Is A Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology Worth it?
Introduction
Microbiology is an ideal major for those seeking a broad education focusing on biology's essential and fascinating aspects. Microbiology is also a great preparation major for individuals interested in pursuing medical, dentistry, or other health-related careers.
What is Microbiology?
All microscopic living creatures (Bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and algae) are studied in microbiology. Patient, consistent and hard-working students have a bright future after completing a degree in Microbiology. They can pursue careers in research, pharma, forensic science, and agriculture or choose higher studies, i.e., master’s and doctorate.
Microbiologists' work or research is intriguing since it incorporates laboratory, computer, and fieldwork simultaneously. Microbiologists have a superior understanding of illnesses and do not have the ordinary person's perspective on diseases. Microbiologists also help to save lives. You can find a job as a microbiologist in both research and non-research settings after getting a degree in microbiology,.
What Can You Do With A Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology?
1. Niche study
Microbiology graduates can opt for higher studies at Masters's or PhD level in subjects such as:
- Biochemistry
- Bioinformatics
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Microbiology & Environmental engineering
- Medical microbiology
- Molecular biology
- Genetics
2. Employment at organizations
Microbiology intersects with various branches of biology, including genetics, molecular biology, and immunology. It implies several options for a microbiology-related job in multiple fields. Typical employers include:
- Healthcare organizations
- Public health organizations
- Environmental organizations & NGOs
- Forensic science laboratories
- Higher education institutions.
Recruiters That Hire Microbiologists in India
- ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization)
- NASA
- Pfizer
- Johnson & Johnson
- Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc.
- Procter & Gamble
- Vmware
- Manipal Hospitals
- Cipla
- Mascot International
- Aurobindo Pharma
- Bioreserve
- Biocon
- Dr. Reddy's
3. Professor
Professionals in microbiology work at schools, inter-colleges, coaching centers, colleges, universities, non-profit organizations, museums and government agencies. Some also work for private firms, NGOs and corporate responsibility departments. These professionals plan and execute programs and activities that engage the general public or K-12 students in science.
4. Diagnostics
Diagnostic microbiologists work in clinical labs at hospitals, public health laboratories, private medical or veterinary diagnostic laboratories, and private enterprises. Microbiologists analyze test results by physicians or veterinarians in hospitals & labs. These tests assist in identifying the microorganism causing an illness and help the doctor/vet make treatment options by evaluating whether the germ is susceptible or resistant to antimicrobial drugs such as antibiotics.
5. Biosafety workers
Biosafety specialists ensure that clinical and research laboratory work is done safely, with the proper procedures, and followed by all legislation and recommendations. Its mission is to keep staff safe and sick and keep bacteria and other biological agents from spreading outside the lab. They accomplish this by teaching researchers and clinical laboratory workers, implementing safety rules and procedures, and providing consultation for laboratory design. Professionals in biosafety operate in various settings, including schools & universities, commercial enterprises, hospitals, and government agencies.
How valuable is a degree in microbiology?
As mentioned already, microbiologists are in-demand in various fields today. After finishing your bachelor’s degree in microbiology, you can sit for college placements or directly apply to companies after completing your bachelor’s or master’s in microbiology. As most companies hire expert microbiologists, it is best to take a master’s degree and work as an intern to boost your CV before applying.
Scope of Microbiology in India
A degree in Microbiology is a vast area with several alternatives and many specialities to choose from. It is up to the individual’s interest to decide on a particular field. Bacteriology, virology, immunology, medical microbiology, and food and dairy microbiology are all popular fields for microbiologists in India and worldwide.
Microbiologists protect the safety of the food we consume and provide remedies to illnesses that kill people. Microbiology makes significant contributions to biotechnology. Microbiologists have a diverse range of career opportunities due to the nature of their work. Many medical and biotech firms seek microbiologists to join their teams. After passing the GRE and TOEFL, one can pursue postgraduate microbiology courses in foreign countries.
Post-doctoral studies in other countries are highly regarded and pay well. Various multinational corporations, multi-speciality hospitals, food, chemical, and cosmetic businesses hire microbiologists. Candidates with a postgraduate or doctorate are well suited for research-based employment. A marine microbiologist is another intriguing job in microbiology.
Marine microbiologists study organisms found in the seas and oceans. They work both in the field and in the lab. Those who do reasonable literature searches and evaluate them are suitable. Microbiologists are accustomed to working in groups.
What is the highest paying job in microbiology?
Clinical microbiologists and medical technologists are the top-paying microbiology jobs in India as well as abroad.
Apart from these job options, here is a list of the most common microbiology jobs:
- Quality control technician
- Laboratory technician
- Biomedical scientist
- Food technologist
- Clinical research associate
- Immunologist
- Pharmacologist
Placements play a significant role in deciding the salary of a microbiology professional. Today, the demand for various microbiology job profiles is highly differentiated. Companies are on the lookout for personnel who can effectively address their specific set of challenges. There are several distinctions available, depending on one's field of interest. Bacteriologists, clinical microbiologists, environmental and industrial microbiologists, mycologists, parasitologists, and virologists are all sorts of microbiologists.
They use specialized computer software and clinical trials to conduct laboratory analysis and monitoring of microbial cultures. It is part of their duty to collect, analyze, and evaluate data and write research papers, reports, and reviews.
Microbiologists are in high demand in multinational corporations, food industries, chemical manufacturing firms, and many other industries. Microbiologists are employed by higher education institutions, water and biotechnology firms, food and beverage, toiletry, petroleum, and pharmaceutical sectors.
The average salary to get their degree is around 5-10 lakhs per annum. Still, if you become a Senior Research Microbiologist, you could get an average package of approximately 20 lakhs per annum. The figures could be multifold if you get placed abroad. The average salary for students working in microbiology is around 50-60 lakhs per annum. So the pay scale is excellent after you get a degree in Microbiology.
Want To Pursue A Career in Microbiology? ITM Can Help
To sum up, we can assure you that no one can stop you if you are serious about getting a degree in microbiology. You have to be consistently determined and focused on your career while pursuing your degree in microbiology, and it will yield outstanding results for you in the long run. If you have done the work, no one can stop you from getting your dream job in microbiology, and you will quickly clear the obstacles in your path and get a high-paying job.
With ITM, you can get one step closer to your dream career as a microbiologist. Here, you get to learn from the highly-qualified faculty, experience practical microbiological aspects at high-tech clinical laboratories and appear for recruitment by top pharma companies and health organizations.
Want to know more about B.Sc. in Microbiology? Visit us here.
