5 answers
ANILA
Student
Kuwait City, Al Asimah Governate, Kuwait
2
Questions
Asked
1007 views
hi everyone ..... is there anyone who could help me to guide into my career path , please ?
could anyone suggest whether the following carrer path is good or not -
bsc in microbiology -> msc in biotech
(alternate path -> psychology)(or psychology as minor)
Login to comment
5 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Anila. If you choose the BSc in Microbiology followed by an MSc in Biotechnology, this is a strong and popular path for students interested in biology, research, and technology. Microbiology will give you a foundation in how microorganisms affect humans, animals, and the environment, while biotechnology focuses on using those biological systems for real-world applications.
After completing your MSc, you could work in pharmaceuticals, genetic engineering, bioinformatics, healthcare research, or even pursue a PhD for advanced research positions. The biotechnology field is growing quickly due to advances in medical science, vaccines, and sustainable technologies, so there will likely be many opportunities in the future.
On the other hand, psychology can also be a meaningful choice, especially if you are interested in understanding human behavior, mental health, or the connection between the brain and biology. You could consider psychology as a minor if you want to combine biological science with the study of the mind.
Both paths can lead to fulfilling and stable careers if you are passionate about the subjects. Whichever you choose, focus on gaining practical experience through internships, research projects, and networking. This will help you succeed in your chosen career path.
After completing your MSc, you could work in pharmaceuticals, genetic engineering, bioinformatics, healthcare research, or even pursue a PhD for advanced research positions. The biotechnology field is growing quickly due to advances in medical science, vaccines, and sustainable technologies, so there will likely be many opportunities in the future.
On the other hand, psychology can also be a meaningful choice, especially if you are interested in understanding human behavior, mental health, or the connection between the brain and biology. You could consider psychology as a minor if you want to combine biological science with the study of the mind.
Both paths can lead to fulfilling and stable careers if you are passionate about the subjects. Whichever you choose, focus on gaining practical experience through internships, research projects, and networking. This will help you succeed in your chosen career path.
Mike S.
Technical Writer
22
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Hi Anila,
I am a technical writer, and so I am not an expert about microbiology or psychology. But I have had two wonderful careers, and I can tell you a little about career planning.
It is wonderful to have a career that will provide good financial returns to you.
On the other hand, the happiest people that I have met are people who are doing things that they really love. And since they get to do it every day, they also get to learn more about it every day.
So I suggest that your passion should be the primary motivation, and the opportunities should be in second place.
Another thing to think about is this: In general, psychologists help people by working with them. Microbiologists also help people, but not by working directly with them. (I am sure that there are some exceptions to both of these statements.)
Both careers require a lot of hard work.
I would let your passion be your guide. Which career do you think about the most?
If you work hard, I am sure that you will have a wonderful career in whichever choice you make.
Best Wishes to you always.
- Mike S.
Here are some details about the types of employment for Psychologists and Microbiologists (from the Bureau of Labor Statistics):
Psychologists:
- Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
- School Psychologists
- Teachers
Microbiologists:
- Scientific Research and Development Services
- Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing
- Federal, State, and Local Government
- Hospital Staff
- Teachers
Here is a site that is helpful for comparing various careers: https://www.careeronestop.org
Bureau of Labor Statistics (How much people in the US earn.): https://www.bls.gov
I am a technical writer, and so I am not an expert about microbiology or psychology. But I have had two wonderful careers, and I can tell you a little about career planning.
It is wonderful to have a career that will provide good financial returns to you.
On the other hand, the happiest people that I have met are people who are doing things that they really love. And since they get to do it every day, they also get to learn more about it every day.
So I suggest that your passion should be the primary motivation, and the opportunities should be in second place.
Another thing to think about is this: In general, psychologists help people by working with them. Microbiologists also help people, but not by working directly with them. (I am sure that there are some exceptions to both of these statements.)
Both careers require a lot of hard work.
I would let your passion be your guide. Which career do you think about the most?
If you work hard, I am sure that you will have a wonderful career in whichever choice you make.
Best Wishes to you always.
- Mike S.
Here are some details about the types of employment for Psychologists and Microbiologists (from the Bureau of Labor Statistics):
Psychologists:
- Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
- School Psychologists
- Teachers
Microbiologists:
- Scientific Research and Development Services
- Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing
- Federal, State, and Local Government
- Hospital Staff
- Teachers
Mike recommends the following next steps:
Here is one more thing I want to add. It is okay to change your mind when you find something you like even more than your current choice. Even if you are already in college or already graduated and working. That is what I did.
Mike S.
Margaret Lippincott
Scientist
17
Answers
Morrisville, Pennsylvania
Updated
Margaret’s Answer
That depends, what do you plan on doing with your major? If unsure you can attend online career panels and workshops for students; they are very plentiful for high schoolers and college applicants, especially through local universities.
Prema Sequeira
Engineering Manager
27
Answers
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Updated
Prema’s Answer
Hi Anila,
I think both career paths are good. My understanding is that the education system in Kuwait is closer to India, you apply to a specific major which drives the rest of your education unlike the US where you can be undecided and figure out or change your major. Keeping this in mind, I would recommend
Do a pros and cons list for both:
1) Which option would give you the most satisfaction? As Adaobi said, your passion is a good driver and decision maker.
