2 answers
Nora
Student
Westminster, Colorado
1
Question
Asked
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What is the most important thing to do during college to build a strong resume for a career in marine biology? #Spring25
I am a high school senior planning on attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa, majoring in marine biology and potentially double majoring in bioengineering. I am scared that I will only have so much time to do extracurricular activities like interning or volunteering outside of class, and I was wondering what I can do while attending as a full-time student to get the most bang out of my buck as far as time investment.
#Spring2025
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2 answers
Karima MOUELHI
Learning and development
13
Answers
Tunis, Tunisia
Updated
Karima’s Answer
To create an impressive resume for a career in marine biology while in college:
Start gaining research experience early by collaborating with professors or participating in summer programs.
Seek out internships or volunteer roles at aquariums, marine labs, or conservation organizations.
Enroll in field-based classes to gain practical, hands-on experience.
Join marine science clubs and participate in outreach or environmental projects.
Connect with professors and professionals to discover new opportunities and gain insights.
Keep a record of all your experiences in a resume or CV as you progress.
Bonus tip: If you're excited about fieldwork, think about getting scuba certified!
Start gaining research experience early by collaborating with professors or participating in summer programs.
Seek out internships or volunteer roles at aquariums, marine labs, or conservation organizations.
Enroll in field-based classes to gain practical, hands-on experience.
Join marine science clubs and participate in outreach or environmental projects.
Connect with professors and professionals to discover new opportunities and gain insights.
Keep a record of all your experiences in a resume or CV as you progress.
Bonus tip: If you're excited about fieldwork, think about getting scuba certified!
Johanna Saar
Resource Management
3
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Johanna’s Answer
Hi Nora!
I hope things are going well your first year at UH Manoa!
I was also a Marine Biology major and spent several years in Hawai'i after graduation. To answer your question, I think first you should consider what your focus will be in the marine sciences. Do you want to do research? Education? Field work vs Lab work?
If you're not sure about these questions, no worries - It took me a while to find my focus, too. Once I had a sense of where I wanted to focus, I started looking for internships and opportunities to support it.
Your question was around balancing a heavy course load with gaining experience. For me, I had the opportunity to work at a small local aquarium 1-2 nights a week during the year, and during the summers, I prioritized finding work on the water like whale watch tours.
Consider your local options: Aquariums, Naturalist Tours, On-Campus research labs, etc
You can also ask your professors - Share your concerns about balance and see what they know about the different internships around campus. I had an incredible summer internship one year on a research team, and I found that opportunity on a flyer in the Bio Building!
Experience is the best thing you can offer yourself as you continue in this field - Not only does it help you progress to the next steps, but more importantly, it gives you a true sense of what it looks like and if it feels right.
Be sure to consider your academic goals and whether you're adding too much - I added a second major and it was probably too much (even though I really enjoyed the course work!)
Review your goals and schedule each quarter and map out the time commitments so you maintain a realistic balance. If you're struggling, that's the best time to speak with your academic advisor for how to navigate.
Best of luck!
I hope things are going well your first year at UH Manoa!
I was also a Marine Biology major and spent several years in Hawai'i after graduation. To answer your question, I think first you should consider what your focus will be in the marine sciences. Do you want to do research? Education? Field work vs Lab work?
If you're not sure about these questions, no worries - It took me a while to find my focus, too. Once I had a sense of where I wanted to focus, I started looking for internships and opportunities to support it.
Your question was around balancing a heavy course load with gaining experience. For me, I had the opportunity to work at a small local aquarium 1-2 nights a week during the year, and during the summers, I prioritized finding work on the water like whale watch tours.
Consider your local options: Aquariums, Naturalist Tours, On-Campus research labs, etc
You can also ask your professors - Share your concerns about balance and see what they know about the different internships around campus. I had an incredible summer internship one year on a research team, and I found that opportunity on a flyer in the Bio Building!
Experience is the best thing you can offer yourself as you continue in this field - Not only does it help you progress to the next steps, but more importantly, it gives you a true sense of what it looks like and if it feels right.
Be sure to consider your academic goals and whether you're adding too much - I added a second major and it was probably too much (even though I really enjoyed the course work!)
Review your goals and schedule each quarter and map out the time commitments so you maintain a realistic balance. If you're struggling, that's the best time to speak with your academic advisor for how to navigate.
Best of luck!