Transferring from Tech to Marine Biology?

Posted by Best_Koala_3300@reddit | marinebiology | View on Reddit | 2 comments

Hello Everyone. I currently work in Tech as a Systems Engineer. Ive always loved computers, tinkering, learning how things work etc. I spent 8 years in the Army, getting technical certifications, deploying, getting OTJ experience etc. However I've always had a passion for the ocean. Its the lifeblood of our planet, and the more we can learn about it the better. I'd love to transfer into the field. I have my GI Bill, and Texas has the Hazelwood act, so paying for the education isnt a problem. I was also able to complete several semesters of college while on active duty, so Im not worried about the workload while im actively working another job.

However, its a major shift in fields, I'd be starting from the very bottom, and am worried I wouldnt even be able to make ends meet, based on the salaries I've researched.

So my 3 major questions are:

For those of you who are maybe in the field or adjacent to it, what are you biggest pros/cons? How does the current landscape of politics regarding Climate Change, funding, etc. effect your work? Would you recommend people go into the field?
Is there any room in the field that requires tech skills? I've done a ton of data visualization, real world -> 3d imagery, prediction models using Python, and worked on and in GIS systems. Can those skills be leveraged to advance the overall mission?
Is the pay as low as google suggest? Most salaries were started around 50k an hour. This could be offset with other sources of income, but itd be nice if it wasnt as low as the data indicated.

This may be stupid, and if it is please tell me. I dont want to rush into any decisions. Thanks guys!

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MichaEvon@reddit

Data analysis skills are super important and a massive advantage for marine biologists.

We do species distribution models, modelling energy and nutrient flow through systems, fish stock assessments, and all studies come down to statistics in the end. Mapping and analysing animal movements from sightings or acoustic tracking, and programming equipment. Loads and loads of tech stuff.

Deep sea is the most tech orientated, check out MBARI.

Cha0tic117@reddit

Since your education will be paid by the GI Bill, you already have a huge advantage going in. Most of us in the MB field are burdened with student loans.

As far as what you can get, it's important to put in a lot. Getting good grades is important, but it's far more important to seek out opportunities and build connections. Volunteer where you can. Seek out opportunities to aid in field work or other types of research. There are lots of internships available. Building good relationships with professors is always helpful because they can help steer you towards opportunities. Try to get involved in a research project or create and conduct one yourself. Getting a paper published is a big deal in the science world and will give you more credibility.

If you're looking for starting salary information, it's too varied to know for sure. Right now, things might look bleak, but that could turn around in a few years. And it really depends on what field of MB you'll be going into. You have another advantage in that you have a tech career you could fall back on if the MB plan doesn't pan out.

I encourage you to look into it. We definitely need more people passionate about the ocean.