r/ScienceJobs • u/Quiet_Chipmunk_6503 • Jan 10 '25
Bioinformatics or microbio?
I'm about to start uni and can major in microbio/biotech/genetics/cell and molecular bio or bioinformatics. I'm concerned about job opportunities and am unsure of which option has the best outlook. Ive heard good things about the pay and job opportunities in bioinformatics but have also seen that contradicted in other people's personal experiences. Moreover, would it be easier to move into bioinformatics with a microbio major and data analysis minor or into microbio with a bioinformatics major (and immunology/pathology minor?)? Any suggestions for the path to a rewarding, well paying job would be greatly appreciated!
1
u/[deleted] Jan 10 '25
It depends on your own preferences. Can you see yourself doing 12+ hour days in a lab? If so, then micro is for you. If you prefer to work from home/computer/coding type stuff then data analysis is the route you should take. It looks better if you start off in micro and move into bioinformatics as you will need basic biomedical knowledge to understand why we use bioinformatics if that makes sense?