Who's a Biologist?
Do you enjoy learning about different living things – how they look, where they live, what they do? Are you curious about how plants and animals interact with other living beings? If so, consider a career in biology!
Biology, as you may know, is the study of living things. As a biologist, you will, essentially, study life. You will learn how an organism comes into existence, its growth, functions and where it lives. Biology is an incredibly vast science that includes the study of plants (botany), animals (zoology) and microorganisms (microbiology). Curious to know more about this career? Click here to find out.
What will you do?
Where will you work?
How do you get there?
What skills would you need?
Analytical and Data Skills
You will receive huge amounts of data from your client. This data will have to be analysed effectively so you can find ways that will help your client reach their customers is the best way possible. While it is true that the more data you analyse, the more insights you generate; analytical thinking will help you narrow down your search and find your key actionable items, thus saving you a lot of time and resources.
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Scientific Skills
A logical mind can reason well, and reasoning before reaching any conclusions is very important in any scientific field. You must, therefore, have a scientific bent of mind along with an interest in life sciences.
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Research
You need to perform research on the eggs, sperms and embryos you obtain from the patient. This will involve some long hours of research.
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Technical Skills
You will be frequently using accounting software and other financial tools as many CAs need to work with technology to analyse data and prepare financial reports. build this skill
Attention to Detail
Working with eggs and embryos is a very tedious task. Every little detail matters when you are observing them. If you are good at giving attention to detail, then your job at the laboratory will be made much easier.
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Communication Skills
It’s harder than ever to get people’s attention, what with so much information being thrown at them. But, people cannot resist a good story. Every good marketing campaign has a story to tell their customers and relate to them on an emotional level. Marketers who tell great stories through their marketing campaigns are always in great demand.
build this skillHow do you make it to the top ranks?
Intern
As an intern, you would most likely assist a professor or researcher in the field. You may have to document findings, ensure proper care of the organism and perform other tasks assigned to you. This time will be all about learning.
Junior Biologist
As this is an entry-level job, you will take on simple tasks such as conducting research, experiments and tests that would further help senior biologists evaluate their work. You would also prepare reports on the various findings.
Senior Biologist
At this stage, you will work on independent projects or have assignments given to you. You will oversee the planning and working of the task. You will have juniors and interns working under you. Depending on your area of specialisation, you may also have to travel. For example, a senior wildlife biologist may have to travel to different countries to study wildlife in their natural habitat.
Researcher
Once you’ve established your credibility in the field, you can get government or private grants to work on your own projects on experiments. You can conduct these experiments as a lone wolf or even hire a team to work with you. Depending on your grant and where you work, you would have access to state-of-the-art equipment.
How much would you get paid?
Your exact salary will depend on various factors, such as the company you're working in and the type of role you've undertaken.
What are your career options?
Biological Technician
As a biological technician, you would be involved in testing blood, urine or cell samples to assist in disease diagnosis and treatment. You would also prepare accurate reports and ensure their compliance with the set quality standards of your facility. You work in a laboratory and utilize various equipment like imaging systems to perform your tasks.
Zoology
Zoologists study a variety of animal species. You would be studying animal behaviour patterns, their characteristics, how they interact with their ecosystems, etc. You would also be involved in research, animal management, and awareness.
Botany
Botanists study plants. These include trees, flowering plants, plant-like things such as moss and seaweed, etc. You will study plants along with their growth, structure, evolution, and uses.
Microbiology
Microbiologists study microscopic (invisible to the naked eye) life forms and processes. You will study the growth, interactions and characteristics of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, algae, fungi, and other types of parasites.
Marine Biology
Marine biologists study organisms and ecosystems in the ocean and other saltwater environments. You will study the interactions between marine plants and animals in their own enviroment and their interactions with coastal areas and the atmosphere.
Forensic Biology
Forensic biologists typically work for law enforcement agencies and private forensic science laboratories. You will examine various pieces of biological evidence collected from crime scenes, including human hair and blood. This will help you extract clues and pinpoint culprits.
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