Why “Marine Biologist” is an Overused Buzzword & How It’s Impacting Your Career

Published on 11/15/24

Written by Jessica Colla

This blog is for anyone who dreams of becoming a marine biologist, is navigating the marine science job market, or simply loves the idea of working with the ocean’s most fascinating creatures. In this article, we’ll uncover the realities behind the romanticized "marine biologist" title, explore why it’s rarely used in the professional world, and share actionable tips to expand your career horizons in marine science.

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The allure of becoming a "marine biologist" has captivated many ocean lovers. From documentaries like Blue Planet to popular TV shows like Flipper and even otherworldly social media posts, the image of marine biologists working with dolphins, whales, and sharks has created an almost romanticized vision of this career. However, the reality of the job market doesn’t always align with the hype. While "marine biologist" is a widely recognized and romanticized term, it is rarely used as an actual job title in the marine science field, and focusing on this term in job searches can limit your opportunities.

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The Origins of the “Marine Biologist” Hype

Famous marine biologist and filmmaker Jacques Cousteau (1916-1997)

Lloyd Bridges’ character Mike Nelson in TV show Sea Hunt (1960’s)

Media and Pop Culture Influence:

Growing up, I LOVED watching nature documentaries. I would pop in a DVD (yes … before streaming services) and watch the world play out on my television set. By far, my favorite episodes were the ones about the ocean; colorful fish swirling above the coral reef, playful seals twisting amongst the kelp, or  bioluminescent aliens in a pitch-black deep sea. But I was equally fascinated by the “extra features” episodes; behind-the-scenes perspectives about the people who were actually THERE, diving with giant camera riggings surrounded by whales or nestled into a round acrylic submersible pointing at a never-before-filmed marine species. It was like Indiana Jones for ocean lovers! And I desperately wanted to be one of those adventurers when I grew up (I still do!).

Media plays a significant role in shaping how we perceive certain careers, and marine biology is no exception. Movies, documentaries, and TV shows feature charismatic scientists swimming alongside majestic sea creatures, painting an exciting picture of what marine biology entails. Documentaries like Blue Planet, Planet Earth and Frozen Planet have further cemented this idea by showing marine biologists in the field, diving with sharks or rescuing stranded whales. While these portrayals are certainly inspiring, they don’t represent the full range of what marine science encompasses, leading many to believe that becoming a “marine biologist” is the only career path for those who love the ocean.

Public Perception:

For most of the general public, the term "marine biologist" conjures images of hands-on work with dolphins, whales, turtles or sharks—often in picturesque tropical settings. This perception, heavily influenced by media, skews the reality of marine science careers. While these experiences exist, they are rare, and marine scientists more frequently engage in data analysis, species monitoring, policy work, lab research or educational outreach. The emotional connection many feel towards the ocean and its megafauna fuels this misconception, making the term "marine biologist" seem synonymous with adventure. But the field encompasses a much broader and more diverse range of work.

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The Reality of Job Titles in Marine Science

What Employers Are Really Looking For:

In the professional world of marine science, the term "marine biologist" is rarely used in job listings. Employers are far more likely to seek candidates for roles like marine ecologist, fisheries biologist, oceanographer, biological technician, aquarist, GIS analyst or programs manager. These titles reflect the specialized skill sets required in different branches of marine science, such as species-specific research, ecosystem management, or data analysis. Additionally, interdisciplinary roles like those in marine policy, environmental consulting, or marine engineering are becoming more prominent, offering valuable contributions to ocean conservation. Job seekers focusing only on the "marine biologist" label might overlook opportunities, limiting their career potential.

Why the Term 'Marine Biologist' is Rarely Used:

Marine biology is an incredibly broad field, and job titles are often more specific to reflect the research area or expertise required. For example, someone who studies coral reefs might hold the title of "coral reef ecologist," while another who focuses on deep-sea environments might be a "benthic invertebrate researcher." Employers prefer candidates with clear, defined expertise, making a general title like "marine biologist" too vague. In fact, most employers know that “marine biologist” is an over-searched term used by job seekers. In an effort to reduce the number of applicants, especially those who may be unqualified or hold unrealistic perceptions, they actually avoiding the job title altogether! To stand out in the job market, candidates should focus on the specialized skills and research areas that align with the positions they are applying for, rather than relying on a catch-all term like "marine biologist."

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How Focusing on the Term 'Marine Biologist' is Negatively Impacting Your Job Search

Limited Search Results:

When job seekers focus solely on searching for "marine biologist" positions, they often miss out on a wide array of opportunities that fall under different titles. Many marine science jobs, such as fisheries managers, marine policy analysts, or conservation scientists, do not use the term "marine biologist" but still involve meaningful work in ocean science and conservation. For instance, a position titled "marine resource manager" may include responsibilities related to marine ecosystems, but job seekers searching exclusively for "marine biologist" might never find it. For example, in my own career I have NEVER held the job title “marine biologist,” despite having a full career in the marine science industry! My most recent job title was Education Director - which doesn’t necessarily hint at its connection to the ocean.

