To work as an oceanographer, you will typically need formal education and a bachelor’s or graduate degree. The first step is to look for an oceanography degree at a university or other institution. Classes required vary by institution, but they are typically tailored to a specific area of study that you select as a specialty. It is usually recommended that you obtain hands-on field experience in addition to a classroom education. You can submit your resume to various organizations and corporations for employment opportunities once you have the necessary background education and experience to become an oceanographer.
Courses and degrees to help you become an oceanographer are available at a variety of educational institutions around the world. Because oceanography is a multidisciplinary field, you may want to start with a bachelor’s degree in a related field like biology, chemistry, physics, or mathematics. After that, you can pursue a graduate degree in oceanography. Some employers require a graduate degree, even though entry-level positions may only require a bachelor’s degree.
To become an oceanographer at some universities, you must choose a specific area of oceanography as your specialty during your graduate studies. Biological oceanography is one area where you can study sea life and biological processes. Chemical oceanography, for example, is concerned with the chemical composition of ocean water and the seafloor. Studying the shape and materials of the seafloor, as well as learning how to predict geological events such as seafloor volcanoes, are all possible with geological oceanography. Physical oceanography is another option for studying ocean currents and applying physics principles to the ocean.
There are other subjects that will help you become an oceanographer in addition to oceanography courses. Learn how to create computer models and ocean simulations from collected field data in math and computer classes. Hands-on experience with electronics and mechanical devices can aid in the development of skills that can be applied to oceanographer tasks such as maneuvering instruments along the ocean floor. Because some oceanography work takes place at sea, you should get used to being on a ship or scuba diving underwater. Consider getting some hands-on experience in a lab or assisting a professor with research.
After completing formal education and gaining field experience, you may be qualified to work as an oceanographer for a company. Letters of recommendation, especially from people who have worked with you in a research capacity or during hands-on experience, can be useful to submit to employers. You can look for potential employers in newspapers, job posting websites, or oceanography-specific websites, or your educational institution may arrange an internship for you. Additionally, you can send your resume to oceanographer-hiring nonprofits, government agencies, and private-sector companies. Oceanographers are also hired by universities for teaching and research positions.