Breaking Into Marine Science: Navigating the “Experience Required” Paradox
Published on 11/1/24
Written by Jessica Colla
If you can’t find a job to gain professional experience because you don’t have enough previous experience - you’re not alone! Here are 4 ways to break out of this frustrating catch-22!
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So, you’ve got a passion for the ocean and a brand new degree in marine science. BUT … there’s a snag: you can't land your first paid job because every position seems to require prior experience. You’re not alone! This “experience required” paradox is a significant hurdle for many new graduates and young professionals entering the marine science field (or any field for that matter!).
You are NOT alone!
The frustration of being told you need experience to get a job that offers experience is all too familiar. Imagine scrolling through dozens of job listings only to find that every entry-level position ACTUALLY demands several years of prior experience. How are you supposed to break into the field if you can't gain the experience in the first place?!
Let’s face it: this scenario can feel like a Catch-22. For many, it’s a continuous loop of applying for roles that require experience, while struggling to find ways to gain that experience in the first place. This classic dilemma can stall your career before it even starts, and many qualified graduates have left the field for good because of this hurdle.
ugh … same here, friend!
As someone who’s been through this exact struggle, I understand how disheartening it can be. When I was a recent graduate, eager to enter the job market for marine sciences, I read through (what felt like hundreds of) job listings, only to encounter the dreaded “requires experience” clause. Most listings had so many requirements I was too intimidated to apply at all! The ones I did apply for were met with rejection emails on account of my lacking experience (or so I thought … keep reading!), or I received no response at all. I was stuck in a vicious cycle with no way out.
But I discovered that with persistence and strategic effort, it’s possible to navigate these challenges and find the perfect opportunities. Here’s how you can turn the tables in your favor!
Solutions to the Challenge
1. Internships & Volunteer Opportunities
Internships and volunteer programs are invaluable for gaining experience. They offer hands-on learning and networking opportunities without the high-pressure expectations of paid roles. Look for internships at your local aquarium, wildlife center, research institutions, or conservation organizations. Volunteering for marine conservation projects or community initiatives can also add meaningful experience to your resume without the pressure of previous experience – even something as simple as coordinating a community beach cleanup.
You can also search for opportunities with larger organizations like NOAA, The Nature Conservancy, The Coral Alliance, The World Wildlife Fund, Oceana or The Coral Triangle Initiative. Many of these reputable roles involve fieldwork, research assistance, and community outreach, which can build your skills and connections.
FUN FACT: Within the last few years, a new niche has emerged - remote virtual internships! This is a great option for individuals who can’t relocate for a fieldwork position or need to balance work part-time. These experiences fulfill qualifications like data analysis, remote learning and public outreach.
When searching for opportunities, keep the following in mind: Where is the opportunity located and will I need to temporarily relocate for it? Is there a time commitment and can I accommodate it? What skills do I want to develop with this experience? And does the opportunity align with my career goals?
Remember: the experience only needs to be relevant, not necessarily proof of a paid position! I was even able to leverage my experience volunteering as a migratory bird observer for the raptor project (you read that right, not even an ocean-related experience!) on my resume to show I had field observation & survey techniques in my repertoire! Be creative and use experience in parallel fields (like environmental sciences, sustainability, or wildlife science) or leverage interdisciplinary skills from unrelated industries.
2. Effective Job Search Strategies
When searching for paid positions, focus on roles that offer on-the-job training or are more flexible about experience requirements. Luckily, marine science organizations often have specialized knowledge relevant to the position, which is mostly taught after hiring. Be sure to highlight adaptability on your resume!
Entry-level positions in related fields, such as environmental education or public outreach can be a great foot-in-the-door to a marine science career. You can find relevant roles at national parks, aquariums/zoos or research institutions that have a public-facing platform. Also, don’t shy away from positions that might seem peripheral but are still relevant (or have relevant skills) to marine science, like professional scuba diver or marine naturalist for a whale watching tour.
Networking is crucial. Attend industry conferences, join professional organizations, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. This is a lesser-practiced strategy, but a very effective one! Speaking from experience, a personal connection can open doors to opportunities that simply aren’t advertised. My college mentor introduced me to the research director of the IX Jaguar Project - my first internship - and I credit him to this day! Now I am a director myself (crazy how the tables turned!) and I often find ideal candidates based on recommendations within my network. Remember: employers are people too
3. Expanding Your Job Search
Marine science is a BROAD field, and job titles can vary widely. Don’t limit your search to titles like “marine biologist.” Look for roles such as “marine technician,” “research assistant,” or “environmental consultant.” These positions can offer relevant experience and often have more flexible entry requirements. Alternatively, instead of searching for marine science jobs without context, look up organizations directly and check out their careers page for openings – you may find job titles you didn’t even know to search!
DID YOU KNOW? I have been working in the field of marine science and ocean conservation for over a decade, and not ONCE was my job title “marine biologist?” “Marine Biologist” can be a major buzzword in the marine science industry, check out my blog here about how using this search term for jobs is holding you back!
Additionally, consider positions in related sectors like environmental policy, education, or outreach. These roles can still involve ocean-related work and provide valuable experience that can be leveraged into a marine science career.
4. Exploring Interdisciplinary Careers
If traditional marine science roles are highly competitive, you can broaden your horizon to interdisciplinary careers. Roles in environmental education, conservation advocacy, or even science communication can offer fulfilling work and far less competition. For example, working as an educational coordinator at a nature center or as a communications specialist for a conservation NGO can provide relevant experience while contributing to marine science goals. As marine science organizations transition into a new age of scientific communication, even content creation and social media marketing are relevant career options!
Psssstttt … guess what? This is exactly what I did! I started working as a research science and slowly transitioned over to a career in ocean conservation through public education – and I LOVE IT!
A Hopeful Outlook for the future
Look, I totally get it. Breaking into marine science can be super challenging, but it’s far from impossible! By leveraging internships, volunteering, expanding your job search, and exploring interdisciplinary roles, you can build the experience you need to launch your career. Remember, every marine scientist started somewhere (including me!), and persistence is key.
Stay focused on your passion, seek out opportunities, and keep pushing forward. The ocean is vast, and so are the possibilities for your career. With determination and a proactive approach, you’ll find your way into the marine science field (or adjacent) and make your mark. Keep swimming forward – the tide will turn in your favor!
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