Become a Marine Biologist

The opportunity to work with aquatic life and help preserve our oceans as a marine biologist is the childhood dream of many people. The term marine biologist is very loose and encompasses many jobs. Technically, a marine biologist is anyone that studies, observes, protects, or manages marine organisms. These can include microbes, plants, or animals. As a marine biologist, you may be doing studies on microorganisms that live in lakes, investigating the habits of fish populations, or evaluating the DNA of various sea animals, among other tasks. By getting the right mix of education and experience, becoming a marine biologist is an attainable dream for many.

Steps

Getting the Right Education

1. Conduct research on all aspects of marine biology. Do independent research on different aspects of marine biology so that you can pinpoint what you like to do in the field. There are many different things that marine biologists can do. Some concentrate on spending their time with aquatic life while others focus on research. Read scientific papers so that you get an idea for the type of work that you will have to do.
   • Marine biologists study and observe marine organisms of all sizes. Research microbes, plants and animals in the ocean to get a deeper understanding of marine biology.
   • The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and The Marine Life Information Network are two excellent resources for more information on marine biology.
2. Complete a bachelor's degree in biology or other related major. While a bachelor's degree in marine biology is not a requirement, taking relevant courses during your undergraduate degree will give you the background you need and will give you clarity on whether this career is for you. Some universities offer marine biology specific majors. If your university does not, you can major in general biology or zoology.
   • Other courses that you should take include chemistry, physics, mathematics, ichthyology, conservation, and oceanography.
   • Statistical analysis is also necessary so that a biologist can extrapolate information gained by tests to accurately study and predict growth and decline numbers in marine populations.
3. Peruse a master's degree in marine biology or marine science. A master's degree in marine biology or marine science can help open up job opportunities. Having your master's degree and is a requirement for many jobs in the field. Apply to master's degree programs at several universities that specialize in marine biology or science.
   • Some classes you would take to complete your master's degree in marine biology could include cellular and molecular biology, ecology, and oceanography.
   • Some of the best universities for marine biology include Duke University, The University of California-Los Angeles, Brown University, and the University of Southern California.
4. Attain a higher degree in marine biology. Getting your Ph.D. in marine biology will give you the credentials to add to the accepted scholarly research of marine biology. When you get your Ph.D., you will have to an original thesis and dissertation to achieve your doctorate. If you are going into marine biology and are concentrated on writing reports or doing studies, it is a good idea to get your Ph.D.
   • A Ph.D. is not mandatory to become a marine biologist.
   • There will be more job opportunities for those with a Ph.D.
5. Learn how to use GIS software. GIS stands for geographic information system. GIS is a powerful tool for marine biologists because it allows them to map out marine habitats visually, which aids them in monitoring and predicting trends in marine habitats and populations. GIS is a critical tool in conservation, preservation, and restoration of aquatic habitats.
   • Many colleges and universities offer GIS classes.

Gaining Experience

1. Show your interest early on. The earlier you get experience in marine biology, the greater your chance of landing a solid job once you have the education. Explore the natural world and spend time in the ocean or a large body of water near you. You may be able to meet people who are involved in studying or working with aquatic life or habitats. Take the opportunity to talk to professionals who work in the water. You can also research marine related clubs or camps, aquariums, or marine preserves and visit them when you're younger.
   • For example, Ecology Project International has programs aimed at people as young as high school.
2. Gain some practical marine skills. Skills like boat handling, scuba diving, and first aid are important things to know how to do if you plan on working directly with aquatic environments or marine life. It is important to have these skills if you need to solve a critical problem while at sea.
   • While some marine biology courses provide boat handling, rigging, and scuba diving into their curriculum, others do not so you should pursue it separately from your degree.
3. Volunteer for a marine biology-based organization. While you are getting your undergraduate degree, you should take advantage of volunteer opportunities. Search online for volunteer openings near you. Working with a professional will give you insight into how it will be to work in the field.
   • Organizations that offer volunteer opportunities in marine biology include, the Mamirauá Institute for Sustainable Development, The Manatee Observation and Education Center, the Earthwatch Institute, and Go! Volunteer Abroad.
   • Look for local marine organizations that may need help in your town first.
4. Get a mentor. Try to find someone who is an expert in the type of marine biology that you want to pursue and ask them to be your mentor. Look online for the research groups or institutions that you want to work for. Visit their facilities and ask if you could intern or provide help for free.
   • If you show your passion and interest for marine biology your mentor will be more likely to invest time teaching you.
5. Get an internship in marine biology. During or shortly after college you should take on an internship if you are serious about becoming a marine biologist. Internships will give you the skills and experience that you need to prepare you for the job. Search online for internships at popular schools and submit an application to become an intern.
   • Some internships are paid and can help supplement your financial needs.
   • Schools that offer internships in marine biology include Boston University/Marine Biological Laboratory, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Southampton College, and the Marine Science Center at Northeastern University.
   • Research centers that may need interns include, Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport Oregon, Blakely Island Field Station in Washington, and the Hopkins Marine Station in California.

Applying for a Job

1. Join marine biology organizations. Meeting others that are excited about the field of marine biology will acclimate you to those that you'd be likely to work with. Also, it will help you build a network of contacts that could tell you about job openings. Then, find workshops or conventions in your area by talking to universities that offer marine biology as a major. You can also find research facilities in your area and inquire about upcoming workshops there.
   • Some of the biggest international marine biology organizations include, the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO), the International Collective in Support of Fishworkers, and the International Whaling Commission
   • Some of the most popular marine biology organizations that have chapters across the U.S. include, the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS), the National Association of Marine Laboratories (NAML), and The Oceanography Society.
2. Look for jobs in your specialization. Search for jobs based on the experience you've already gained in marine biology. Because the term is so loosely defined, finding a job in "marine biology" may be difficult. Instead, specify your experience and look for jobs that you've done before. Consider any internships or hands-on experience you've had. There are a number of different jobs that are available to marine biologists in a number of different environments.
   • Jobs include titles like biological technician, ichthyologist, fishery biologist, marine mammalogist, microbiologist, systems analyst, mathematician, physicist, hydrologist, or physical oceanographer.
   • Many marine biology jobs may require you to relocate. Keep this in mind while you're on your job search and expand your filters to accommodate the lack of positions readily available.
   • Some of the most popular places for marine biology include, Hawaii, California, Washington, Florida, and Maryland.
3. Talk to former professors or employers about any job openings. If you've gone for your graduate or doctorate, then there's a good chance you've worked with people that are actively involved in the marine biology industry. Talk to former mentors and ask them if any job openings are currently available. While they may not always be able to land you a job, it is possible that they can connect you to the right people.
   • You can write an email or give them a call on the phone.
   • Say something like, "Hey Professor Xavier, I've just completed my master's degree in marine conservation and was wondering if The Association for Dolphin Preservation was looking for someone to work with the marine life."

Related Articles

• Become a Biologist
• Help Prevent Damage to Our Oceans
• Identify Dangerous Marine Animals in Australian Waters

Sources and Citations

See also

• Take a Successful Career Aptitude Test Online
• Become a General Contractor
• Become a Manager Without a Degree
• Objectively Think About the Perks of Being a Mystery Shopper
• Be a Female Bodyguard
• Work As an Online Referral Agent
• Become a USMC Drill Instructor
• Become a Case Manager
• Become a Foster Care Social Worker
• Become CRISC Certified

Read more ...

What links here

• Capture the Interest of a Nerdy Girl
• Help Prevent Damage to Our Oceans
• Make a Marine Ecosphere
• Become a Molecular Biologist