What Do They Do?	Education
Specialization	Where They Work?
Skills	Job Outlook
Institutes

Skills & Knowledge

For all microbiologists:

• Collecting, evaluating, and analyzing information
   

• Intellectual creativity
   

• Attention to detail
   

• Understanding and applying the scientific method
   

• Working with a complex body of knowledge
   

• Writing reports
   

• Laboratory skills
   

• Ability to perform routine microbiology laboratory procedures, such as cell counts and culturing cells

For microbiologists with advanced degrees:

• Supervising people and experiments
   

• Interpreting test results
   

• Publishing findings in journals and conferences

In addition to career-specific skills, everybody needs these basic skills:

• Reading
   

• Writing
   

• Speaking & listening
   

• Computer literacy
   

• Problem-solving & decision-making
   

• Understanding the broader picture
   

• Working with people
   

• A strong work ethic
   

• A positive attitude
   

• Independence & initiative
   

• Self-presentation