Career Compass: Mapping Educational Routes to Healthcare and Biotechnology

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24 Jan 2025

8 Min Read

Taylor's Team (Editor)

IN THIS ARTICLE

Lost at what to study? Discover your direction with our Career Compass! Explore opportunities in the healthcare and biotechnology industry to map your educational path.

In a world where innovation is reshaping healthcare, the field of Healthcare and Biotechnology is emerging as a game-changer. By merging biological sciences with advanced technologies, this dynamic industry is transforming how we diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases.

 

From improving patient outcomes through personalised medicine to pioneering new drug discoveries, Healthcare and Biotechnology is revolutionising the future of medicine, making it an exciting and impactful career path.

What is Healthcare and Biotechnology?

But what exactly is Healthcare and Biotechnology, and why should you, as a high schooler or high school graduate, consider a career in this industry?

 

The answer lies in the industry's potential to address pressing global health challenges such as developing treatments for cancer and diabetes, improving access to vaccines for infectious diseases. With the demand for innovative solutions in medicine and healthcare, this field offers a unique blend of science, technology, and human impact. It opens doors to careers where you can play a vital role in improving lives and shaping the future of healthcare.

What are the careers in Healthcare and Biotechnology?

The Healthcare and Biotechnology fields offer diverse and rewarding career opportunities. Whether you’re passionate about advancing health data technologies, contributing to groundbreaking research, or creating impactful relationships in the industry, there’s a career waiting for you.

 

Let’s explore five exciting careers in healthcare and biotechnology and the educational routes to achieving them!

1. Health Informatics Specialist

Two ladies discuss about data
What does this career do?

 

A Health Informatics Specialist works to make healthcare better using technology and data. They manage, organise, and analyse patient information to keep it accurate, secure, and easy for healthcare providers to access. They also use health data to spot trends and insights that can help improve patient care. By creating digital tools to replace paper records, they make healthcare faster, safer, and more efficient.

 

 

Where can you work in this career?
  • Pharmaniaga Berhad: Malaysia’s largest integrated pharmaceutical group, focusing on manufacturing, marketing, and distributing medicines.
  • National Institute of Health Malaysia: A key research and policy institution under the Ministry of Health, responsible for national healthcare innovations and systems.
  • Naluri: A fast-growing digital health company that combines technology, mental health, and wellness coaching.  
 
Who is this career for? 

 

This career is ideal for those who love technology and data and are passionate about improving healthcare. If you’re someone who enjoys solving real-world problems through innovative digital solutions and want to make a meaningful impact on patient care, this role is for you.

 
What to study for this career?
  • High School: Focus on subjects like Biology, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT). 
  • Pre-University: Consider a foundation or diploma in Science, Computing or Information Technology
  • University: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology specialised in Digital Transformation, or Software Engineering.
  • Beyond: Advanced degrees or certifications in AI and machine learning or acquiring CPHIMS (Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems) can further enhance your expertise. 

2. Embryologist

Scientist lady looks at the microscope
What does this career do?

 

An Embryologist specialises in the science of human reproduction, focusing on helping individuals and couples overcome fertility challenges. They work in laboratories where they handle eggs, sperm, and embryos to assist with procedures like in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). Beyond the lab, embryologists play a vital role in bringing hope to families by turning innovative science into life-changing outcomes.

 

Where can you work in this career?
 
Who is this career for? 

 

This career is ideal for those who are fascinated by science and want to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. If you’re passionate about biology, enjoy working in a lab setting, and dream of using science to bring hope and joy to individuals and couples on their journey to parenthood, this role is for you.

 
What to study for this career?
  • High School: Focus on subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Additional Mathematics, and Physics. 
  • Pre-University: Consider a foundation or diploma in Science. 
  • University: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in Applied Health Science, Biomedical Science.
  • Beyond: Advanced degrees or certifications in reproductive endocrinology, or genomic medicine and reproductive genetics can enhance your expertise.

3. Genomic Data Analyst

Lab lady analysing genomic data
What does this career do?

 

A Genomic Data Analyst studies DNA to uncover patterns and insights that can improve healthcare and research. They use computer tools to analyse genetic information, helping to find connections between genes and diseases or predicting how a person might respond to certain treatments. This role helps make healthcare more personalised, allowing doctors to provide the best possible care based on an individual's unique genetic information. It’s a career that combines biology and technology to make a real impact.

