3 answers
daisy-mae
Student
Littlehampton, England, United Kingdom
1
Question
Asked
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im only 14 so how do i start to get involved in marine bioligy as a career choise
im a 14 year old girl in year 9 living in the uk and i want to take up a career in marine bioligy as it intrests me and i can see myself working in that feild but im not shure where to start
3 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Daisy-Mae !
It is truly awesome that at 14 years old you have been inspired for a career in your future ! That is lovely and so is the field of marine biology. Since you are still in Secondary School, you can start learning a lot about marine life, the career and the steps to take towards your career goal.
For the rest of your Secondary school, take biology for the rest of the time. Chances are it will be human biology but there might be a lab portion with the class. When I was in high school and took biology, we had to dissect a frog and a fish as far as water animals went. I don't exactly like dissecting, but this can be a way for you to learn about marine life to start out with. If your school offers a class in animal science or anything connected to marine biology, take those classes.
You can also see if your school has a pool and how much time and in which way (clubs, swim team, classes) you can practice swimming. Swimming will be a needed skill. You can also start reading about marine life, both animals and plants, and about the career. Once you graduate high school and attend University as a Marine Biology Major, that is where you will learn the actual things you'll need to know to start your career once you obtain your degree for it. So starting to learn some of the information and skills now can be very useful once you're a student at University.
Since you are in the stage of first learning about this subject, I would recommend that observation can play an important part in your learning experience. I suggest frequently visiting Maidenhead Aquatics at Littlehampton as well as Maidenhead Aquatics Worthing, the two Aquariums nearest to where you live. You can also explore aquariums further away but ask your parents if they'd take you there. Attend these aquariums frequently and after a while, start inquiring about doing volunteer work there. You may not be able to do hands on work with the animals just yet, but just being in that space doing reception or any helpful volunteering will be inspiring and a learning experience.
If your Secondary School offers these classes, they will be helpful: pre-calculus, oceanography, algebra, geometry, biology, chemistry and physics. Take as many as you can, from what your school offers, all four years of secondary school.
As for extracurriculars in this present time, be involved in beach cleanup activities, see about SCUBA training and see if there are any pre-college marine biology programs offered by your secondary school for the summers or during the school year. By following this educational and participation you will form a strong foundation for when you are at University to study Marine Biology.
I hope this helps as an initial beginning and I wish you all the best !
It is truly awesome that at 14 years old you have been inspired for a career in your future ! That is lovely and so is the field of marine biology. Since you are still in Secondary School, you can start learning a lot about marine life, the career and the steps to take towards your career goal.
For the rest of your Secondary school, take biology for the rest of the time. Chances are it will be human biology but there might be a lab portion with the class. When I was in high school and took biology, we had to dissect a frog and a fish as far as water animals went. I don't exactly like dissecting, but this can be a way for you to learn about marine life to start out with. If your school offers a class in animal science or anything connected to marine biology, take those classes.
You can also see if your school has a pool and how much time and in which way (clubs, swim team, classes) you can practice swimming. Swimming will be a needed skill. You can also start reading about marine life, both animals and plants, and about the career. Once you graduate high school and attend University as a Marine Biology Major, that is where you will learn the actual things you'll need to know to start your career once you obtain your degree for it. So starting to learn some of the information and skills now can be very useful once you're a student at University.
Since you are in the stage of first learning about this subject, I would recommend that observation can play an important part in your learning experience. I suggest frequently visiting Maidenhead Aquatics at Littlehampton as well as Maidenhead Aquatics Worthing, the two Aquariums nearest to where you live. You can also explore aquariums further away but ask your parents if they'd take you there. Attend these aquariums frequently and after a while, start inquiring about doing volunteer work there. You may not be able to do hands on work with the animals just yet, but just being in that space doing reception or any helpful volunteering will be inspiring and a learning experience.
If your Secondary School offers these classes, they will be helpful: pre-calculus, oceanography, algebra, geometry, biology, chemistry and physics. Take as many as you can, from what your school offers, all four years of secondary school.
