Bioinformatics Specialists

One of the easiest ways to learn more about bioinformatics is to read books about the field. One book suggestion is Introduction to Bioinformatics, by Arthur Lesk. The National Human Genome Research Institute offers comprehensive information about bioinformatics on its Web site, https://www.genome.gov/25019999/understanding-bioinformatics-and-sequencing. The Web sites of professional associations are also good resources. Visit the Biotechnology Institute's Biotechnology Careers page on its Web site, http://www.biotechinstitute.org, for information about careers and biotechnology facts. The renowned journal Nature also has a useful page about bioinformatics at https://www.nature.com/collections/jcegiabbfg. Join science and computer clubs at school. Talk to a bioinformatics specialist about his or her career. Ask the following questions: What made you want to enter this career? What are your main and secondary job duties? What do you like least and most about your job? How did you train for this field? What advice would you give young people who are interested in the field? Try to job-shadow a bioinformatics specialist to learn more about a typical day on the job is like for them, and the tools and equipment that they use to do their work.