OCEAN SCIENCE: CAREER OPTIONS
Information provided by our Careers & Employability Service.
Annette, our Careers Adviser for Ocean Science, says:
"Marine scientists are employed in a wide variety of fields and are increasingly working with other scientists, engineers, technologists and social scientists in response to complex projects relating to policy, environmental protection, climate change, coastal erosion, and diminishing fish stocks.
"Opportunities within the marine sector may relate to your chosen options and specific skills gained as a result. The field is research driven so openings may initially be on a short term contract basis but this can lead to renewable contracts and permanent employment. Much research is conducted in universities and marine institutes and a PhD is often required, although there can be support roles such as Assistant Scientist, Marine Data Scientist and Research Technicians. Many graduates from Ocean Science do go on to further specialise at Masters and Doctorate level. Some graduates from Ocean Science use the transferrable skills gained from this degree to move across into other occupational areas such as teaching or management."
Visit the Plymouth University Careers website for more information on any of these areas, or call in to see the Careers & Employability Team in Gateway in the Roland Levinsky Building.
Skills you can develop during this course include:
Project management
Data Analysis
Problem solving
Field surveying
IT
Report writing
Relevant Work Experience
Plymouth is an internationally renowned centre of marine research with several marine research institutes as well as the National Marine Aquarium, based in the city. Therefore there are opportunities for motivated students to get involved in marine research at an early stage, usually on a voluntary basis. Other opportunities include more general voluntary work, part-time work and occasionally internships. All of these will help to demonstrate to an employer that you have the skills and experience they are looking for when you graduate. The optional Plymouth Award is a good way of getting your additional experience recognised and can help you to stand out in a crowded labour market when you graduate.