| Under the Sea |
So you want to become a
1- Bathe every day - no one likes a stinky person so remember - ya ain't gonna work here smelling like that! And brush your teeth, too! Seriously, hygiene will aid you in getting any job. 2- Read - I mean everything. The more you know, the further you go. Heck, if you fail to achieve the goal of Marine Biologist, at least you will be ready for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire! 3- Take Notes - Every time you learn something new, into the note book it goes. Every time you read a book, write down the title, author, and summary of the book, as well as things that you learned from the book and things you disagree with. 4- Question statements - You won't believe how many books, especially kids' books, we have read that have misinformation. If you have doubts about the information, do some research to find the truth, then, go back to suggestion #3. 5- Expand your skills - It is important to be knowledgeable about your field of expertice but often, it is equally important to have other skills that may be useful at times. Some of these skills may be navigation, boat handling, SCUBA diving, aquarium keeping, and animal collecting. Be willing to learn. 6- Keep an open mind - Do not concentrate on any one division of marine biology until you are in college. We highly recommend that your undergraduate study (first years of college) be in biology and graduate studies be in marine biology. You may find out that ocean science is not for you but if the majority of the courses you have taken are in that field, they will not transfer to another major. Get a good biology and chemistry foundation and then start to take specialty courses. 7- Learn to write and communicate well. Researchers have to publish their findings so writing is an indispensable skill. 8- Volunteer - Few people at Sea World or the Baltimore Aquarium started jobs without first volunteering. Locally in the DC area there are many opportunities - The National Zoo, the National Aquarium in DC, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Nature Centers even Under the Sea accepts volunteers. You will meet others with your ambitions and start to learn skills that will increase you chances of getting a job in a variety of ocean science fields. 9- Talk to others in the job field you are interested in and ask them what they did to get into their field.10- Be curious - Curiosity may have killed the cat, but cats rarely train to be marine biologists! The more you wonder, the more you'll work to find answers to your questions, and the more you'll learn!
Top Schools in Marine Studies There are over 65 colleges and universities that offer undergraduate degrees in marine studies. We are trying to list them here, so if you know of one that is not listed, please e-mail us! The following schools may offer one of the following degrees: Physical Oceanography Chemical Oceanography Geological Oceanography Biological Oceanography Marine Biology Aquaculture
(U) - Denotes undergraduate program Job advertisements Most jobs in marine biology and related fields are government related. Here are some recent job announcements (as of 3/22/12) to give you an idea of what the pay scale is and qualifications are. INTERNSHIPS in ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION at the DAUPHIN ISLAND SEA LAB June 1 – August 3, 2012 The Discovery Hall Programs at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab has two summer internships available forundergraduates from minority groups currently marine science and environmental education Interns assist the DHP education staff in our many summer programs for K-12 students, teachers and the public (see http://dhp.disl.org/). (juniors, seniors, or recent graduates)under-represented in.Located ~45 minutes south of Mobile, Alabama, the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) is the marine research and education facility for the state of Alabama. DISL’s Discovery Hall Program is one of the largest marine education programs on the Gulf coast. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about environmental education, marine science and the Gulf coast while living at the beach! Each internship includes a $3,500 stipend, room,board and a travel allowance of $250.The successful candidate should be interested in marine science and environmental education and have completed a minimum of one year of biology or education. Interns live at the Sea Lab and are expected to work some nights and weekends. Interns should be able to swim, have a valid US drivers license, be capable of handling some strenuous physical activity as well as high heat and humidity since many activities take place outside. To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and current transcript to Ms. Sara Johnson at 251-861-2141 x7515 or sejohnson@disl.org.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marine Science Instructors Grand Manan Island ME Join the Whale Camp staff. No other summer program offers as many face-to-face encounters to closely observe and study whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and puffins in their natural habitat. Through direct observation, scientific data collection and hands-on experience with marine science equipment, the Whale Camp is a place where exploration, inspiration and learning abound. Our Hands-on Marine Science, Oceanography and Whale Research camp on stunningly beautiful Grand Manan Island between Maine & Nova Scotia is a place where exploration, inspiration and learning abound. Program includes: Whale observation and research, Marine mammal observation and study, Marine Science, Coastal and Island Ecology, Oceanography. Daytime activities includes hiking, sailing, kayaking, observation and study of whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, puffins, eagles, tidal zones. Grand Manan is located in the mouth of the Bay of Fundy where the highest tides in the world drive a vibrant ecosystem. Evening program is designed to foster self-esteem and group dynamics. Specialty programs include teacher workshops and a family program ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE INSTRUCTORS Environmental Science Instructors are responsible for facilitating daytime environmental education lessons on land and at sea in the following: marine science, geology, forest ecology, botany, oceanography, coastal / island ecology. Our core curriculum entices the seasoned naturalist to develop fun, innovative, educational, and meaningful lessons. Requires: related degree; experience with and enthusiasm for working with youth in an outdoor setting; demonstrated leadership, teaching and facilitation skills; confirmed knowledge of a variety of outdoor science activities and skills; familiarity with team building and group dynamics activities to foster self-esteem and cooperation among campers; desire to be a member of a shared working and living environment; strong work ethic; positive attitude; flexibility; creativity; sense of humor; CPR/ First Aid. Minimum age 21. Room and board provided as well as a number of whale / sail trips, puffin trips and kayaking excursions. Salary based on experience & qualifications. Detailed job descriptions and application available at www.whalecamp.com. If you have questions, email whalecamp@verizon.net, or call: 610-399-1463. Interviews for all positions begin March 1. Approximate employment dates: June 15 - Sept 6, some flexibility. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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