You'll be aiming to become either a genetic engineer or a genetic scientist. They study and research on various gene pools and profiles. They draw their sources from different life forms like plants, animals, and humans. Genetic scientists study how traits and characteristics are transmitted through the generations, and how genetic disorders are caused. Their research is not just limited to researching the causes, but in discovering potential cures as well. Genetic cloning is the newest experiment that has unfolded a whole new area of research.

Qualifications
The grind begins at high school or the intermediate level. An option in sciences at this level is necessary to opt for a course in genetics or biotechnology at the graduate level. Further specialisations like a postgraduate or doctoral degree in the subject will definitely offer better prospects. There are various options open for specialists in genetics in research and development, academia, marketing and production.

End-users
The beneficiaries of the researches and products developed by geneticists are the pharmaceutical companies, pharmacies and drug stores, doctors, hospitals and clinics.

Aptitude
To be a Gregor Mendel or a Rosalind Franklin, you need to have an inclination towards biological, biochemical or related sciences to pursue a career in research. Keen intellect, inquisitiveness, interest in the sciences, creativity and innovativeness, coupled with a quite a bit of lateral thinking, numerical reasoning and analytical skills can prepare one for a career in genetics.

Soft skills
The importance of teamwork cannot be stressed enough, especially research. Scientist often work in coordination and co-operation with other scientists and laboratories. Perseverance and mental agility therefore are the hallmarks of a good scientist.

Lifestyle
The only vocation, avocation and holiday for most scientists is their work! Their lives revolve around work and their identity is often defined by it. Every geneticist dreams of making path-breaking discoveries like Watson and Crick, so the unswerving dedication and devotion. Long, back breaking and frustrating hours spent in laboratories, work which may or may not yield productive results.

Fact file

Duties and responsibilities
The life of genetic scientists depends on unswerving devotion and dedication to their profession, a reason why scientists like Crick and Watson could make path-breaking discoveries. Their work centres on research on genetic material and gene structure, and deciphering genetic codes to find answers to genetic abnormalities and diseases. They work with laboratory equipment, collect and preserve organisms for research, keep track of the latest developments and publish research papers. They are involved in drafting reports, in raising funds for research, attending seminars and conferences.

Specialisations
Medical genetics, genetics, human anatomy, human genetics, genetics and plant breeding are some of the specialisations offered at the master's level.

Institutes

In the US:

• John Hopkins University
  
• New York State University
  
• Cornell University
  
• Einstein College of Medicine
  
• Stanford University

• Osmania University
  
• Gurunanak Dev University and
  
• Kakatiya University
  
• Post graduation-

• Punjab Agricultural University
  
• Barkatullah Vishwavidyalaya
  
• University of Delhi, and
  
• Osmania University

• Andhra University
  
• Guru Nanak Dev University and
  
• University of Kerala
  

• University of Pune