If you study marine biology in university, you have to understand that there are several other professions that you can be eligible for. You can pursue further studies to become a professor and be assigned to the particular job that you are really interested in. You have to review the different features of the job before applying. This way, you minimize the time exploring and focus more on the aspects that can both fuel your passion and earning capacity.
The Research Coordinator
The managerial positions can land you a salary of about $75,000 to $100,000 each year, higher positions in institutional management can even reach up to $150,000 each year. As a research coordinator, you will need to create a sound expedition plan. You will also go on ships and submersibles. The work includes gathering of data and samples. The job can mean collecting invertebrates then getting extracts back at the laboratory. The extract will be checked and observed as well. Different chemicals found in the extract will be tested on different human diseases to know if there are any changes that can potentially treat.
The job requires a doctorate degree because of the high level of administrative and managerial work. You do not need to have the doctorate degree if you want to do lab work. You can also land a teaching job instead. Some courses will help you prepare better for the profession such as chemistry, molecular biology and biochemistry.
Being an Oceanographer
An oceanographer earns anywhere between $100,000 and $150,000 each year. Being a full professor can help you land teaching jobs and get a bigger salary. You will typically work about 60 hours each week. The job description entails creating new graduate programs in oceanography. You have to work with groups of graduate students and continue research in different oceans and seas to boost the telepresence program. You will be tasked to watch, study and gather data from creatures, habitats, sea vents and ecosystems.
Studying Mammals
Marine biologists will have to study different organisms, depending on their location and personal preference. If you become a marine mammal biologist, you have to earn a bachelor’s degree at the very least. However, most people in the position have a master’s or doctorate degree. Salary ranges anywhere between $40,000 and $80,000. The hours per week will depend on the project and deadlines. On the average, you have to work about 8 to 10 hours per day. Some of the work entails studying the ecology of marine mammals. You have to observe the behavior and interactions of seals, whales, sea otters and dolphins.
Study the Habitat
You have to study their environment as well at different phases of their lives. You will spend several months per year writing proposals and papers. You also have to learn how to apply for grants to fund your many researches. You will spend some time on a boat or submersible too, catching, tagging, viewing and counting marine mammals. You may discover some of the rarest species and inform others how to better protect them.