2) Which option has the best opportunities currently? Jobs are changing. By the time you graduate, they may look differently but there is opportunity. Microbiology and psychology are good fields that are not going to go away.
3) Which option would make sense 5-10 years from now? Would i be willing to stay long hours at work or work from home? Sometimes we focus on the now and thinking of what we think our future will be will help guide these decisions.
Talk to people in these careers. Come up with a list of questions from chatgpt or your own and try to find out about the career. We had a friend who used to organize these sessions where people from various fields spoke about their careers. It was interesting that when people spoke about lifestyle, salaries etc, it changed the student's perception of what their future career should be.
Offer to shadow someone in the field for a day or intern at some of these places. My daughter was absolutely sure she wanted to work in a lab till she interned at a lab and realized that she would be working alone and there wasn't as much interaction as she expected. She was convinced as an introvert that she would like that environment but once she worked there, she realized she wanted to work in a different environment.
I saw an earlier question from you about research opportunities which makes me think you favor microbiology as it is more research focused. My suggestion would also be to see if you can shadow someone in these fields. They could mentor you in the future if that is the path you choose.
That said, if all of this doesn't help, then microbiology with a minor in psychology keeps your options open.
Good Luck!
I think both career paths are good. My understanding is that the education system in Kuwait is closer to India, you apply to a specific major which drives the rest of your education unlike the US where you can be undecided and figure out or change your major. Keeping this in mind, I would recommend
Do a pros and cons list for both:
1) Which option would give you the most satisfaction? As Adaobi said, your passion is a good driver and decision maker.
2) Which option has the best opportunities currently? Jobs are changing. By the time you graduate, they may look differently but there is opportunity. Microbiology and psychology are good fields that are not going to go away.
3) Which option would make sense 5-10 years from now? Would i be willing to stay long hours at work or work from home? Sometimes we focus on the now and thinking of what we think our future will be will help guide these decisions.
Talk to people in these careers. Come up with a list of questions from chatgpt or your own and try to find out about the career. We had a friend who used to organize these sessions where people from various fields spoke about their careers. It was interesting that when people spoke about lifestyle, salaries etc, it changed the student's perception of what their future career should be.
Offer to shadow someone in the field for a day or intern at some of these places. My daughter was absolutely sure she wanted to work in a lab till she interned at a lab and realized that she would be working alone and there wasn't as much interaction as she expected. She was convinced as an introvert that she would like that environment but once she worked there, she realized she wanted to work in a different environment.
I saw an earlier question from you about research opportunities which makes me think you favor microbiology as it is more research focused. My suggestion would also be to see if you can shadow someone in these fields. They could mentor you in the future if that is the path you choose.
That said, if all of this doesn't help, then microbiology with a minor in psychology keeps your options open.
Good Luck!
Adaobi Maryann Ezeogidi
Medical Assistant
31
Answers
Abia, AB
Updated
Adaobi Maryann’s Answer
Hello Anila,
Both paths can lead to rewarding careers. However, this decision really depends on your interests and long-term goals.
For example, if you enjoy research, lab work, and life sciences, you may consider microbiology.
The biotech path is great for fields like pharmaceuticals, healthcare, or environmental science.
If you’re more drawn to understanding human behavior, mental health, or counseling, then psychology could be more fulfilling.
You can also combine both in areas like neuropsychology, behavioral genetics, or biotech product development involving human health.
So think about what excites you and what drives your passion more! day-to-day lab experiments in organizations or industries or people-focused studies; that will guide you best.
Thanks
Both paths can lead to rewarding careers. However, this decision really depends on your interests and long-term goals.
For example, if you enjoy research, lab work, and life sciences, you may consider microbiology.
The biotech path is great for fields like pharmaceuticals, healthcare, or environmental science.
If you’re more drawn to understanding human behavior, mental health, or counseling, then psychology could be more fulfilling.
You can also combine both in areas like neuropsychology, behavioral genetics, or biotech product development involving human health.
So think about what excites you and what drives your passion more! day-to-day lab experiments in organizations or industries or people-focused studies; that will guide you best.
Thanks
THANK YOU SO MUCH , ADAOIBI MA'AM ,
BUT THE PROBLEM LIES ALL IN THE JOB SECURITY ...... MOST OF THE ELDERS ARE SAYING TO PURSUE NURSING SINCE ITS HIGHTLY DEMANGING AS WELL EASY TO GET A PR ........ STIPENDS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR THIS COURSE ALSO
HOW COULD I CONVINCE THEN TO FOLLOW MY PASSIONS ..... OR LEARNING NURSING AND LATER GOING FOR MY INTRESTED COURSE IS THE OTHER OPTION BUT I NEVER LIKED NURSING ........
SO THATS THE MAIN ISUUE
ANILA
I completely understand where you’re coming from, dear Anila. You’ve spoken with so much honesty, and I
admire that.
It’s true that nursing offers stability and opportunities abroad, but fulfillment doesn’t come from doing what’s “in demand”; it comes from doing what you’re designed for.
If your heart is in biotechnology or microbiology, that passion will sustain you even when things get tough. Job security may bring comfort, but purpose brings peace.
You can always explore a balanced path by gaining a skill that supports you financially while gradually building your dream in the field you love. But if nursing doesn’t align with who you are, don’t force yourself into it out of fear.
Doors are always open for people who are passionate and prepared. Thank you.
Adaobi Maryann Ezeogidi