Genetics What Next?
Genetics at UCC
Genetics is the study of heredity and the variation
of inherited characteristics.
Heredity is the reason why
offspring look like their parents,
inheriting hair, skin color, nose
shape and other traits – all of
which are determined by genes.
Genetics graduates have a strong
foundation in modern genetics,
molecular biology and functional
genomics.
The practical applications of these
disciplines include: biotechnology,
medical genetics & forensics.
What can Genetics Graduates offer employers?
Graduates of genetics will have developed the ability to:
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Integrate and apply a broad knowledge of essential facts, major concepts, principles
and theories associated with genetics.
Apply their knowledge to analyse, interpret and critically evaluate data.
Demonstrate laboratory skills and knowledge of planning and designing experiments.
Execute independent research centred on data generation.
Demonstrate critical analysis and application of results obtained.
Take account of and act in accordance with health and safety policies, good laboratory practice, and risk and control of substances hazardous to health assessment.
Realise the importance of keeping up-to-date with current issues and ethical debates around genetics.
Recognise the importance of quality control and quality assurance.
Design research protocols and use statistical techniques to enable valid analysis and interpretations of experimental results.
Use specialist techniques and highly technical equipment.
Interpret data derived from laboratory observations and measurements.
Conduct risk assessments concerning laboratory procedures.
Apply numeracy and computational skills and IT skills such as word processing and spread sheet use.
Demonstrate strong organisational and team work skills through planning and executing experiments.
Communicate complex information clearly and engagingly through the sharing of research findings via written and oral presentation to a range of audiences.
Genetics What Next?
First destinations of Genetics Graduates
Each year, UCC Career Services produce a First Destination Report based on an annual survey of graduates six months
after graduation. The following table presents the five year trend with regard to destinations of genetics graduates.
According to this five-year trend the majority of genetics graduates over the past five years opt to progress directly to
postgraduate study with less than half of graduates entering employment immediately after graduation. The remainder
were either seeking employment or unavailable for work or study.
In Employment 33% 27% 17% 50% 33%
In Further Study or Training 61% 64% 72% 50% 60%
Seeking Employment 6% 4.5% 11% 0% 0%
Not Available for Employment or Study 0%
4.5%
0% 0% 7%
Who Employs Genetics Gradutes?
As mentioned above, a minority of genetics graduates progressed directly to employment within six months. The
following table provides a sample of the roles listed by genetics graduates on FDR surveys returned to Career Services
over the past three years:
Role
Employer
Clinical Data Coordinator
Recruitment Consultant
Trainee Accountant
Trainee Tax Accountant
Quality Control Laboratory Technician
Customer Service
Ecologist Tour Guide
Production Operator
Research Assistant
Research Assistant
Laboratory Technician
PhD Human Genetics Division
QC Microbiology Analyst
Research Scientist
Working with Children with Special Needs
Quintiles Ireland Ltd. Dublin
Science Recruitment Ireland
FCOS Ltd., Cork
Patrick McNamara Associates, Cork
Vistakon, Limerick
Abtran
EFT
Kostal
Annulab, CUMH
University College Cork
Nottingham Hospital, UK
Southampton University, UK
Clondalkin, Dublin
Eirx Therapeutics, Airport Business Park, Cork
Lavanagh Centre, Cork
What Postgraduate course do Genetics Graduates choose?
Of the majority who progress directly to postgraduate study, some choose postgraduate courses related directly to
genetics and some choose to move to an alternative field that builds on their existing qualification. The following list
provides a sample of the genetics-related postgraduate courses which were listed by genetics graduates on completed
FDR surveys returned to Career Services:
Course Title
MSc Genetics
MSc Genetics
PhD Genetics
PhD
PhD in Cancer Biology
Pre-implantation Genetics and Fetal Medicine
MSc Advanced Genomic and Proteomic Sciences
Masters in Molecular Medicine
MSc (Cancer Biology)
MSc (Human Molecular Genetics)
PhD Medicine & Health
Institution
TCD
Leeds University
University Abroad
TCD
UCC
University Abroad.
