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First, some facts. Of the Microbiology graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 452 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 74%, Microbiology graduates have a higher likelihood (+7%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 55% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Microbiology graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2013 from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Microbiology. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONPostdoctoral Researcher Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry Feb 2019 - Feb 2020 Scientist, Team Lead Invisible Sentinel, Inc. Feb 2020 - Aug 2021 Scientist I Affinivax Inc. Aug 2021 - Jul 2022 Scientist, Infectious Disease Moderna Jul 2022 - Apr 2024 Senior Scientist, Infectious Disease Moderna Mar 2024 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGDoctor of Philosophy (PhD)Virginia Commonwealth University 2014 - 2018 ABOUTExperienced team lead with a demonstrated history of working in the biotechnology industry. Skilled in diagnostic assay design and development, next-gen sequencing and analysis, problem solving and decision making. Strong research professional with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) focused in Microbiology and Immunology from Virginia Commonwealth University. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When it comes to the job landscape for Microbiology graduates, a pattern emerges that highlights a diverse range of career paths, many of which are directly related to their field of study. Graduates often find themselves in positions that require a solid understanding of microbiological principles and techniques, which are applied in various sectors including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and public health. Common job titles among these graduates include Microbiologist, Research Scientist, Quality Control Technician, and Clinical Laboratory Scientist. These positions explicitly take advantage of the knowledge and skills accumulated during their academic training, showcasing a clear connection between their educational background and professional roles.
However, it's also important to address the divergence in relevance as graduates step into the workforce. While many individuals successfully transition into roles where their microbiological expertise is paramount, there are notable exceptions. Several graduates end up in jobs where microbiology plays a minimal role, or in fields entirely unrelated to their studies. For instance, certain graduates took positions in sales, administration, or entirely different sectors such as education or hospitality. In these instances, while some core competencies may have been enhanced by their Microbiology studies—such as analytical thinking or understanding biological processes—the direct application of specific microbiological knowledge is lacking. This disconnect suggests that although a degree in Microbiology equips students with valuable skills, the job market's flexibility allows for many avenues that may not capture the spirit of the discipline.
Overall, the trends indicate that the majority of Microbiology graduates find positions that utilize their knowledge effectively. However, as the journey through academia to the professional world unfolds, job relevance ranges from highly applicable roles in laboratories or healthcare settings to positions that diverge significantly from the microbiological core. This fluidity underscores the importance of networking, internships, and clearly defining career goals during their educational pursuits to enhance future employability within their field.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Microbiology graduates:
Analyzing the career trajectories of Microbiology graduates reveals a diverse landscape of professional paths. It seems that many of these graduates tend to find themselves in positions related to their field shortly after graduation, with many securing their first jobs either as laboratory technicians or in quality control roles. For instance, graduates from various universities often start as laboratory assistants, research assistants, or medical technologists soon after obtaining their degrees. These initial positions frequently involve practical work in labs, focusing on testing, analysis, and quality control, which aligns closely with their academic training in microbiology.
As we look at what these Microbiology graduates are doing five or ten years later, we see a range of outcomes. Some individuals have climbed the ladder to more senior roles, such as quality managers, research scientists, or supervisors in their respective fields. Others have transitioned into more specialized areas, including clinical research, epidemiology, or positions in pharmaceutical companies. There are also examples of professionals moving into entirely different fields, such as education or non-scientific roles, indicating that while the Microbiology degree provides a strong foundation in science, its applicability is broad enough to allow for varied career paths. However, it's important to note that some graduates still occupy entry-level roles or have ventured into fields less related to microbiology. This suggests that there is a significant portion of graduates who may not land their ideal positions right away or who veer away from their original career intentions.
Overall, graduates with a degree in Microbiology have varied career trajectories, with a mix of successful placements within their field and those who transition into roles that are less directly related. The essential takeaway is that while many find rewarding careers in science, some may face challenges aligning their jobs closely with their educational background, reflecting the diverse realities of the job market.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your interest in science and your study habits. You’ll dive into some tough subjects like biochemistry, genetics, and cell biology, and it’s not just memorizing facts—you’ll be doing lab work, which can be intense and requires a good amount of hands-on skills. If you enjoy digging into how tiny organisms work and are ready to tackle complex concepts, it might be manageable for you. But if you're not as into science, you might find it a bit overwhelming compared to other degrees. Overall, it tends to be on the harder side of things, but it's definitely doable with the right mindset and effort!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Microbiology.
When taking a peek at the career paths of these Microbiology graduates, it seems like some have landed themselves in pretty lucrative positions, while others are still finding their footing in the job market. For example, graduates from Ohio University and Michigan State University have climbed the ranks to roles like Senior Scientist and Capability Manager, which likely come with a decent paycheck. On the flip side, some graduates who just recently started their careers or are in more entry-level positions may not be raking in as much yet, like the fresh grads from San Francisco State University, who are currently in trainee roles. It’s a mixed bag, but overall, those who have gotten into established companies and research roles seem to be doing pretty well financially.
However, it’s super important to note that "decent money" can vary widely based on location, company, and the specific area of microbiology they’re working in. Some might find themselves in comfortable positions, while others may need to hustle a bit more in the early years. Plus, with the diversity of experiences outlined, like internships and part-time roles, there’s a clear effort from many to gain valuable skills that could pay off later, so it’s definitely a journey for anyone in this field! Overall, the trajectory looks promising with a chance for good income as experience builds up.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Microbiology. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Microbiology (ordered by the average relevance score of their Microbiology graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 University of California, Davis
|
82 | 13 |
 The Ohio State University
|
81 | 13 |
 University of Oklahoma
|
73 | 11 |
 University of Florida
|
56 | 11 |