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What is it like being a marine biologist
I am thinking about going into marine biology but not sure if it would be a good idea. I'd like to know more about it
#biologist #scientist #marinebiology
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Desiree’s Answer
I studied Marine Biology. It was great, but it is a serious science curriculum - 2 semesters each (minimum) of chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, calculus, statistics, and, of course, Biology course work! Also, people seem to get much more interesting work, depending on how much education they have - Masters, PhDs seemed to me to get the better gigs (think marine mammals or sharks versus say, plankton and microinvertebrates). You have to want to be a real scientist and be willing to work hard at it. It's not all swimming with dolphins ;)
The field work was my fave part - studying/learning/working in Nature! But the reality of Nature can be fickle: hot, buggy, cold, sea-sick-inducing, etc. So you have to love Nature in all its glory and with all its thorns. Standing waist deep in the muddy swamps of the Everglades collecting samples can be beautiful - but you have to be on the look out for snakes & alligators, and expect to go home with bug bites. Scuba diving for samples is the best homework ever - until it's a frigid cold day and the sea swells make half the people on your Research Vessel sick. (Good news is that if you jump off quick and dive deep enough, you'll be below the swells and it's can be unbelievably peaceful.)
The lab work was great in university, but bored me as a job. I hate to admit it but after the first few weeks at the microscope identifying organisms in benthic soil samples, I discovered it was pretty tedious, repetitive task. However, others thrived in that workplace. Everyone has their own preferences. Perhaps it would have been better for me if that job mixed the field work with the lab work, but alas, it did not. I would advise to be realistic about the parts of the job you like best and seek a position that allows for those (but at the end of the day, everyone needs to pay their dues and you have to start somewhere!).
Also - a science degree can be helpful no matter what. Some people I started university with decide to switch to pre-med, or bio chem rather than Marine Bio. For those of us who stuck it through, we're doing lots of different work today -- marine biology professor, field researcher, NOAA scientist, etc. Personally, I went down a twisted path from scientist/environmental consultant to environmental lawyer. (I practice law now.) But I wouldn't change my Marine Bio degree or experience for the world! Good luck with whatever you choose!
Research the university courses required to become a marine biologist (and see how they compare to your interests & skills)
Research the job opportunities for undergraduate degrees (BS), masters degrees (MS) and post-graduate work (PhD). Assess whether you are willing to pursue your education to align with your desired career path.
Volunteer! When it is COVID safe, try to volunteer in any capacity possible that is near marine biology - sea turtle sanctuary, sea grass counts in a local waterway, oyster bed preservation/restoration efforts, beach/river/waterway cleanups, even at local animal shelter (hey, it's still biology!).
Read books about/by famous marine biologists.
Keep asking questions of anyone you can find in (or close to) the field.
The field work was my fave part - studying/learning/working in Nature! But the reality of Nature can be fickle: hot, buggy, cold, sea-sick-inducing, etc. So you have to love Nature in all its glory and with all its thorns. Standing waist deep in the muddy swamps of the Everglades collecting samples can be beautiful - but you have to be on the look out for snakes & alligators, and expect to go home with bug bites. Scuba diving for samples is the best homework ever - until it's a frigid cold day and the sea swells make half the people on your Research Vessel sick. (Good news is that if you jump off quick and dive deep enough, you'll be below the swells and it's can be unbelievably peaceful.)
The lab work was great in university, but bored me as a job. I hate to admit it but after the first few weeks at the microscope identifying organisms in benthic soil samples, I discovered it was pretty tedious, repetitive task. However, others thrived in that workplace. Everyone has their own preferences. Perhaps it would have been better for me if that job mixed the field work with the lab work, but alas, it did not. I would advise to be realistic about the parts of the job you like best and seek a position that allows for those (but at the end of the day, everyone needs to pay their dues and you have to start somewhere!).
Also - a science degree can be helpful no matter what. Some people I started university with decide to switch to pre-med, or bio chem rather than Marine Bio. For those of us who stuck it through, we're doing lots of different work today -- marine biology professor, field researcher, NOAA scientist, etc. Personally, I went down a twisted path from scientist/environmental consultant to environmental lawyer. (I practice law now.) But I wouldn't change my Marine Bio degree or experience for the world! Good luck with whatever you choose!
Desiree recommends the following next steps:
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David’s Answer
There are many different types of work that could be considered Marine Biology, especially if you also include Biological Oceanography.
A Marine Biologist could spend most of their time in the lab, out in the field (on ships, etc.), or some mixture of both. They could study anything from single celled organisms (bacteria, germs, algae, etc.) all the way up to large animals like fish, squid, or whales. They could have a simple degree in Biology or Zoology, and happen to work marine plants/animals, or an advanced degree specializing in Marine Biology, and everything in between.
The experience of a Marine Biology really just depends on their interests. For some, it may be no different than any other biology field (for example, someone studying the genetics of Marine Life in the laboratory). For others, they may have a uniquely Marine role that primarily involves research out on the ocean. And again, everything in between.
Give some thought to identify what are your specific interests
Find an internship type role that falls within these interests
Reevaluate and repeat as necessary
A Marine Biologist could spend most of their time in the lab, out in the field (on ships, etc.), or some mixture of both. They could study anything from single celled organisms (bacteria, germs, algae, etc.) all the way up to large animals like fish, squid, or whales. They could have a simple degree in Biology or Zoology, and happen to work marine plants/animals, or an advanced degree specializing in Marine Biology, and everything in between.
The experience of a Marine Biology really just depends on their interests. For some, it may be no different than any other biology field (for example, someone studying the genetics of Marine Life in the laboratory). For others, they may have a uniquely Marine role that primarily involves research out on the ocean. And again, everything in between.
David recommends the following next steps: