The path to becoming a marine biologist is long, and many people begin at a young age, laying the groundwork for their college educations. The first and most important step is to have an interest in marine life and the oceans, as being a marine biologist would be difficult if you didn’t enjoy your studies.
Marine biologists study everything from massive whales to tiny planktonic organisms in the ocean. They have access to some of the world’s most fascinating locations, such as hydrothermal vents, which are home to strange organisms that rely on chemosynthesis for energy. Because the ocean is largely uncharted territory, there is much work to be done in marine biology, from monitoring commercial fisheries populations to studying global ocean temperatures and their impact on marine life.
If you want to work as a marine biologist, you should begin your studies as soon as possible because there is a lot of math and science to learn. Taking math and science classes in high school is beneficial, and if you have access to marine biology courses at your school or a local college, you should definitely take them. To get a sense of the hands-on work required, see if you can intern with a marine biologist or spend a summer working in a marine biology lab.
If you want to be a marine biologist after college, you should look for a school that offers a marine science program and, ideally, one that is affiliated with a research facility. This will allow you to gain real-world experience while also allowing you to work in a variety of aspects of marine biology to see what interests you the most. You may be able to find work in the field after graduating with a marine biology degree, but you may want to continue your education to become a more qualified marine biologist. Additional education will broaden your knowledge base and increase your employability.
When you become a marine biologist, you may discover that a particular aspect of the field, such as microscopic organisms, marine mammals, marine habitats, coral reefs, or any other topic, appeals to you. Interning with experienced marine biologists in the field helps many marine biologists figure out what they want to specialize in and gives them an idea of what the day-to-day work is like. For example, you may discover that, while you are fascinated by ocean life in deep sea trenches, you dislike having to work remotely in order to study organisms of interest. Or that you’re interested in teaching, zookeeping, or a variety of other marine biology careers.
Marine biologists work as educators, consultants, and field and lab researchers. Marine biologists are needed by oil companies, militaries, and fisheries to monitor their operations and make recommendations for increased efficiency and environmentally friendly practices. Marine biologists work with a variety of organizations, including conservation groups, wildlife advocacy groups, zoological parks, and national governments, among others, so there is plenty of opportunity in this field.