As for extracurriculars in this present time, be involved in beach cleanup activities, see about SCUBA training and see if there are any pre-college marine biology programs offered by your secondary school for the summers or during the school year. By following this educational and participation you will form a strong foundation for when you are at University to study Marine Biology.
I hope this helps as an initial beginning and I wish you all the best !
Simone Holliday
Ethics
2
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Simone’s Answer
Hi Daisy-Mae, this is exciting!
I studied marine biology at Uni and, whilst I didn't pursue it as a career, I loved it. I studied at St Andrews which was, some years ago now admittedly, considered one of the best in the country for this subject - it was home to the Scottish Sea Mammal Research Unit. It is probably worth looking at which universities specialise in this (as others have said), and you'll want to study biology and chemistry at school.
As it looks like you live near the coast (?) are there any sea life centres or similar nearby that you can look into volunteering at or maybe a Saturday job opportunity before you go to Uni?
The only other thing I would say is that things can change when you start studying something in depth so it is always worth studying broad subjects at school in case anything else piques your interest as well. (Side note, one of the big advantages of studying in Scotland is that the degree is four years instead of three so you can study additional subjects in your first year - and if you prefer one of those when you get into it and have done enough of the foundation courses, they usually let you transfer!)
Good luck!
I studied marine biology at Uni and, whilst I didn't pursue it as a career, I loved it. I studied at St Andrews which was, some years ago now admittedly, considered one of the best in the country for this subject - it was home to the Scottish Sea Mammal Research Unit. It is probably worth looking at which universities specialise in this (as others have said), and you'll want to study biology and chemistry at school.
As it looks like you live near the coast (?) are there any sea life centres or similar nearby that you can look into volunteering at or maybe a Saturday job opportunity before you go to Uni?
The only other thing I would say is that things can change when you start studying something in depth so it is always worth studying broad subjects at school in case anything else piques your interest as well. (Side note, one of the big advantages of studying in Scotland is that the degree is four years instead of three so you can study additional subjects in your first year - and if you prefer one of those when you get into it and have done enough of the foundation courses, they usually let you transfer!)
Good luck!
🪴 Christina Smith 💼
Recruiter & Career Coach
7
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
🪴 Christina’s Answer
Hi there,
Thank you so much for reaching out and sharing your passion for marine biology. Starting early is a huge advantage! Here are a few steps to help you get started:
Focus on science subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Maths as you choose your GCSEs and A-Levels.
Geography and Environmental Science are also helpful.
Look for local volunteering opportunities with wildlife trusts, aquariums, or conservation groups. Hands-on experience is invaluable.
Join science or eco clubs at school and participate in any marine or environmental workshops you can find.
Explore documentaries, books, and online resources about marine life to keep your curiosity growing.
Connect with professionals in the field, many are happy to answer questions and share their experiences.
Marine biology is a fascinating and rewarding path, and your enthusiasm already sets you apart. Keep learning, stay curious, and take every opportunity to get involved. If you have any specific questions or want more guidance, feel free to reach out anytime!
Wishing you all the best as you dive into this exciting field!
Thank you so much for reaching out and sharing your passion for marine biology. Starting early is a huge advantage! Here are a few steps to help you get started:
Focus on science subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Maths as you choose your GCSEs and A-Levels.
Geography and Environmental Science are also helpful.
Look for local volunteering opportunities with wildlife trusts, aquariums, or conservation groups. Hands-on experience is invaluable.
Join science or eco clubs at school and participate in any marine or environmental workshops you can find.
Explore documentaries, books, and online resources about marine life to keep your curiosity growing.
Connect with professionals in the field, many are happy to answer questions and share their experiences.
Marine biology is a fascinating and rewarding path, and your enthusiasm already sets you apart. Keep learning, stay curious, and take every opportunity to get involved. If you have any specific questions or want more guidance, feel free to reach out anytime!
Wishing you all the best as you dive into this exciting field!
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