What can you do with a Degree in Microbiology and Cell Science?

What is a Microbiologist?

microbiologist
\ ˌmī-krō-bī-ˈä-lə-jist \ noun
a scientist who studies living organisms and infectious particles, such as bacteria and viruses, that can only be seen with a microscope

The UF Microbiology and Cell Science degree offers various opportunities for students wishing to learn more about molecular genetics, cell biology, immunology, parasitology, virology, pathogenesis and bioinformatics. This degree serves as an excellent foundation for graduate programs and professional schools, paving the way for independent research or further study of medicine or veterinary sciences.

Aside from going directly from undergraduate training to a job, many biologists use their undergraduate degree to qualify for graduate and/or professional training such as medical school, veterinarian school, dental school, physician assistant programs and other healthcare professions. Students who wish to pursue careers in research, university teaching or management positions in biotechnology or industry have the option of continuing to graduate programs at either the M.S. or the Ph.D. level in biology related fields.

Careers in Microbiology

Opportunities continue to emerge for professionals in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. STEM-related occupations are projected to grow by 8.9% from 2014 to 2024, compared to a 6.4% growth for non-STEM professions. You can work as a microbiologist with as little training as an Associate's degree or as much as a Medical Doctor (M.D.) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Wages can range from $40,000/ year to over $100,000/year. More information can be found at American Society for Microbiology.

Government

Local and state government
Public health
Grant management
Law enforcement
All branches of the military
Waste and wastewater management
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
U.S. Department of Agriculture
National Institutes of Health
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Environmental Protection Agency

Industry

Industrial microbiology (production of antibiotics and microbial products)
Vaccines
Cosmetics and toiletries
Food and beverage production
Biotechnology
Pharmaceuticals
Oil industry and mining
Sales or technical representatives
Breweries
Dairies
Management
Quality control
Research
Product development

Academics

Professional schools (medical, dental, vet, etc.)
Colleges and universities
Institutes and non-profit research centers

Legal

Law firms
Technology transfers
Intellectual property
Teaching
Primary and secondary schools
Technical and specialty schools

Healthcare

Medical technology
Diagnostic laboratories

Publishing

Journal editors
Journalism

Professional Competencies

What skills do you need to be successful in the different career paths? According to National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), "Career readiness is the attainment and demonstration of requisite competencies that broadly prepare college graduates for a successful transition into the workplace", which includes:

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions, and overcome problems. The individual is able to obtain, interpret, and use knowledge, facts, and data in this process, and may demonstrate originality and inventiveness.
Oral/Written Communications: Articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral forms to persons inside and outside of the organization. The individual has public speaking skills; is able to express ideas to others; and can write/edit memos, letters, and complex technical reports clearly and effectively.
Teamwork/Collaboration: Build collaborative relationships with colleagues and customers representing diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, religions, lifestyles, and viewpoints. The individual is able to work within a team structure, and can negotiate and manage conflict.
Digital Technology: Leverage existing digital technologies ethically and efficiently to solve problems, complete tasks, and accomplish goals. The individual demonstrates effective adaptability to new and emerging technologies.
Leadership: Leverage the strengths of others to achieve common goals, and use interpersonal skills to coach and develop others. The individual is able to assess and manage his/her emotions and those of others; use empathetic skills to guide and motivate; and organize, prioritize, and delegate work.
Professionalism/Work Ethic: Demonstrate personal accountability and effective work habits, e.g., punctuality, working productively with others, and time workload management, and understand the impact of non-verbal communication on professional work image. The individual demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior, acts responsibly with the interests of the larger community in mind, and is able to learn from his/her mistakes.
Career Management: Identify and articulate one's skills, strengths, knowledge, and experiences relevant to the position desired and career goals, and identify areas necessary for professional growth. The individual is able to navigate and explore job options, understands and can take the steps necessary to pursue opportunities, and understands how to self-advocate for opportunities in the workplace.
Global/Intercultural Fluency: Value, respect, and learn from diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and religions. The individual demonstrates, openness, inclusiveness, sensitivity, and the ability to interact respectfully with all people and understand individuals’ differences.

Check out the career readiness resources and find sample materials here.

In the career field of Microbiology and Cell Science other qualifications and certifications maybe very useful to be more competitive in the field, which include analytical/quantitative/statistical skills, coding, bioinformatics and knowledge about quality control and regulatory affairs.