2 answers
3
Updated 399 views

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
Answer This
3

2 answers

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

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
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Marisela’s Answer

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.
0