genetics/gsa/gsamenu.htm The American Society of Human Genetics 9650 Rockville Pike Bethesda, Maryland 20814-3998 http://www.faseb.org/genetics/ashg/ashgmenu.htm

Career Options to Explore

Microbiology is a dynamic field which has grown rapidly both with regard to fundamental knowledge and its application to medicine, agriculture, and industry. Dozens of biotechnology companies, formed to exploit these advances, provide employment for students with suitable training at the bachelor's level. New industries devoted to genetic engineering offer microbiologists excellent career opportunities. Microbiologists are also in great demand in clinical microbiology. Students interested in the health sciences and related professions can take advantage of the University's excellent health science advising office. They can seek advice and support from the beginning of their studies in biology to their entrance into health sciences graduate programs and professional schools. Students interested in teaching biological sciences and conducting research at a university should plan to complete the PhD degree. Students interested in teaching at a community college should pursue graduate work at least through the master's degree. Teaching at the junior high or high school (secondary) level usually requires the single subject teaching credential. Students considering this last option should discuss their plans with an academic advisor early in their academic careers. The following is a list of related occupations that you may wish to further investigate. Keep in mind that this list is by no means exhaustive.

Biochemist Biomedical Laboratory Manager Chemical Laboratory Technician Educator Environmental Health Scientist Food Technologist Genetic Engineer

Medical Lab Technician Medical Technologist Microbiologist Pathologist Parasitologist Physician Public Health Director

Research Assistant Technical Sales Rep Technical Writer Veterinarian Virologist

While most microbiology graduates work in a related occupation and eventually obtain an advanced degree, others choose another direction. Many careers do not require a specific major but rather a wide range of demonstrated skills and accomplishments. Regardless of your career choices, increase your marketability to employers through internships, responsible work experience, good grades, and involvement in college activities.

Types of Employers
Microbiology graduates are well equipped for a wide variety of careers. They usually secure jobs in their respective fields of interest, most in the world of science. About half opt to work in universities, research institutes, hospitals or the National Health Service, often researching for a PhD. Another quarter, approximately, take scientific employment in industry or the Civil Service. Employers have included the pharmaceutical, food and water industries, and the expanding field of biotechnology. Other graduates choose commercial careers, eg. banking or accountancy. A microbiology degree can prepare students for a wide range of careers in industry, government, the non-profit sector, and education. The following lists are some of the types of employers that students graduating with degrees in microbiology should consider.

Private & Non-Profit Organizations

Biotechnology Firms Breweries Chemical Companies Consulting Firms Dairies Food Companies Medical Laboratories Pharmaceutical Companies Research Companies Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories Water/Wastewater Authorities

Government Agencies (Federal, State, County, Municipal)

U.S. Center for Disease Control U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Food & Drug Administration U.S. Military

Web Sites to Explore

Association Sites
Careers from American Society of Microbiology http://www.asmusa.org/empinfo.htm Careers from Society of Industrial Microbiology http://www.simhq.org/html/careers.html Cosmetic, Toiletry, & Fragrance Association http://www.ctfa-cosmeticjobs.org National Society for Genetic Counselors http://www.nsgc.org/careerinformation.asp Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Career Resources http://ns2.faseb.org/careerweb

General Microbiology Related Sites

Molecular Microbiology Jump Station http://www.highveld.com/micro.html Microbiologist Jobs http://www.microbiologistjobs.com The Microbiology Network: Job hunting resources http://www.microbiol.org/jobs.htm Biofind http://www.biofind.com/jobs Science Jobs in Bioscience & Chemistry http://www.sciencejobs.com Scientists Employment Network http://www.scijobs.com

Biotech/Pharmaceutical Related Sites

BioJobs: Careers in Biotechnology http://www.bio-jobs.com

The Sciweb Biotech Career Center http://www.biocareer.com Biotech Info Directory http://www.cato.com/biotech Biotechnology Employment links http://www.cato.com/biotech/bio-employ.html Careers in Biotech http://www.accessexcellence.org/AB/CC/index.html Bioview Career Opportunities http://www.bioview.com Biotech Employment http://www.biotechemployment.com Medical Sales Jobs http://www.medicalsalesjobs.com Pharmaceutical Jobs http://www.pharmaceuticaljobs.com Pharmaceutical Sales Jobs http://www.pharmaceutical-sales.com Jobsite in the Pharmaceutical Industry http://www.jumpingpills.com Pharmaceutical Online: Employment Opportunities http://www.pharmaceuticalonline.com/employment.html

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