Biotechnology was once upon a time, not a very well known field. Not amongst the popular career choice and many of us have no awareness about its role in our lives. With time not only awareness about biotechnology has increased but it also has emerged as a promising career option and many students are taking interest in this field. With the COVID period and the need of new drugs and vaccines, there is no doubt that biotechnology is the best career option in near future. If you are one of those who is looking for the best jobs and career options in biotechnology, here we are discussing the future of biotechnology and the scope it has as a career.
What exactly is biotechnology?
According to vocabulary, this Greek word means human knowledge and skills. Everything related to human knowledge has the potential to grow and develop into desired results. This revolutionary idea has benefited the health, medical and food, sector, and now is being adapted and used in many others as well.
Biotechnology is one of the few courses which offer all types of courses; degree, certificate, and diploma. Also, biotechnology also offers the maximum number of fields to master and get expertise in. biotechnology affects plenty of aspects of human life and vice-versa. So, naturally, this interdisciplinary branch offers informal education in many fields like;
- Bioprocess engineering
- Biomedical engineering
- Forensic sciences
- Beverage industry
- Stem cell industry-
- Genetic technology
- Food technology
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Photosynthetic effect
Bioengineering is a broad course with many fields but most of all require practical knowledge or at least knowing the basic semantics of it. The need and necessity of practical knowledge are fulfilled by unique curriculum and practical knowledge which makes students apt and prepared for the demand of their profession.
Biotechnology has a very large part of it invested in the industrial sector and good scale employment is produced through it. Industries like Pharmaceutical, Agriculture, Clinical research, Medical laboratories, etc are all major employers of biotechnology and so students are given industrial tours and exposures and internships during their formal degree to make them ready for the industrial environment.
The biotechnology curriculum is also now created and updated according to the needs of the times. Many subjects are specially included and designed to cater to the need of industrial knowledge and experience for the students.
- Clinical industry
- Plant Biotechnology etc…
Biotechnology education can be achieved through various courses available for the students to choose from. There are engineering degrees like B.Tech in Biotechnology and a graduation degree like BSc in Biotech. The basic difference in the degree is the education focus in both. Engineering degree focuses on industrial and engineering biosciences whereas BSc. focuses on the concept and applications of biosciences. BSc. in biotechnology is more woven around research & development, of biotechnological fields like Agriculture, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Plant Biotechnology, Industrial, Plant Biotechnology, Animal Biotechnology, etc..
There are also many diploma and certificate courses in biotechnology that focus on a particular skill or branch of biotechnology.
Future of Biotechnology
Biotechnology is a vast domain which covers many aspects of the modern world and offers opportunities for employment and career aspects in large number. This is because of the need, use, and demand for biotechnology in present times.
India is a developing country and is on the way to soon be the major hot spot for the biotechnology industry in the world. Why? Because India has an enormous Medicine industry that has its ties with major countries of the world, a booming agricultural research industry to produce more efficient hybrid crops and farming methods, medical transfusion, genetic research and development, and healthcare industry cannot prosper without Biotechnology.
So, in career opportunities and employment producing Biotechnology has a vital and major role in the coming years.
Biotechnology will be a survival tool in the coming years with the increasing number of lethal diseases and pandemics. Also with the world population over 9million, we will need new technologies in the agriculture sectors. All in all, Biotechnology has a significant role in the future.
Biotechnology also affects and contributes to the economy very much.
Scope & opportunities
The good news for all the biotechnology alumni is that there is a platter of opportunities waiting for you. At every stage graduation, masters, diploma, or Ph.D. there will be an employment option for you. Biotechnology has spread its wing so far that now biotechnologists are in demand in many unconventional industries like the textile, food industry, and corporate, legal, etc. those who are not inclined towards more traditional career routes of biotechnology like research labs, clinical establishments, or pharmaceuticals, etc. can still find a lot of opportunities of employment a good standing career.
- Sales department in a Biopharma Company
- Government sector
- Intellectual Property Research and patenting field.
- Legal advisory for biotechnology
- Phlebotomist filed
- Prosthetics sector of the medical field
There is a bright future for biotechnology and bio-technologists, just finding the right place, and doing the right preparation can make you create a successful career for yourself.