Career Spotlight: Geneticist

Do you enjoy biology? Do you also like chemistry and mathematics? Do you think working in a lab conducting experiments and doing research is fun?

If any of these things describe you, then a career as a Geneticist might be for you!

What do you need to be a Geneticist?

Education:

Becoming a geneticist requires at least a Bachelor’s degree and most likely a Master’s degree or beyond.

If you are a high school student, make sure you are focused on taking biology, chemistry and mathematics.

Skills:

Geneticists know how to:

• Use scientific rules and methods to solve problems
• Be active listeners and successfully communicate orally and in writing
• Be critical thinkers and complex problem solvers

Is the field growing?

The projected growth is approximately 2%.

What is the pay like?

 

What’s the Holland Code* for a Geneticist?

Interest code: IAR- Investigative, Artistic and Realistic

Investigative — Investigative occupations   frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of   thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out   problems mentally.

Artistic — Artistic occupations frequently involve   working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression   and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently   involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and   solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials   like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working   outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with   others.

Source: http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-1029.03

 

If you are interested in learning more about Geneticists, check out ONET.

Would you want to be a Geneticist? Why or why not?

*Holland Codes are a way to classify a person based on their skills and interests as well as jobs based on the nature of the work. If you have an interest in knowing what your Holland Code is in order to match yourself to careers to pursue, you can read more about our assessment process.