2 answers
stephanie
Student
Buckeye, Arizona
1
Question
Asked
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What is the best route to getting into marine biology?
Hi, I'm 16 and in 10th grade, and I'm interested in pursuing a career in marine-biology
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2 answers
David Hulme
Director of Sales Engineers
16
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
David’s Answer
Stephanie, I think one thing you should consider doing is reaching out to 2-3 working Marine Biologists electronically and request a short mentoring session, say 20-30 minutes. I think you should connect with more than one because there are at least 3 different applications of that degree: research, active conservation work, and industrial farming (and there are probably more). Build a list of 5-10 questions and have a conversation around them with those folks. Questions you might consider:
What are the 3-5 things you love most about your career?
What's a typical month look like for you?
What are the education requirements for your career path, and where is the sweet spot in terms of education?
What's the compensation like over the course of the career?
If you had to go back and do it over, what would you do differently that would have helped you more?
What are the biggest downsides to the career?
How do most successful folks in your career get started?
What's the next 10-20 years in the industry look like?
What do I need to do as a young person to distinguish myself from the others that want to do this too?
What should I do next?
Reaching out to a complete stranger may seem like a challenge, but you can leverage LinkedIn, Twitter, and other online resources and you will really be surprised. Aim high, don't be afraid to contact someone that is doing something in the field that impresses you. Drag an adult you trust into all of those conversations as well.
You'll have a lot more info to work with if you do that. Good luck!
ID a list of potential mentors
Create a list of questions to ask them, the questions should focus on upsides, downsides, requirements to get into the field, plus what you can expect in terms of opportunities and benefits of the career.
Reach out to the folks on your list until you find a few that work in different areas of Marine Biology that are will to chat with you
Bring an adult with you on those calls, for a second perspective and to stay safe chatting with strangers
What are the 3-5 things you love most about your career?
What's a typical month look like for you?
What are the education requirements for your career path, and where is the sweet spot in terms of education?
What's the compensation like over the course of the career?
If you had to go back and do it over, what would you do differently that would have helped you more?
What are the biggest downsides to the career?
How do most successful folks in your career get started?
What's the next 10-20 years in the industry look like?
What do I need to do as a young person to distinguish myself from the others that want to do this too?
What should I do next?
Reaching out to a complete stranger may seem like a challenge, but you can leverage LinkedIn, Twitter, and other online resources and you will really be surprised. Aim high, don't be afraid to contact someone that is doing something in the field that impresses you. Drag an adult you trust into all of those conversations as well.
You'll have a lot more info to work with if you do that. Good luck!
David recommends the following next steps:
William Herring II
7
Answers
Updated
William’s Answer
Ensure that you consistently focus on your studies in marine biology. Strive to learn everything related to this career path. Enhance your knowledge by taking college courses. Aim to secure an internship in the specific field of work to gain practical experience.