Being a marine biologist can be a dream come true for some individuals. Once you finish university and start working for different institutions, you will find that a lot of privileges and opportunities start to unravel. You get to boost your knowledge and travel all over the world without having to worry about fees and unnecessary expenses. Marine biology is for the adventurous, bold and ambitious who want something more out of their lives.
Financial Privileges
In the beginning, one may only receive a meagre salary of $20,000 to $30,000. However, if you finish your doctorate degree and gain some experience, you will find that your monthly pay can increase significantly. There is little raise to be expected during the first 2 to 3 years, except if you get involved in major discoveries, studies or expeditions. Advanced professionals can start receiving $50,000 to $75,000 per year. If you have been working as a marine biologist for 10 years or more, you will notice that salary also increases significantly. Professors, managers and administrators can receive salary as big as $150,000 to $180,000 each year.
Traveling
As a marine biologist, you will be given the opportunity to travel to different parts of the world. You will spend a lot of time both offshore and inland to gather data and observe for changes in the ocean and all organisms living in it. Although your manager will choose the destination most of the time, you get the privilege of not having to spend any cash on tickets and accommodations. You will most likely spend time in ships, vessels and submersibles. Inland, you will report to a lab and stay in special dormitories or a nice hotel.
Marine biologists can go on expeditions lasting several months. If you get assigned to a distant location for a major study, you may have the rest of the year off after you have completed all tasks. Marine biologists study all the oceans of the world from the Pacific to the Atlantic. You get to visit countries like India, the Philippines, Aruba and Cuba.
Access to Equipment
You get to use equipment and marine tools that cost several thousands or even millions of dollars. Marine biologists also have access to laboratories and other state-of-the art programs and technologies to further enhance their findings and come up with accurate and reliable results. As a professional, you will be provided with everything you need like uniforms, underwater gear, cameras, etc.
Boosting Knowledge
Depending on the institution you belong to, you also have the privilege of joining exclusive seminars, meetings and summits where you can witness the latest trends and developments in the marine world. You get to see the rarest species on earth and learn more about the history of the world. You get to meet important people in the industry and listen to some of the brightest minds in marine biology. You can also get special education and grants to further your studies and earn your master’s or doctorate degree.