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Chart Your Course: A Career Awareness Newsletter

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Career of the month: Bioinformatician

Welcome back to the Chart Your Course series by Womenshine ! Last time we discussed the importance of career counselling and from now onwards we will focus on one career every  month. This month, we’ll be delving into the exciting world of Bioinformatics.

What is a Bioinformatician  and what do they do?

Bioinformaticians are the bridge between the biological world and the digital age. They use their expertise in computer science, biology, and statistics to analyse the massive datasets generated by modern biological research such as  DNA sequencing, RNA sequencing, genes, mutations in cells etc. 

Becoming a Bioinformatician : A step-by-step guide: 

  • Mandatory subjects in class 11th : PCM or PCB or PCMB 
  • Graduation: Engineering in Bioinformatics or  you can do a bachelor’s degree in any Biological Science, Bioengineering or related subject. You can also study for a degree in Mathematics or Statistics. After your bachelor’s degree you can do a Master’s degree in any of the following field or in any other related field:
  • Bioinformatics
  • Biostatistics (Biology)
  • Computational Biology
  • Medical Bioinformatics

Different types of companies can offer you a job. Such as:

  • Biological data research companies like Elucidata, Premas Life Sciences, BIS Research, etc.
  • Pharmaceutical Companies like Ranbaxy, Cipla, etc.
  • Medical Biotechnology companies like Biocon, etc.
  • College and Universities in the field of Bioinformatics (including IITs).

The type of work Bioinformatician do:  

Primarily work is similar to any analyst or engineering jobs out there but the nature of problems and tools to solve differ. Well areas could be genomics, structure prediction of proteins or coding enterprise software for a company

The ideal Bioinformatician:

  • Aptitude: Critical thinking, active learning,  Technological fluency and adaptability, the ability to understand concepts which are not clearly expressed verbally or otherwise. Deductive Reasoning, the ability to identify or detect a pattern , Numerical Reasoning, verbal and written comprehension.
  • Personality: Organised in day-to-day activity, helpful,  prefer to experience new things. 
  • Interest: (A) Investigative: You should have interests for Investigative Occupations. Investigative occupations involve working with ideas and quite a lot of thinking, often abstract or conceptual thinking. These involve learning about facts and figures; involve use of data analysis, assessment of situations, decision making and problem solving.
  1. Realistic: You should have interests for Realistic Occupations. Realistic occupations involve more practical and hands-on activities than paperwork or office work. Realistic occupations often involve physical activities for getting things done using various tools and equipment. 

It’s important to understand that these are not absolute requirements. Some skills can be developed over time, through education, internship and personal initiatives ; and personality can adapt to the demands of the field. However, a strong foundation in these areas can significantly benefit a child aspiring to be a journalist.

Parenting Tip!

Spark Curiosity of your Child :

  • Expose them to biology and computers: Simple biology kits or gardening projects can spark interest. Games that involve coding or logic can be a fun way to introduce computers.
  • Show them the connection: Once they have a basic understanding of both, highlight how bioinformatics combines these fields. Look for age-appropriate books, documentaries, or even online articles that showcase how computers are used to solve biological problems.

Nurture their Skills:

  • Encourage math and science: A strong foundation in math and science will be crucial. Help them excel in these subjects at school and look for extracurricular activities that reinforce these skills (e.g., science fairs, math olympiads).
  • Introduce coding in a fun way: There are plenty of age-appropriate coding games and online platforms designed to make learning to code fun and engaging. These can introduce them to basic coding concepts without feeling overwhelming.
  • Support their exploration: If they show interest in specific areas like genetics or molecular biology, find resources like age-appropriate books or documentaries to delve deeper.

Provide Opportunities:

  • Summer camps or programs: Look for summer camps or programs focused on bioinformatics or related fields. Many universities or science centres offer such programs for middle and high school students.
  • Encourage participation in online courses: As they get older, online courses on platforms like Coursera or EdX can offer a taste of bioinformatics concepts at a beginner level.
  • Connect with professionals: If you know someone who works in bioinformatics, try to arrange a call or meeting for your child to learn more about the field firsthand.

We hope this information helps you on your career journey! Stay tuned for next month’s issue where we’ll explore a new exciting career path!

If you have any questions about the career discussed or suggestions for future career spotlights? Feel free to let us know!

Shared by : Swati Singh,

Career Counsellor       

Author’s Bio:

My path to career counselling wasn’t linear. In eight years of work experience I navigated the dynamic world of business intelligence, analyzing data and uncovering insights for corporations. While fascinating, a part of me craved a more human connection, a desire to empower individuals on a personal level. This yearning led me to pursue career counselling certification. 

Today, I stand at the intersection of these experiences- a Career Counsellor with a business analyst’s mind, a UX/UI designer’s heart. This unique perspective allows me to not just guide individuals towards suitable careers, but also help them craft compelling career narratives and navigate the job application process with confidence. 

                 

                        

 

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