Mismatched Expectations:

Many aspiring marine scientists enter the job market expecting that a role titled "marine biologist" will involve working closely with charismatic marine animals like dolphins, sea turtles, or whales. The reality, however, often involves more research-focused or technical roles that deal with smaller or lesser-known species (plankton or algae), or no animals at all (chemistry or physics). This disconnect between expectations and reality can lead to frustration when candidates realize that hands-on work with charismatic megafauna is only a small part of the industry. By broadening their understanding of the work marine scientists do, job seekers can better align  expectations with the realities of the industry.

Keyword Challenges in Job Search Engines:

Job search platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed rarely feature the term "marine biologist" in job postings, which can limit the results job seekers receive when using this term. The key to finding more relevant opportunities is using targeted keywords that focus on specific skills, research areas, or industries. For example, searching for roles like "marine policy analyst," "conservation scientist," or "benthic researcher" will yield more targeted results that align with marine science work. Using precise keywords ensures job seekers can cast a wider net and find positions that align with their skill sets.

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Expanding Your Job Search & Career Horizons

Focus on Skills, Not Titles:

So, you’ve opened up LinkedIn or Indeed.com … now what?

In marine science, it’s the skills you bring to the table that matter most—not the job title. Highlighting specific abilities like data analysis, GIS mapping, fieldwork techniques, or species-specific knowledge on your resume can open up many doors. By focusing on the skills that different roles require, you’ll find that interdisciplinary fields like marine policy, environmental consulting, or marine technology provide pathways into marine science careers that don’t necessarily involve the "marine biologist" title. These fields allow you to make an impact on ocean conservation, often in innovative ways.

Networking and Industry-Specific Language:

Networking is one of the most effective ways to break into the marine science field. Joining professional organizations, attending conferences, and speaking with professionals about their job titles and day-to-day responsibilities can provide valuable insights. Often, networking can reveal industry-specific language that doesn’t always appear in job postings but is crucial for understanding the full spectrum of careers available. Knowing how to navigate this language will help you discover hidden opportunities and build meaningful professional connections within the marine science community.

Researching Job Descriptions and Trends:

A key strategy for success in the marine science field is to thoroughly research job descriptions and industry trends, not just job titles. By doing so, you can identify roles that align with your interests and expertise, even if they don’t carry the "marine biologist" label. Moreover, staying informed about emerging fields like marine technology, conservation consulting, and renewable ocean energy will help you stay ahead of the curve. These growing fields offer exciting opportunities for aspiring marine scientists and can often lead to rewarding careers.

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Strategies for a More Effective Job Search

Tips for Reframing Your Job Search:

Reframing how you search for jobs can make all the difference in finding the right opportunities. Instead of limiting your search to "marine biologist," try using more targeted terms like marine conservation, oceanography, fisheries management, or marine research. By expanding your search criteria, you’ll uncover positions in interdisciplinary roles that are still vital to marine science, such as those in marine policy, NGOs, or marine resource management. These roles offer valuable opportunities to contribute to ocean conservation and science without the limitations of a narrow job title.

Helpful hint: You can also search for jobs “backwards,” by identifying organizations that align with your career goals and apply to current job openings on their careers page.

Resume and Cover Letter Focus:

When applying for marine science jobs, it’s essential to tailor your resume and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences relevant to the position (i.e. - no cut-and-paste applications!). Rather than emphasizing "marine biologist," focus on aligning your qualifications with the job description by highlighting your expertise in specific areas like data collection, field research, or species conservation. Structuring your resume to match the expectations of the job posting—whether it’s for a marine policy analyst or conservation scientist—will increase your chances of success and help you stand out to potential employers.

Remember: explain HOW you used those skills during previous roles - prospective employers love specific, quantifiably examples!

Moving forward …

The term "marine biologist" may capture the imagination, but it's often misleading and can limit your career prospects in marine science. Focusing solely on this buzzword can cause you to miss out on a wealth of opportunities that exist under more specific or interdisciplinary job titles. Marine science is a vast field, with roles, all of which contribute to ocean conservation in meaningful ways.

To boost your chances of landing a fulfilling career, shift your focus from job titles to skills and areas of expertise. Highlight your experience in data analysis, fieldwork techniques, GIS mapping, or species-specific research when searching for jobs. Broaden your scope by considering interdisciplinary roles in environmental consulting, marine technology, or even marine tourism, where your passion for the ocean can still shine through.

By adopting a more flexible and targeted approach to your job search, you’ll uncover a wider range of opportunities that align with your interests and skills. This mindset will not only help you find more suitable roles but will also prepare you to make a lasting impact on ocean conservation—whether your title says "marine biologist" or not.

Have I left anything out on your journey to becoming a professional marine scientist? Let me know in the comments!

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