How Can I Become a Marine Biologist?

Answer:
Many people are impressed with the beauty and charm

of marine mammals such as otters, whales, and dolphins. Others are fascinated with the world of marine invertebrates like sea stars and anemones. Still others may want to study how all of marine life coexists. If any of these fields sound like something you would want to deal with on a daily basis, you may want to consider becoming a marine biologist.

Marine biology is a wide field, but every marine biologist deals with some form of marine life. Because of this, it is necessary that a marine biologist have a strong science background. Some colleges and universities have a marine biology major, while other aspiring marine biologists major in biology or wildlife biology, or marine studies. Some marine biologists actually have a background in veterinary medicine, although this is rare. Marine biologists are generally required to have at least a bachelor’s degree, and often a master’s degree or doctorate.

Besides a strong science background, experience can also help you become a marine biologist. Whether it is volunteering at a local marine biology lab or working part-time in an aquarium, experience not only shows potential employers that you are serious about marine biology, it also gives you a better understanding of the subject. In addition, experience in the field can help you make up your mind about which subfield you may want to specialize in.

Finally, as with most careers, networking is important. Keep in touch with anyone you know in the field, keep up on trade publications and perform a variety of volunteer jobs in various aspects of marine biology. This will help you share your passion for marine biology as well as keeping up on marine biology trends and potential employment.


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