University Abroad
TCD
University Abroad
University Abroad
UCC
NUI Galway
University Abroad
University Abroad
NUI Galway
The following list presents a sample of the postgraduate “conversion” courses listed by genetics graduates on FDR
surveys returned to Career Services:
Course Title
MSc Biotechnology
MSc Food Science
MSc Bioinformatics
MSc Biochemical Engineering
PGDip Speech & Language Therapy
PGDip Physiotherapy
MSc Conservation Management
Master of Public Health Epidemiology
Masters Genetic Counselling
MA (Medical Law and Ethics)
Institution
UCC
UCC
UCC
University Abroad
University Abroad
University Abroad
University Abroad
University Abroad
Cardiff University
University Abroad
Long term prospects for Genetics Graduates
Many careers relating to genetics are based in or relate to health improvement, so employers tend to be
pharmaceutical companies, medical laboratories or universities. As genetic-based technology develops, opportunities
have arisen in:
·
·
·
·
Food and drink companies (including brewing)
Health and beauty care
Biotechnology and research
Bio-pharma and agri-industries
·
Consultancy companies – carrying out specific and sometimes specialized research, development and consultancy projects for industrial and
other customers
Genetics graduates can progress to a wide range of interesting roles through postgraduate study and/or experience.
The following table provides a sample of some of the possibilities:
Roles related directly to Genetics:
Roles for which Genetics is useful:
·
·
·
·
·
·
· Scientific patent lawyer (upon further training)
· Physiological scientist
· Genetic counsellor (after MSc)
Research scientist (medical)
Research scientist (life sciences)
Scientific laboratory technician
Clinical cyto-geneticist
Clinical molecular geneticist
Clinical research associate
Check the following websites for full details on each of these and all graduate careers and useful information on a wide
range of career options:
http://gradireland.com/careers-advice/job-descriptions
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/options_chemistry_your_skills.htm
Genetics What Next?
Masters in Regenerative Medicine
MPhil (Human Molecular Genetics)
MSc (Audiology Science)
MSc (Biochemistry)
Graduate career paths 3-5 years after graduation
Genetics Degree
Laboratory Technician, Summer Job, Pharmaceutical Ind.
Research Scientist, Pharmaceutical Industry
Genetics Degree
Postgraduate Diploma in Chemical Engineering, UL
Engineer, Jacobs Engineering, Dublin
Where can I find out more?
National Centre for Medical Genetics
www.genetics.ie
The British Society for Human Genetics (BSHG)
www.bshg.org.uk
Clinical Genetics Society
www.clingensoc.org
Clinical Molecular Genetics Society (CMGS)
www.cmgs.org
The Genetics Society
www.genetics.org.uk
Human Genetics Unit
www.hgu.mrc.ac.uk
NHS Careers
www.nhscareers.nhs.uk
8 ways to put your degree to work
Employers want graduates with a healthy balance between study, work and extracurricular interests. A three-dimensional CV is evidence of maturity, life skills and active
citizenship, indicating that you will be a sociable, committed and reliable colleague.
You can boost your job prospects greatly by taking the following steps throughout your
degree years:
· 
· 
· 
· 
· 
Get involved in the Students’ Union or a club/society that interests you.
Gain relevant paid/voluntary work experience during holidays.
Sign up for training courses that will strengthen your skillset, e.g. languages, ECDL.
Set up a LinkedIn profile and start building your network.
Go to UCC Career Service for careers advice and assistance with CV and interview preparation, job search strategies, and postgraduate options.
·  Attend careers events organised on campus and advertised on www.ucc.ie/careers
·  Use careers events to initiate relationships with potential employers.
·  Check job vacancies regularly on www.ucc.ie/careers  and www.gradireland.com 
Did you know?
Pfizer Animal Health’s Animal
Genetics business provides
comprehensive, state-of-the-art
genetic information and support
services that deliver genetic
predictions and solutions to beef,
dairy and sheep producers.
From breeding through marketing,
they aim to help customers unlock
the value of an animal’s genetic
potential.
While this resource provides you with an overview of the career options available with your degree, each person carves
their own career path based on their personal values and interests. Your college years are an ideal time to explore career
options while gaining new experience and learning new skills. Why not speak to a careers adviser to help you get
started?
As a student of UCC, you are entitled to book a free personal consultation with a careers adviser at UCC Career
Services. You can return as many times as needed because we understand that it makes sense to begin planning your
career from first year onwards – don’t wait until final year! We look forward to meeting you, no matter what your
year of study. For your convenience, we now have a web-based booking system. Book your appointment online via
our website – www.ucc.ie/careers - in the Meet an Advisor section.