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Making a career change to Microbiology

  • 07-04-2015 11:24am
    #1
    Silent Runner
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 180 ✭✭


    Hi

    I'm toying with the idea of doing a masters in Microbiology in the UK (Aberdeen or Northumbria). I'd be interested in working in QC/QA in a pharma or food company. I applied last year and got offered both places but I couldn't move over due to unforeseen circumstances.

    I have a BSc in Environmental Science and I'm currently doing an upskilling course Level 8 cert in "Pharmaceutical and Medical Device manufacturing" (Syllabus: Aseptic processing & Utilities, Formulations & Packaging, Process analytical technology, GMP, Validations systems, Pharmaceutical processes).

    I have to say that I really like the microbiology element of my previous degree (which was more diagnostic microbiology, testing environmental samples) and of the current course I'm on at the moment.

    Though I think I might be in a catch 22. From what I hear in the grapevine is that it is difficult to get a micro testing position without a Micro degree. On the other hand postgraduate degree's might be seen as being over qualified to take up quality positions by an employer. Should I go ahead and study something I'm passionate about or could I be shooting myself in the foot so to speak?

    Thanks


Comments

  • #2
    NOS3
    Registered Users Posts: 265 ✭✭NOS3


    NUIG has a post graduate diploma in Applied Microbiology. It may be more convinient than the UK. :)


  • #3
    Silent Runner
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 180 ✭✭Silent Runner


    NOS3 wrote: »
    NUIG has a post graduate diploma in Applied Microbiology. It may be more convinient than the UK. :)


    Thanks. Yeah I actually applied for that last year but didn't get an offer. It says you need microbiology modules in third year. I had a micro module in third year and final years but the name of the modules were misleading. I contacted the course co-ordinator but I think they had their numbers at that stage. Maybe I'll contact them again and see if they'd consider me with the current course I'm on.

    It looks like a great degree though, very focused! Oh and I'm free to move away this time


  • #4
    Murphd5
    Registered Users Posts: 28 ✭Murphd5


    It can be challenging, people I know that worked in this sector have a hard time of it. Can you try through a company education assitance policy?


  • #5
    Silent Runner
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 180 ✭✭Silent Runner


    Murphd5 wrote: »
    It can be challenging, people I know that worked in this sector have a hard time of it. Can you try through a company education assitance policy?

    Yeah it does seem to be very tough, I know a few of the guys on the course I'm on right now PhD's and masters in Biotech/Biochem/Micro so it does put me off a little. I'm not sure if it's a case that these guys can't travel or move abroad for work. To be honest I'm trying to get on a micro related internship at the moment.


  • #6
    Depraved
    Registered Users Posts: 156 ✭✭Depraved


    Do you know anyone who works in this field already? I've found that training/education rarely matches the actual day-to-day aspect of working in a particular area.

    Just make sure that you get as much detail as possible. It's the small things that can make a difference (sorry, couldn't help the pun!)


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