There are certain careers that are inevitably associated with the microscope.  Although some people may view these careers as the types that deal mostly with concepts and experimentation, the truth is that many of the applications that result from using the microscope actually have a practical use.  In fact, many of the conveniences we enjoy today might not even be present were it not for the professionals who spend their lives poring over a microscope, studying materials and analyzing data.

Careers that require the use of microscopes cover a wide range of industries, ranging from medical-related fields to manufacturing to police work.  These careers are also some of the most sought-after by students, primarily because they are in demand and also because they represent some of the most exciting jobs around.

Careers requiring the use of microscopes
There are many careers built around the use of the microscope.  These include:

Biotechnology
Biotechnology is a career built around doing research to discover, create, develop and produce products that will become beneficial to society.  Much of the research done for health care, agriculture, food and beverage, energy resources and waste management came as a result of biotechnology.

As a career, biotechnology is one of the most exciting fields of study to pursue, providing several options for specialization.  Biotechnologists, for example, can choose to have careers that focus mainly on laboratory work or jobs that require sales and marketing.

Chemistry and biochemistry
Careers related to these areas of science also provide plenty of options for fields of study.  Chemistry and biochemistry are two of the most essential specializations today, employing millions of individuals in different industries.  These are also careers that can lead to plenty of satisfying and exciting work, allowing individuals to create, develop and alter products in order to fit a certain necessity.  Much of the work required for careers in these fields are within a laboratory setting.

Medical technology
A career in medical technology will require the use of instrumentations such as microscopes, primarily because the type of tasks required for this job involves the observation and analysis of organic material.  Medical technologists are responsible for obtaining materials such as body fluids, blood, tissues and organ samples, processing them and viewing them under microscopes in order to come up with a correct analysis and diagnosis.  Medical technologists also keep their hands busy with studying illnesses, diseases and their prevention and cure by analyzing data obtained through direct observation using a variety of microscopy techniques.

Jewelry making
This is not a field related to science but it is also one of the most important careers around that require the use of microscopes.  Professional jewelry makers are often gemologists, people who are formally trained to identify, assess and value gemstones and precious metals.  Since appreciation for gems often requires intricate, highly detailed work, jewelry makers often have to use microscopes.  This instrument allows for closer inspection and evaluation of precious gems, allowing them to be assessed for their true value.

Forensics
Forensics is a career that enjoyed major improvements thanks to microscopes.  Although it is considered as an old career dating back to hundreds of years ago, forensics is a science that relies heavily on instrumentation and technology in order to become more effective and produce more accurate results.  Without microscopy, this type of career would not have advanced by leaps and bound.

Forensic scientists require the use of microscopes in their career, mainly because some crime scene evidence need to be identified, processed and analyzed in order to prove beyond the shadow of all doubts that they are truly proof of someone’s guilt or innocence.  Certain tasks such as the examination of firearms, analysis of organic matter, viewing of organic or biological matter from sources such as humans and animals, analyzing blood work and fingerprints and even identifying pigments are often only effectively carried out when certain microscopy techniques are used.

Geology and Earth Science
The study of the earth and its components is not just a hobby, it’s also a full-blown career.  Many individuals have taken their interest of rocks and minerals and turned them into jobs, working in industries such as mining and construction to perform research and analysis of rock and mineral samples, mainly to determine their content and composition.  In geological science, the information derived from the study of rocks and minerals through microscopy are used to determine not just the history of a certain location but also its significance to human population.  Studying ground samples from sites, for example, will help scientists determine the viability of the land for human habitation or agriculture.  Microscopes are also used in this field of study to help locate important minerals and fuel sources. Original article