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Joseluis
Student
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Question
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How does someone start a career in paleontology?
I have always loved dinosaurs, prehistoric animals, and animals in a generality since I was a child. I have also always wished to join the paleontology field. what are the steps I must take to get there?
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Armando de Jesús Herrera
Sr. Project Engineer
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Roswell, Georgia
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Armando de Jesús’s Answer
It's great that you've had a passion for dinosaurs and prehistoric life since childhood. Please be aware hat it's a competitive field with low demand for full-time positions, but please find below some steps that I believe will help you:
1. Get a strong science foundation in high school.
Focus on biology, geology, chemistry, and math. Join a natural history museum or fossil club if possible.
2. Earn a bachelor's degree.
3. Get field experience early.
Volunteer at a museum, join a fossil dig as a volunteer, or work with a professor doing research. This is essential for grad school applications.
4. Go to graduate school (master's or PhD).
Most professional paleontologists need a graduate degree. You'll specialize in a group (e.g., dinosaurs, mammals, invertebrates).
5. Understand the job reality.
Paleontology is not in high demand. There are far more qualified people than permanent jobs.
I understand that you would like to work in the field that you love, but always build a backup skill set (e.g., geology, data science, teaching) to make yourself employable.
1. Get a strong science foundation in high school.
Focus on biology, geology, chemistry, and math. Join a natural history museum or fossil club if possible.
2. Earn a bachelor's degree.
3. Get field experience early.
Volunteer at a museum, join a fossil dig as a volunteer, or work with a professor doing research. This is essential for grad school applications.
4. Go to graduate school (master's or PhD).
Most professional paleontologists need a graduate degree. You'll specialize in a group (e.g., dinosaurs, mammals, invertebrates).
5. Understand the job reality.
Paleontology is not in high demand. There are far more qualified people than permanent jobs.
I understand that you would like to work in the field that you love, but always build a backup skill set (e.g., geology, data science, teaching) to make yourself employable.