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My dream job has always been paleontology,how should i go about trying to get into the field?What are the hardest and best parts of the job?How often do paleontologists go out to dig for fossils/how often do they move from place to place and with how much with them?

I'm halfway through my senior year in High school now and have always loved prehistory to death,especially the Mesozoic but am worried about the low demand.

career-path paleontology paleontologist
Thank you comment icon Hi Dawson. Paleontology is a very interesting field as a career path. I admit I do not have a lot of background when it comes to paleontology, however, I believe that in addition to areas mentioned by others, you could research organizations and networks that focus on the paleontology field such as The Paleontologist Association. You can check out their website. Organizations like this are usually focused on promoting their fields and can help answer questions regarding school and career paths as well what a day in the life might look like. In addition to an association, you might research colleges and universities who offer paleontology as a major. You can reach out to those departments directly by finding information from the college/university website and reach out with your questions. Marisela Lewis
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Martha D.’s Answer

Hi, Dawson, what an unusual and interesting field to explore! I have put several links below to resources about the field, including how to prepare. The consensus seems to be an undergraduate degree in something like geology, although I see links to archeology as well. You should get as much internship/research experience as possible both to help you get into a good master's program and improve your employment prospects.

I suspect you have seen that there are not that many jobs. To that, I respond that:
- Even in a tight market, some people get jobs so it is worth trying, especially if you also have experience
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics (see link below) includes paleontology in Geoscientists and predicts that area will grow through at least 2034
- More and more of Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) are leaving the workforce so employment prospects should improve
- You devote the skills and knowledge in various areas, such as research, museums (curator, conservator, exhibit designer), academia (professor), and government

I hope this helps and wish you good luck.

Martha D. recommends the following next steps:

Indeed.com - https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-a-paleontologist
Similar CareerVillage question - https://www.careervillage.org/questions/1053784/what-do-i-need-to-do-to-become-a-paleontology?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23206834309&gbraid=0AAAAADqJ0xLxuLoQ7Jug2EFizM3r1pL7W&gclid=Cj0KCQiAkPzLBhD4ARIsAGfah8hFUOg6ujkYRDVESKb238_QM8IfWp5s30xI7bqVAuOvLHJju67jpGEaAt5zEALw_wcB
Dinosaur Trips - https://dinosaurtrips.com/2023/04/28/how-to-become-a-paleontologist-with-bethany-burke/
Bureau of Labor Statistics - https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes192042.htm
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Carrie’s Answer

Dawson,

Admittedly I have zero background or experience in paleontology, but I do find it extremely interesting and love that you say it is your dream job. I have a very good friend who is a geologist and has an overlapping interest in fossil hunting. He went back to to school as an older adult and obtained a second degree in geology and works at Rio Tinto Kennecott copper mine.

I probably spend way more time on social media than I should, but I immediately thought about some creators I've seen talk about paleontology. I found one on TicTok (@GeoSplore) and they specifically mentioned a program for high schoolers called Sternberg Science Camps. PBS had a post from the curator at the dinosaur museum in Alberta and she advised focusing on sciences like biology and geology. There were so many great real world examples and personal experiences shared in just a few minutes of scrolling.

Volunteering and networking will go a long way to gain knowledge and get your name out into the community. See if there are any opportunities in your area or if there are programs that might even pay for your travel to work and learn!
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Isida’s Answer

Hello Dawson,
I have received you question on my weekly mail. It is a great one. From my international perspective because I live in Balkans - near Greece and Italy. Exploring paleontology in Albania is exciting because the country has rich geological history and fossil sites that connect you to the story of life on Earth. Even if you don’t become a paleontologist, the curiosity and discipline you develop will help you in school, future jobs, and everyday life. Keep asking questions, keep reading, and keep exploring—you’re building both knowledge and confidence that will serve you well in any field.
May the blessing follow you always!
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Jasmine’s Answer

Volunteer at your local museum. Try to look up current paleontologists and see what they have done to pursue that career path. Also research colleges with paleontology programs. If all else fails, see if you can have a double major or minor in college to fall back on. Good luck!
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