 

Where can you work in this career?
  • Malaysia Genome Institute: A leading research institution focused on genomics, bioinformatics, and systems biology.
  • ScienceVision: A biotechnology company that creates tools to help researchers understand genetic data. They work on projects in healthcare, farming, and environmental science, using genetics to solve real-world challenges like improving health, growing better crops, and protecting the environment.
  • Nalagenetics: A Singapore-based healthcare technology company focusing on personalised medicine by developing tools to predict how people respond to medications, improving treatment outcomes based on genetic information. 
 
Who is this career for? 

 

This career is ideal for those who are passionate about digital marketing and have a knack for creativity and strategy. If you enjoy developing campaigns, analysing market trends, and engaging with consumers online, this role is for you. It appeals to individuals who are results-driven and enjoy staying up-to-date with the latest marketing trends and technologies. 

 
What to study for this career?
  • High School: Focus on subjects like Biology, Additional Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics.
  • Pre-U: Consider a foundation or diploma in Science, Information Technology.
  • Undergraduate: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in Applied Health Sciences, Biotechnology, Information Technology.
  • Beyond: Advanced degrees or certifications in clinical genomics and protemics, AI for medicine specialisation, or a more niched field such as CRISPR gene editing can enhance your expertise. 

4. Clinical Research Associate

A man looking into microscope
What does this career do?

 

A Clinical Research Associate (CRA) plays a key role in testing new medical treatments to ensure they are safe and effective. They oversee clinical trials, check data, and ensure that everything follows proper rules and procedures. This job requires attention to detail and a passion for improving healthcare, as CRAs help turn medical ideas into real treatments that can make a difference in patients' lives.

 

Where can you work in this career?
  • Clinical Research MalaysiaA government-backed organisation that facilitates and conducts clinical trials across the country, aiming to make Malaysia a global hub for clinical research.
  • Roche Malaysia: A global leader in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics, Roche conducts innovative clinical trials to advance treatments for diseases like cancer and rare genetic disorders.
  • Biocon Malaysia: A major biopharmaceutical company focusing on developing biosimilars, insulin, and innovative therapies through clinical research and biotechnological advancements.
 
Who is this career for? 

 

This career is perfect for those who are detail-oriented and good at keeping things organised. If you’re interested in making sure new medical treatments are safe and effective while helping improve healthcare for patients, this role could be ideal.

 

What to study for this career?
  • High School: Focus on subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Additional Mathematics.
  • Pre-U: Consider a foundation or diploma in Science
  • Undergraduate: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Science, Biomedical Science, Biotechnology.
  • Beyond: Advanced degrees in health research ethics or public health or certifications such as CCRP (Certified Clinical Research Professional) can enhance your expertise.

5. Investor Relations Associate

A confident lady presenting her data to the stakeholders
What does this career do?

 

An Investor Relations Associate keeps investors informed and confident by sharing updates about the company’s performance, goals, and progress. In healthcare and biotech, this means translating financial data and medical advancements into clear, engaging information, building trust, and showcasing the company’s value to attract and maintain investor support.

 

Where can you work in this career?
  • Duopharma Biotech Berhad: One of Malaysia’s largest pharmaceutical companies, focusing on manufacturing and distributing biopharmaceuticals and generic drugs.
  • Apex Healthcare: A leading pharmaceutical group specialising in the production, marketing, and distribution of healthcare products and services across Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
  • IHH Healthcare Berhad: A global healthcare provider managing hospitals and healthcare facilities, offering world-class medical care across multiple countries. 
 
Who is this career for? 

 

This career is ideal for those who enjoy working with numbers, meeting people, and being part of a company’s growth story. If you’re excited about the idea of connecting investors to groundbreaking healthcare innovations and showcasing how companies make a real impact, this role could be the perfect fit for you. 

 
What to study for this career?
  • High School: Focus on subjects like Mathematics, Economics, Principle of Accounting, Business.
  • Pre-U: Consider a foundation or diploma in either Arts, Business, Accounting.
  • Undergraduate: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business, or specialise in International Business and Marketing, Finance alongside Economics or Accounting.
  • Beyond: Advanced degrees in healthcare leadership and management or certifications such as biotech valuation, RAC (Regulatory Affairs Certification) can enhance your expertise.

Conclusion

The healthcare and biotechnology industry are a dynamic and impactful field where science, innovation, and technology come together to improve lives. Whether your passion lies in genomics, clinical research, health informatics, or investor relations, there’s a path for you in this rapidly evolving industry. By focusing on the right subjects in high school and pursuing relevant degrees and certifications, you can turn your interest in healthcare and biotech into a meaningful and rewarding career.

 

Remember, the future of healthcare and biotechnology holds endless possibilities for discovery, innovation, and making a real difference in people’s lives.

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