2 answers
Leo
Student
Callicoon, New York
3
Questions
Asked
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What kind of internship work does one have to do in the marine biology field?
I'm planning to get an Associates degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences before getting a Bachelors in Marine Biology.
2 answers
Elise de Wilde
Histotechnology
11
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Elise’s Answer
Hi Leo,
There are plenty of internship options in the marine biology field. When I was in college, I considered going into the field myself, but as a marine mammal veterinarian. I suppose if you have a particular interest in an area of marine biology that would help you narrow your options, but if you are trying to figure out what you want to do in the field then obviously internships are a great way to find out!
Here in Oregon, we have the Hatfield marine science center and when I was in college they offered internships and classes in several marine biology fields.
Many people want to study invertebrates in marine biology, so you could look for opportunities that allow you to delve into invertebrate anatomy and life cycles, which might be at an aquarium or in the field collecting specimens and taking them back to a lab to look at.
Marine vertebrates are more difficult, a good way to intern around them would probably also be an aquarium or zoo, but I think there are field opportunities where you could help rescue and rehabilitate them as well.
There are also opportunities to go out on fishing and research vessels on the open ocean to study impacts of climate change and many other factors. I almost forgot you could focus on marine plants too! Research laboratories might be a more abundant option to get yourself in the Marin biology field, but if you aren't big on lab work and want to do more field work, feel free to seek out options like those above.
Honestly, you can't go wrong with most marine biology internships, but it is about finding what you like to do, so be open to different opportunities because this is a broad field so there is a lot to learn!
There are plenty of internship options in the marine biology field. When I was in college, I considered going into the field myself, but as a marine mammal veterinarian. I suppose if you have a particular interest in an area of marine biology that would help you narrow your options, but if you are trying to figure out what you want to do in the field then obviously internships are a great way to find out!
Here in Oregon, we have the Hatfield marine science center and when I was in college they offered internships and classes in several marine biology fields.
Many people want to study invertebrates in marine biology, so you could look for opportunities that allow you to delve into invertebrate anatomy and life cycles, which might be at an aquarium or in the field collecting specimens and taking them back to a lab to look at.
Marine vertebrates are more difficult, a good way to intern around them would probably also be an aquarium or zoo, but I think there are field opportunities where you could help rescue and rehabilitate them as well.
There are also opportunities to go out on fishing and research vessels on the open ocean to study impacts of climate change and many other factors. I almost forgot you could focus on marine plants too! Research laboratories might be a more abundant option to get yourself in the Marin biology field, but if you aren't big on lab work and want to do more field work, feel free to seek out options like those above.
Honestly, you can't go wrong with most marine biology internships, but it is about finding what you like to do, so be open to different opportunities because this is a broad field so there is a lot to learn!
Joshua Clark
Oncology(Cancer) Nurse
28
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Joshua’s Answer
I would start by getting into the field in what ever way possible. Look for volunteer opportunities at your local wildlife areas or parks, look for part time jobs, or research assistant positions at your school. Aquariums also usually have volunteer opportunities. For interning, what matters is that you find something that fits your interests in the field. Doing what you find fun or stimulating will carry you much further than a boring “prestigious” internship. That being said Woods Hole, Marine Biological Laboratory, NOAA, Scripps, VIMS, and most coastal public university like U of Washington are good places to start.
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