Career Advice

[newdiver3]

Hey everyone,
I am a freshman at the University of Scranton and my major is exercise science. I recently took a trip to Roatan and realized I need to do something with the ocean. I have wanted to be a marine biologist basically since I could say it. I have always wanted to work with dolphins but since I've become older and started to dive, well fall in love with diving, I have become intrested in other aspects of the ocean as well.
I guess I'm just trying to ask if anyone has any advice for me. I figured maybe with so many divers here theres a marine biologist in there somewhere.
My dream is to live in a location such as Roatan or Mexico where we usually go. Seeing the Institute for Marine Sciences in Roatan was like seeing heaven for me. But I really don't know what I need to do to get there. Any information would be helpful! thanks!

 

[covediver]

Not a lot of schools offer undergraduate degrees in marine biology. There are a few notable exceptions, such as schools in the Marine Science consortium/Dauphin Island Sea Lab in Alabama. I taught environmental management in AL for a few years a decade ago. DISL had a great program.
Being bilingual will be a big help.
One option some folks have looked into is doing work in the country of choice in mariculture or some other related field through the Peace Corps after college.
Finally, if you want to know how to get to the Marine Science Institute in Roatan, drop by next time and speak to the director. Or find out if any stateside researchers work there and contact them and ask them for guidance. I think you will find many, but not all, will be happy to provide what input you can.

I too learned to dive and fell in love with many aspects of the ocean. I left aerospace, went into ocean resources about 20 years ago, using grad school to change fields. I have not looked back since.

One other thing, think of yourself as a bundle of skills that you bring to the job and then work at getting those skills. For example, if staff at the institute or wherever operate small boats, gaining that skill makes you more attractive to them. Also, good writing skills are a must.

Good luck and let the folks at the board know how things are going.

 

[Joe-Diver]

My dream is to live in a location such as Roatan or Mexico where we usually go. Seeing the Institute for Marine Sciences in Roatan was like seeing heaven for me.

As stated above, contact them. Find out what positions they staff and what they are looking for, especially what they will be looking for several years down the road.

With this information you will have a target goal, what you need to become. Assess your current skill set then develop a plan to gain the skills you need for the position you want. Also, see if they have any type of summer internship you could qualify for. Once you get your education and skills development out of the way, and if you have an internship history with them, getting a position should be a shoe in.

Good luck!

 

[Colliam7]

I am a freshman at the University of Scranton and my major is exercise science. I recently took a trip to Roatan and realized I need to do something with the ocean. I have wanted to be a marine biologist ... since I've become older and started to dive, I have become intrested in other aspects of the ocean as well. I guess I'm just trying to ask if anyone has any advice for me. Any information would be helpful!

Two related thoughts, about schools, and sources of advice. In reading your post, Univeristy of North Carolina at Wilmington, and Old Dominion University (in Norfolk, VA) immediately came to mind, because of their marine biology programs (undergraduate and graduate), AND their proximity to some great diving - UNC-W in particular. (BTW, don't overlook Oceanography as a possible academic pursuit, either.) Lots of folks end up at UNC-W because they want Marine Biology, a temperate climate, the beach and the ocean, etc. A number of staff at the primary charter operator (Aquatic Safaris) in Wilmington are either UNC-W marine biology undergrad or grad students, or program graduates. So, the related second thought is to contact either program and simply ask for possible contacts - current or former students with whom you might be able to discuss career paths, or even contact AS, who might be able to help you link up with someone to talk with about your interests.

 

[Ex-Aquanaut]

Hey everyone,
I am a freshman at the University of Scranton and my major is exercise science. I recently took a trip to Roatan and realized I need to do something with the ocean. I have wanted to be a marine biologist basically since I could say it. I have always wanted to work with dolphins but since I've become older and started to dive, well fall in love with diving, I have become intrested in other aspects of the ocean as well.
I guess I'm just trying to ask if anyone has any advice for me. I figured maybe with so many divers here theres a marine biologist in there somewhere.
My dream is to live in a location such as Roatan or Mexico where we usually go. Seeing the Institute for Marine Sciences in Roatan was like seeing heaven for me. But I really don't know what I need to do to get there. Any information would be helpful! thanks!

Hi Newdiver3,

Well, all I can say is you are not alone. I meet people every week who've decided they want to change their life and life the dive life everyday. It sounds like you would find a life as a dive instructor. The best way to do that is through an intensive internship where you can life, eat and breath diving.

If you are an Open Water or Advanced diver, you'd come join us for 4 months. During that time you get unlimited diving. Want to dive 7 days a week? You can. Diving that often not only gains you experience and confidence, but you also get to face different conditions and dive sites. Sometimes conditions will be great, sometimes the viz will be zilch and the current ripping. All of this helps you to become a better instructor.

Once you reach the divemaster-trainee level, you'll also start working with customers, gaining you real-world experience. You'll lead dives, assist instructors with courses and get experience in managing a dive boat.

The internship is all-inclusive in that we provide all accommodations, courses, books, PADI fees, plus a set of new Scubapro equipment.

The link is in my signature below. Take a look through the website and fee free to use our toll-free number if you have any questions.

 

[AXL72]

seek out the advice of Dr. Bill. He is a member here on scubaboard.

please be aware that marine biologist study and profession is hard work and you will get yor hands dirty. You may be underpaid and a pee-on earlyin our career. But, if it is your passion, follow it.

 

[newdiver3]

hey everyone
thanks for the input and advice! i have been looking at a few schools including the ones you mentioned. i know this is going to be a hard profession but its really what i want to do. now my problem is getting my parents to understand and let me transfer and change majors.... they had this whole doctor thing stuck in their heads :huh: