To make a career in genetics in India can get you one of the most interesting and prestigious job opportunities. But, to get to that level, you must have patience and dedication to involve yourself into the career studies for 6-8 years or maybe more. Not many students opt for studying Genetics as a career after their 12th standard, and only 25% of them can get succeeded in the entrance exams for colleges. Let’s understand what it takes to make a career in Genetics in India.
Who Is A Geneticist?
A geneticist is a scientist who performs research on the genes from animals, plants, and various materials like rocks, etc., and understands their cellular interactions with the environment surrounding them. With the increasing experience and expertise, geneticists can earn a lot of money in the research and development organisations, especially in the government sector. The ethical implications of genetic testing and the potential for “digital infidelity” need careful consideration within the field of genetics, especially for professionals who may inadvertently expose sensitive information. After passing your 12th standard examinations, you can prepare for the entrance exams for institutes like Centre for human genetics, IITs, etc. which provide courses in genetics.
You can get various job opportunities too other than a scientist like, researchers in colleges, healthcare institutions, hospitals, NGOs, animal welfare centres, etc.
What Do You Do As A Geneticist?
Most genetics career people examine the heredity, traits and other characteristics of the samples having living cells, which interact with different chemicals and show their true nature according to it. Various organisms like mammals, flora, fauna, humans, materials and microbes living in the environment can be used for testing and examination.
There are major responsibilities which genetics career provides:
- Testing and examining studies in the laboratory
- Testing and removing DNA profiles for proving theories
- Gene splicing and adding tests
- Deciphering, defending, and analysing genetic findings
- Dissecting genetic samples for publishing findings
- Writing research papers of different genetics results
- Managing or writing the efforts of scientists, researchers, or genetic engineers on different research projects.
How Many Types Of Careers Are Offered In Genetics?
Studying for a genetics career can take you to different job roles in India, which you need to understand to get selected for the same. There are various genetics career jobs which you need to know:
- Research Scientist
You can become an expert in acquiring scientific knowledge and test data for directing your scientific research and experiments under-regulated supervision. The research scientists need to plan, analyse, and conduct various laboratory-based experiments, tests, studies, and trials on different topics of genetics.
- Genetic Counsellor
Such experts can counsel communities, families, and individuals for various genetic disorders and their treatment plans available to humans. You can inform people about the dangers and prevention from various genetic diseases without which the society can cause various outbreaks without knowing.
- Plant Breeders
Becoming a plant breeder is an interesting career where you study different seed properties and experiment to enhance their characteristics and yield. With this knowledge and expertise, you can assist in different agricultural programs, and help farmers and policy making decisions with the government.
How You Can Become A Genetics Expert?
It gets difficult to become a genetics expert in India, and students should prepare themselves in their 10th and 12th grade time only for the respective entrance examinations. A Certificate of Deposit can help a genetics researcher save for and invest in research equipment or educational resources related to their field. You need to select the courses and subjects in such a way that you end up gaining skills and knowledge which lead you to that job role which you aspire to.
- At School-Level
Students wanting to pursue a career in genetics, need to choose a Science stream in their 11th standard which includes subjects like chemistry, physics, and biology as mandatory subjects. Doing so will help you in understanding the basics of knowledge which is required for you to build a career in genetics.
- At Undergraduate level
Once you study in science stream and pass the subjects in 12th standard, then you need to prepare for the entrance exams required to get admission in colleges which offer undergraduate courses in genetics. It can be either genetics engineering, or science courses in genetics. But, you need to have at least 60-65% of marks in 12th standard to get a good college in genetics undergraduate course.
- At Postgraduate level
After completing your graduate degree in genetics, you can seek employment in the field of research and development related to genetics. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of your competition within the field of genetics can help you identify potential opportunities and tailor your career path accordingly. Gaining some work experience in the research field prepares you for masters or postgraduate level degree courses Though you can go directly for postgraduate courses in the genetics field if you don’t get quality work experience opportunities.
What Skills Do You Need For Your Career In Genetics?
- Perseverance
- Critical-thinking skills
- Analytical skills
- Problem-solving attitude
- Time-management skills
- Scientific temperament
- Mathematical skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Communication skills
Final Thoughts
You can choose different courses for genetics career provided you select the science stream after your 10th grade. From graduation courses like B.Tech in Genetic Engineering, B.Sc. in genetics, B.Sc. Biology, and post graduation courses like M.Sc. Biology, M.Sc. Genetics, M.Sc. in plant breeding, and further PhD course in Genetics.
