Microbiology What Next?
Microbiology at UCC
Microbiology is the
branch of science that deals
with microorganisms and is more
important than ever in today’s
world.
The study of microbiology includes
bacteriology, virology, mycology,
parasitology, and other branches of
biology.
Microbiology affects many facets
of our daily lives from the air we
breathe and the food we eat, to the
hospitals we attend for treatment.
The broad nature of the subject
means a broad spectrum of career
options for microbiology
graduates.
What can Microbiology Graduates offer employers?
Graduates of microbiology will have developed the ability to:
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Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to microbiology and apply such knowledge to find solutions to problems.
Plan, design and execute practical investigations, from problem-recognition through to evaluation and appraisal of results and findings; including the ability to select appropriate techniques and procedures.
Undertake practical laboratory investigations in a safe and ethical manner, using classical & molecular approaches, taking into account relevant health and
safety regulations.
Interpret and present data, use statistical programmes, quantitative techniques and spreadsheets.
Conduct literature searches and critically evaluate information.
Evaluate, interpret and synthesise microbiological information and data.
Present scientific material and arguments clearly and correctly, in writing and orally, to a range of audiences.
Interpret data derived from laboratory observations and measurements.
Apply numeracy and IT skills such as word processing and spreadsheet use, data-logging and storage.
Retrieve and analyse information effectively through online search and literature reviews.
Demonstrate strong organisational and team work skills through planning and executing experiments.
Microbiology What Next?
First destinations of Microbiology Graduates
Each year, UCC Career Services produces a First Destination Report based on an annual survey of graduates six months
after graduation. The following table presents the five year trend for graduates of microbiology.
Five year trend
2007
2008
In Employment 21% 43% In Further Study or Training 68% Seeking Employment Not Available for Employment or Study 2009
2010
2011
25.5% 39%
46%
57% 68.5% 55%
50%
4% 0% 7% 6%
0%
7% 0% 0% 0%
4%
Who employs Microbiology graduates?
Graduates of microbiology who progressed directly to employment within six months have taken up positions in quality
control, manufacturing and as industrial laboratory technicians and analysts. The following table provides a sample of the
roles listed by microbiology graduates on FDR surveys returned to UCC Career Services:
Role
Employer
Microbiological Analyst
PepsiCo Ireland, Cork
Quality Control Micro-Analyst
Pfizer, Cork
New Products QC Analyst
Pfizer, Cork & Bulmers, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
Quality Control Microbiologist
Astellas, Killorglin, Co Kerry
Quality Control Analyst
Schering Plough, Corbett Micro, Millipoke
Raw Materials Analyst
Novartis, Cork.
Microbiologist
Genzyme, Waterford, & NHS, UK
Quality Assurance
Dairygold Food Ingredients, Cork
Manufacturing Technician
Abbott, Dublin
Quality Leader
Kerry Group
Microbiology Laboratory Analyst
Lancaster Labatory, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford
Boston Scientific, Cork & Abbott Vascular, Clonmel
Quality Control Analyst
Millipore, Carrigtwohill, Co Cork Laboratory Assistant
What postgraduate courses do Microbiology Graduates choose?
As mentioned, the majority of microbiology graduates progress directly from the degree to a postgraduate qualification.
Most graduates choose a postgraduate course that is closely related to microbiology, such as biotechnology or courses in
another branch of science such as food science. The following list provides a sample of Microbiology-related postgraduate
courses listed by Microbiology graduates on FDR surveys returned to UCC Career Services:
Course Title
Institution
PhD Science
UCC
MSc Bioinformatics
UCC
MSc Science Communication
DCU
MSc Analysis of Pharmaceutical Compounds
UCC
MSc Molecular Medicine
TCD
MSc Biomedical Science
NUI Galway
MSc Biotechnology
UCC
PhD Microbiology
UCC
MSc Immunology and Global Health
NUIM
MSc Food Science and Technology
UCC
Medicine (Graduate Entry)
UCC & UL
Masters in Public Health
UCC
Course Title
Institution
MSc Food Business MBS Information Systems for Business Performance Post Graduate Diploma in Education HDip Business Studies HDip Computer Science UCC
UCC
UCC
Dublin Business School
UCC
Graduate Career paths 3-5 years after graduation
Microbiology Degree
Summer Internship –
Schering Plough, Cork
Microbiology Degree
H.Dip Business Studies –
NUI Galway
Microbiological Analyst –
Genzyme, Waterford
Graduate Management Trainee
– Enterprise Rent-a-Car
Long term prospects for Microbiology Graduates
Microbiology graduates can progress to a wide range of interesting roles through postgraduate study and/or experience.
The following table provides a sample of the some of the possibilities:
Jobs Related to Microbiology
Jobs where Microbiology is useful
Microbiologist
Haematologist
Toxicologist
Biomedical Scientist
Research Scientist (Life Sciences)
Epidemiologist
Pharmaceutical Production
Quality Assurance
Ecologist
Forensic Scientist
Water Quality Scientist
Science Writer
Food Processing
Researcher - Academic / Industry
Product Development
Consult the following recommended website to research these and all graduate roles in more depth:
www.prospects.ac.uk www.gradireland.com www.careersportal.ie
Microbiology-related careers are found in a diverse range of employment sectors and typical employers include:
·  Industry - food and drink, pharmaceuticals, toiletries, and
biotechnology companies
·  Environmental organisations/consultancies
·  Publicly - funded research organisations (e.g. Teagasc, Marine Institute)
·  Higher education institutions
·  Media
·  Commerce – banking, law, accountancy
Microbiology What Next?
Others graduates “convert” their degree by choosing a postgraduate qualification that provides them with the knowledge
and skills to work in a new area. The next list provides a sample of the postgraduate “conversion” courses that are listed by
microbiology graduates on FDR surveys returned to the UCC Career Services:
Where can I find out more?
The Irish Society of Clinical Microbiologists
www.iscm.ie/website/
Department of Microbiology, University College Cork www.ucc.ie/en/microbiology/
Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA)
www.ipha.ie 
Science Foundation Ireland www.sfi.ie
Biotechnology Ireland
www.biotechnologyireland.ie
National Institute For Cellular Biotechnology www.nicb.dcu.ie/
Biotech Ireland
www.biotechireland.com/
Life Science Recruitment
http://lifescience.ie/biotechnology-jobs-ireland
Marine Biotechnology Ireland
www.marine.ie/home/research/SeaChange/
NationalMarineBiotechnology/
Biotechnology Europe
www.biotechnology-europe.com/Irleand.htm
Irish Society for Immunology
www.irishimmunology.ie/
Life Science Recruitment
www.lifescience.ie
American Society For Microbiology
www.asm.org
Society For General Microbology
www.sgm.ac.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:
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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 the UCC Career Services 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?
Graduates of a biological science
degree such as microbiology can be
ideal candidates for business as well as
scientific roles in industry because they
have a good grasp of the products and
services pertinent to that industry.
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.