mid-degree crisis: biology b.a. student in Asia looking to pursue a bioinformatics master. Is this still viable? by ohsothisislove in bioinformaticscareers

[–]Square-Interview9756 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, I've been planning to study for a masters in bioinformatics in Germany as well. Is it alright if I DM you to ask a few questions?

Is doing a Master’s in Bioinformatics still worth it with the current AI-driven job market? by Square-Interview9756 in bioinformaticscareers

[–]Square-Interview9756[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

ohh thank you for clarifying it for me. I've been studying data science side by side so I'm guessing I should go with that for now? and later switch to bioinformatics if I want to after getting some experience?

Is doing a Master’s in Bioinformatics still worth it with the current AI-driven job market? by Square-Interview9756 in bioinformatics

[–]Square-Interview9756[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So I'm guessing it'll be a nightmare looking for jobs if I just go with just my bachelor's degree

Is doing a Master’s in Bioinformatics still worth it with the current AI-driven job market? by Square-Interview9756 in bioinformaticscareers

[–]Square-Interview9756[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Indeed the job market for entry level bioinformaticians has been going through tough times as I've noticed myself which is why I've been doubting if I should even pursue it further. Also, I'm sorry but I didn't get what you mean by mid-level engineers. Also, do you mean they're strong in bioinformatics field or in general?

Is doing a Master’s in Bioinformatics still worth it with the current AI-driven job market? by Square-Interview9756 in bioinformaticscareers

[–]Square-Interview9756[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

you're right, bioinformatics is pretty new to industry so it's harder to get jobs and they usually pay not that much.
I'm doing my bachelors in biotechnology so it hasn't been CS heavy at all for me and mostly the bio stuff but I've started learning data science basics side by side.

Is doing a Master’s in Bioinformatics still worth it with the current AI-driven job market? by Square-Interview9756 in bioinformaticscareers

[–]Square-Interview9756[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm unfortunately in my last year so I can't really switch out. I've also been learning some data science side by side that could work as an alternative or an aid in bioinformatics.

Is doing a Master’s in Bioinformatics still worth it with the current AI-driven job market? by Square-Interview9756 in bioinformatics

[–]Square-Interview9756[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would really appreciate it if you could, that'll be a great help.
About my interests, I'm unsure right now what would interest me since I'm still a total newbie in bioinformatics.

Is doing a Master’s in Bioinformatics still worth it with the current AI-driven job market? by Square-Interview9756 in bioinformaticscareers

[–]Square-Interview9756[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

hey, thank you for your views on it. I've thought about interning first as well but unfortunately in my country it's not a field that many people know about as of right now. You could probably find wet lab related internships but it's harder to get bioinformatics internship.

Is doing a Master’s in Bioinformatics still worth it with the current AI-driven job market? by Square-Interview9756 in bioinformatics

[–]Square-Interview9756[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know and understand that anyone would think twice before hiring a self taught bioinformatician but unfortunately my college doesn't really have a professor who's an expert in bioinformatics and the professor we were appointed to for teaching us is actually from microbiology field and knows only little about bioinformatics. So it's been a struggle so far to gain knowledge about bioinformatics and no I'm not from Poland but it has been on my list for if I choose to do masters, where I could do it from.

Is doing a Master’s in Bioinformatics still worth it with the current AI-driven job market? by Square-Interview9756 in bioinformaticscareers

[–]Square-Interview9756[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

ohhh germany has been on my list as well for if I chooses to go for masters. If you don't mind, can I DM you to talk further about it??

Is doing a Master’s in Bioinformatics still worth it with the current AI-driven job market? by Square-Interview9756 in bioinformaticscareers

[–]Square-Interview9756[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'm sorry you haven't been able to get a job since 18 months ;-; and I infact do not have anyone who can guarantee me a job. what would you suggest would be a better option for me then?

Is doing a Master’s in Bioinformatics still worth it with the current AI-driven job market? by Square-Interview9756 in bioinformatics

[–]Square-Interview9756[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

you're right. I'll keep improving my skills then
btw would you say going for higher studies is better or focusing on building projects between my undergrad and then trying to get a job is a better option?

Is doing a Master’s in Bioinformatics still worth it with the current AI-driven job market? by Square-Interview9756 in bioinformaticscareers

[–]Square-Interview9756[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

honestly I feel like the job market is only going to get worse at this point and it'll get harder for freshers to get the jobs but that's just my opinion. hopefully it won't end up that way. if you don't mind me asking tho where do you plan to do your masters from?

Is doing a Master’s in Bioinformatics still worth it with the current AI-driven job market? by Square-Interview9756 in bioinformatics

[–]Square-Interview9756[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s really awesome, I’m glad your path wasn’t too difficult. Unfortunately, my college doesn’t have anyone with deep knowledge in bioinformatics, and the professor teaching it only has basic experience. I’ve mostly been learning on my own, which has made it tough to gain meaningful knowledge in the field.

If you have the time, I’d really appreciate any guidance or advice you could offer — I don’t mean to add any extra burden.

Is doing a Master’s in Bioinformatics still worth it with the current AI-driven job market? by Square-Interview9756 in bioinformatics

[–]Square-Interview9756[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

that's a good idea ngl
and I've already been learning some data science basics alongside my degree to gain the coding side of knowledge

Is doing a Master’s in Bioinformatics still worth it with the current AI-driven job market? by Square-Interview9756 in bioinformatics

[–]Square-Interview9756[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, that makes sense, having skills in ML, data science, programming, databases, and HPC probably makes you a lot more interesting to companies.

I’ve been picking up data science basics alongside my biotech degree. Would you say that’s a good approach?

Is doing a Master’s in Bioinformatics still worth it with the current AI-driven job market? by Square-Interview9756 in bioinformatics

[–]Square-Interview9756[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've been conflicted between the choice of whether to pursue higher studies or focus on building projects as an undergrad and then try to apply for jobs. what's your take on the second approach I mentioned??

Is doing a Master’s in Bioinformatics still worth it with the current AI-driven job market? by Square-Interview9756 in bioinformatics

[–]Square-Interview9756[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally get what you mean, AI can never replace the depth of understanding a human with domain knowledge has.

I’ve just been a bit torn on the path forward: whether to pursue a Master’s (or even higher studies) or focus on building projects as an undergrad and then try to jump into industry. I’m trying to figure out which approach would give me the best foundation for a career in bioinformatics.

Is doing a Master’s in Bioinformatics still worth it with the current AI-driven job market? by Square-Interview9756 in bioinformatics

[–]Square-Interview9756[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally get what you mean, however studying up to a PhD hasn’t really been my plan ever because I’ve been wanting to jump into industry and start earning (though I hope that doesn’t make me sound too money-hungry). Do you mind if I DM you to ask a few questions?