Microbiology Career Guide
Explore Options: A Menu of Major-Specific Experiences and Sampling of Related Career Paths
Academic Resources
Explore our microbiology academic resources, designed to support your academic aspirations.
Curriculum Guide
Feeling like you don't know what to do with all of this great information? We highly encourage to make an appointment with your academic advisor and career advisor. Another great starting point is the Self-Guided Career Exploration Tool.
Career Resources
Unlock career potential in Microbiology! Discover resources to maximize your professional trajectory.
Menu of Experiences
Sample Microbiology Student Internship Sites
Internships provide a way for you to get hands-on, supervised experience in the world of work. You are able to apply the concepts you are learning in the classroom to a work environment.
Annis Water Institute
Charles River Laboratories
Corewell Health
GVSU - Undergraduate Research
Holland Hospital
Kent County Health Department
MPI Research
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
NxGen MDx
Wayne State University
Join A Student Org
Get involved with a student organization related to your major. Student orgs are a great way to get connected and explore career options!
Biology Club
Cell and Molecular Biology Club
Chemistry Club
Wildlife Society
Soil and Water Conservation Club
Genetic Counseling Club
Pre: vet, med, pharm, opt, PA, dental, nursing
Women in STEM Fields
Relevant Courses and Certificates for Building Skills
Developing the relevant skills that employers seek is an essential component of a student's education. GVSU students should consider strategic elective courses and certificates to pair with their major in order to gain additional skills.
Grant Writing
Research
Public speaking
Medical Terminology
Community Service Opportunities
Seek volunteer opportunities related to the field you're exploring as a way of testing out future careers.
The Civic Engagement Center keeps a list of current volunteer opportunities updated on their website. There are ongoing opportunities on a continuous basis, as well as on-campus and off-campus opportunities posted as they become available.
Mircobiology Study Abroad Options
Imagine learning about the delicate marine ecosystems of coral reefs while living on the coast of Australia, taking classes about the ecology of the rainforest and its exotic inhabitants in Costa Rica, or conducting field work in the Sahara or a national park in Kenya.
Study abroad opens up opportunities around the world for microbiology students.
Undergraduate Scholar Engagement
The Center for Undergraduate Scholar Engagement (CUSE) serves students interested in pursuing academic and creative experiences and projects outside the classroom.
Their website includes opportunities for undergraduate research and scholarship.
Microbiology Career Spotlights
Microbiology Spotlight
There are not any Microbiology Spotlight at this time.
Where Alumni Have Landed
- Microbiologist- Matrix Sciences
- R & D Technician II- Amway
- Microbiologist- DSC Laboratories, Inc
- Microbiologist- Perrigo
- Laboratory Assistant- Quest Diagnostics
- Microbiology Lab Assistant- Aerotek
- Flow Cytometry Specialist- Van Andel Institute
- Microbiology Technician- Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing
- QC Lab Analyst for Microbiology Allergens- Mead Johnson Nutrition
- Medical Laboratory Scientist- Corewell Health
- Laboratory Analyst- Pfizer
- Laboratory Analyst- Zoetis
Attend Events
Career Community - Science and Research
How to Find Campus Employment
September 2, 2026 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
An on-campus job is a great way to earn money, develop skills, and meet other GVSU students. Join this session to learn the best ways to search and apply for on-campus jobs! Click here...
Technology on Wheels (Tech Week Grand Rapids)
September 15, 2026 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Discover careers through hands-on technology and vehicles. A unique outdoor career exploration experience during Tech Week that brings technology and careers to life on campus. Modeled after a "Touch...
JCPenney Suit Up - Fall 2026
October 2, 2026 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Come to JCPenney at the Rivertown Mall in Grandville to save up to 50% off suits and other work apparel. This discount is available exclusively to Grand Valley students, alumni, faculty, staff, friends...
Prepare for the Career Fair (City)
October 5, 2026 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Are you preparing for the upcoming Fall GVSU Career and Internship Fair, but not quite sure where to start? The Career Center will be hosting a drop-in event to help you refine your resume, formulate...
Prepare for the Career Fair (Valley)
October 6, 2026 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Are you preparing for the upcoming Winter GVSU Career and Internship Fair, but not quite sure where to start? The Career Center will be hosting a drop-in event to help you refine your resume,...
Consider joining the Science and Research Career Community or any other Career Community you are interested in!
Beyond Undergraduate: Graduate or Professional Programs
Students with a microbiology degree may continue on to a graduate program. Here are some examples of programs students have pursued:
- Veterinarian School
- Medical School
- Professional Science Master’s Program (Biostatistics)
- Biology
- Public Health
- Physician Assistant
- Genetics
- Marine Biology
- Medical Science
Discover More
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Career Center Resources
Looking for other career resources? The Career Center Resources page contains resources related to careers, resumes, internships, job search, interviewing, networking, and more.