1. Genetic Engineer
Responsibilities
· Modify genes or genetic make up of microorganisms, plants and animals by using various equipment such as microscopes and other molecular tools
· Develop techniques for many different fields such as medicine, agriculture and animal farming
· Research, develop and test methods and products with many potential applications
Work Environment
· Employed in private industries by chemical and pharmaceutical companies or by organizations that specialize in genetic engineering
· Some are employed by colleges or universities where they work as professors or work in labs
· Majority of their time is spend in laboratories
· Need to have great attention to detail and safety
Salary & Hours
· Salary can be up to $150,000 but it usually depends on knowledge and experience
· Salary may also depend on your employer
· Hours Vary
· Usually work 5 days a week
Education
· Bachelor’s degree in Genetic Engineering
· Master’s Degree in Genetic Engineering
· Training in required areas such as equipment use and computers
· Modify genes or genetic make up of microorganisms, plants and animals by using various equipment such as microscopes and other molecular tools
· Develop techniques for many different fields such as medicine, agriculture and animal farming
· Research, develop and test methods and products with many potential applications
Work Environment
· Employed in private industries by chemical and pharmaceutical companies or by organizations that specialize in genetic engineering
· Some are employed by colleges or universities where they work as professors or work in labs
· Majority of their time is spend in laboratories
· Need to have great attention to detail and safety
Salary & Hours
· Salary can be up to $150,000 but it usually depends on knowledge and experience
· Salary may also depend on your employer
· Hours Vary
· Usually work 5 days a week
Education
· Bachelor’s degree in Genetic Engineering
· Master’s Degree in Genetic Engineering
· Training in required areas such as equipment use and computers
2. Genetic Counsellor
Responsibilities
· Explain genetic testing to people expecting a baby
· Support and inform parents with genetic disorders in their children
· Show parents the options available to treat these disorders
· Research genetics to stay up to date with any new information
Work Environment
· Majority employed by hospitals or clinics. Some work for universities.
· Need to be emotionally mature as you will be dealing with parents who have children with genetic disorders or patients with disorders
Salary & Hours
· Usually work 8 to 9 hours a day
· Earning depend on employer and your location
· Bigger cities means higher earning
· Usually $25-$30 per hour for contract counselors
· Up to $85,000 for salaried counselors.
Education
· A master’s degree in genetic counseling is necessary
· In the early stages of your education, it would be a good idea to get some general counseling experience
· Oral communication skills are very important in this field as you need to guide people through emotional distress
· In high school, the sciences are very important, especially biology
· You should build your research and oral communication skills, as they are very important because you spend most of your time speaking or doing research on genetics.
· Explain genetic testing to people expecting a baby
· Support and inform parents with genetic disorders in their children
· Show parents the options available to treat these disorders
· Research genetics to stay up to date with any new information
Work Environment
· Majority employed by hospitals or clinics. Some work for universities.
· Need to be emotionally mature as you will be dealing with parents who have children with genetic disorders or patients with disorders
Salary & Hours
· Usually work 8 to 9 hours a day
· Earning depend on employer and your location
· Bigger cities means higher earning
· Usually $25-$30 per hour for contract counselors
· Up to $85,000 for salaried counselors.
Education
· A master’s degree in genetic counseling is necessary
· In the early stages of your education, it would be a good idea to get some general counseling experience
· Oral communication skills are very important in this field as you need to guide people through emotional distress
· In high school, the sciences are very important, especially biology
· You should build your research and oral communication skills, as they are very important because you spend most of your time speaking or doing research on genetics.