Establishing a Career in Marine Science
As the end to another school year is approaching us faster than we may realize, it brings the post-graduation questions to mind, ever for those of us who may not be graduating quite yet. The idea of establishing a career path in the world of marine science can seem overwhelming, but with a good work ethic, it is not as terrifying as it may seem. There are many great opportunities out there for individuals willing to work hard.
The first step to establishing a career is to narrow the area of study in which you wish to pursue. This is usually necessary for junior and senior undergraduate students. Marine science is a very broad field and here at Eckerd there are many different tracks and disciplines available to marine science student in order to help narrow their choices and interests.
Though main interests should be specified, another major factor in getting a job is to have a broad range of skills. An individual must be able to preform lab work and well as fieldwork. It is also helpful to obtain a background in the technology and computer programs used during research. This is another major advantage Eckerd provides for students by offering classes such as Intro to Computer Sciences and GIS in order to obtain this background.
The next step is just getting involved with as many opportunities as possible. This is where having a good work ethic and an ambitious attitude come into play. By volunteering and interning when the opportunities present themselves, an individual is able to establish networks of people within the field you are interested in. As with any field, making connections like this is extremely beneficial. Here at Eckerd, the marine science faculty is very wide-ranging in their studies. This is a great advantage that marine science students need to take advantage of.
Though getting out into the world of Marine Science may be overwhelming, it is not as difficult as it may seem. There are plenty of options after graduation: grad school, going directly into working, or even taking time off. The most important thing to remember is that there is plenty of time to figure everything out. Just remember to be patient and take advantage of all the things Eckerd has to offer!