Unprepared???
Posted by Guilty-Owl-967@reddit | marinebiology | View on Reddit | 8 comments
Hey everyone,
I'm currently a junior in college studying EVS but minoring in marine biology. I genuinely feel so unprepared for graduating and I have no idea where to even start after graduation. Do you guys have any helpful tips?? Is it normal to feel like you're lost?
EzPzLemon_Greezy@reddit
Depends on what you to do really, but fisherys observing is the easiest way to get onto a boat and get some sea time. Basically guaranteed to get a job, and the committment is pretty flexible. Ain't marine biology experiece (at least legally), but it is a solid start, and is the best way into the state/federal fisheries world.
big_boy_gordito@reddit
I find that a lot of fisheries observation jobs have lots of prerequisites tho, like x years of experience and tons of sea safety certs that are very $$ to get
EzPzLemon_Greezy@reddit
Maybe like marine mammal observing, but observing is about as entry level as it gets. All it requires is a college degree and maybe dichotomous key experience. The only question I was asked in my interview was if I could lift 50lbs. Didn't even ask if I could swim. The only sea safety cert you need is cold water training, and thats part of the training. All the observers I know are fresh out of college.
Hola0722@reddit
Not an MB but I work in higher ed. Can the career center and alumni association help?
Guilty-Owl-967@reddit (OP)
Yes! I'm going to schedule an appointment with them. I'm just nervous to go in and say I have barely any plans...
Hola0722@reddit
There is no shame asking for a lead or advice. If they give you a hard time (which I doubt they will), that’s their problem, not yours. I believe in you.
mustachetv@reddit
I don’t speak from any experience (going back to school in spring to study marine bio myself) but… a while back I found a great podcast called “So You Want To Be A Marine Biologist” by Karen Muzia (Spotify link here) where she interviews people who have managed to make careers in allllll kinds of marine science or adjacent fields. Biologists, policy people, SciComms, artists, filmmakers, marine chemists, just about anything you can think of. At the end of the episode, she always asks the guest for their advice to people who want to get into the same work. The responses vary of course, but one of the consistent refrains is volunteer, volunteer, volunteer. Doesn’t even have to necessarily be marine-related. If you wanna work with marine animals, volunteering at your local wildlife rehab working with deer or birds or whatever is still good experience that translates. I think there are also links on her website to listservs and stuff for intern and job opportunities, but I haven’t signed up myself yet.
Anywho, potentially a resource worth looking into?
MaverickDiving@reddit
Dont think you need a perfect fulltime job within the field right out of college.
Keep volunteering or working on projects that are marine biology adjacent, but don't be afraid to work in any job that can pay the bills.
That being said, just keep applying to jobs you're interested in. Eventually you will catch a break.
Took me almost 4 years after graduating to finally catch my real marine biology break. Might come sooner for you if you stay diligent.