Obsessed with all things watery? Join the club! Want to make your love for the ocean into a profession? Look no further. We know (from experience) that starting out in the marine industry can be daunting. But not to worry, we’re here to help! Below you'll find useful links and resources, along with our team’s top tips, to help you begin your career in marine science.
Tips for starting a Marine sCience Career
get thinking
Think about what area of marine biology most interests you. Read scientific papers, books, and magazines, around that subject. Stay up to date on current research, news, and where things might go in the future.
gain experience
Whether it’s an internship, volunteering, or a lab placement, there are endless opportunities which demonstrate commitment and passion, whilst allowing you to develop valuable skills. You don't need to pay thousands either. Think local and find a volunteering project near you, or speak to an aquarium, dive shop, or a researcher at your university.
university degree
Having a university degree is something you usually can’t go without nowadays. Look up university rankings for your chosen subject, and see if you can speak to someone who’s done the course.
learn additional skills
SCUBA certifications and boat skills are often listed as required skills on job descriptions. Even if they’re not, practical skills and diving qualifications demonstrate leadership, communication skills, and comfort in/on the water.
master data analysis
Being able to analyse, manipulate and present data is a highly sought after skill which is vital for a career in marine science. Make sure you understand stats, and try go get to grips with R, ArcGIS and other programs.
establish and maintain connections
Hone your networking skills by attending events and conferences. Ask people what they’re studying, how they got into their current job, and what they are thinking of doing next. Make sure you stand out, and always remember to ask for contact details. Use those connections to enquire about internships, research, or job opportunities.
Marine career Facebook Groups
Joining marine biology communities and groups on Facebook can be a fantastic way to network and find internships and opportunities.
Marine Biologist Network and Job Postings
USEFUL LINKS for marine careers
There are many marine and conservation career websites that can point you in the direction of marine biology internships, expeditions and volunteer placements.
Enrol in an online course and build up your resume. Many are free or low cost.
Careers Webinar
Whether you’re just starting out on your ocean career, at school or university, a seasoned ocean professional looking to change track, or you’re just looking to find out more about marine careers - you can get advice from this workshop.
The Marine Diaries was joined by ocean professionals from around the world, who shared their personal stories from their ocean careers, what a ‘day in the life’ of their work looks like, and how their top tips for getting into the industry.
Panellists: Yann Leymarire, Marine policy - Surfrider Foundation
Josh McInnes, Academic (Masters student, killer whale research) - The University of British Columbia
Matt Drysdale, Aquarist - Horniman Museum
Lizzie Daly - Wildlife presenter
Take an online course in marine conservation!
Whether you’re an aspiring marine conservationist, teacher, diver, or just someone who is interested in learning more about the ocean - this course is the perfect way to make marine conservation a part of your everyday life.
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
Speak intelligently about the oceans.
Have the knowledge to begin taking action to help the oceans in your everyday life.
Be equipped with the tools to start data surveys!
You’ll have life-time access to course content, including video lessons, workshops, and resources. You’ll also be added to a members-only community to ask questions about the course and connect with other budding marine conservationists.
Upon completion of the course, you will receive:
A certificate of completion.
2 PADI certifications: Project AWARE & Coral Reef Conservation.
Access to exclusive course community.
Quizzes & activities to check knowledge and retention.
Training for data surveys & materials.
Two bonus education sections: Shark & Ray Conservation & Marine Protected Areas.
10% off entire Eco-Conscious Diver website & upcoming trips/events.
To enroll, preview course sections or for more info head over to Eco-Conscious Diver.
iNTO THE iNDUSTRY
And don’t forget to check out our Into The Industry series to discover what it’s like to work in the field of marine biology. A host of interviews from various marine professionals shed light on the vast range of career paths out there. Whether you want to be an aquatic veterinarian, scuba diving instructor, marine biologist… there’s something for everyone!
