Insider Tips for Building a Career in Marine Science
Release Date: 08/21/2024
From Academia to Entrepreneurship: Stephanie Manka's Journey in Wildlife Conservation
How To Protect The Ocean
Stephanie's Career Journey Early Interests and Education: Stephanie Manka, originally known as Stephanie Shuttler, began her academic journey with a major in biology, initially considering a career in medicine as a backup to her interest in acting. She discovered her passion for wildlife biology during a study abroad program in Africa, which opened her eyes to the possibility of a career in wildlife conservation. Academic Path: Stephanie pursued her PhD focusing on forest elephants and animal behavior, utilizing non-invasive genetics for her research. After completing her PhD, she undertook...
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4ocean: 40 Million Pounds and Counting - The Impact of 4ocean on Ocean Cleanup Efforts
How To Protect The Ocean
Alex Schulze grew up on a small island on the west coast of Florida, where he developed a passion for the ocean through activities like surfing, diving, and fishing. He initially pursued a degree in ocean engineering but later switched to business management and entrepreneurship after realizing he preferred hands-on work over desk jobs. Inspiration: The idea for 4ocean emerged during a surf trip to Bali, where Alex and his friends were confronted with the stark reality of plastic pollution on the beaches. This experience motivated them to find a way to fund ocean cleanup efforts. Initial...
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Inspiration to Action: How to Make a Difference for the Ocean
How To Protect The Ocean
How to Get Inspired and Follow Your Dreams to Act for the Blue Find Your Inspiration: Look for stories or examples of individuals and organizations making a positive impact on the ocean. For instance, the podcast host shares an inspiring interview with a co-founder of a successful organization that has made a significant global impact. This can motivate you to think about what you can do. Overcome Fear and Self-Doubt: Acknowledge that fear of rejection or failure is common. The host emphasizes that many people hesitate to pursue their dreams due to these fears. It's important to push through...
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She is talking about Oceanography on TikTok and has 98K followers!
How To Protect The Ocean
In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin interviews Dr. Paige Hoel, a recent PhD graduate in coastal eutrophication from UCLA and a popular science communicator on TikTok. With nearly 100,000 followers, Paige has gained recognition for her engaging storytelling about ocean science, particularly focusing on topics like the impacts of human activity on ocean health and the intricacies of coastal ecosystems. Paige shares her journey into oceanography, which began at a young age when she became fascinated by the ocean after watching a documentary about Dr....
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Hurricane Helen: The Impact of Climate Change on Intense Storms
How To Protect The Ocean
In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin addresses the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helen, which has caused significant property damage and claimed 52 lives across the U.S., particularly in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. The discussion centers around the implications of climate change on hurricane intensity and frequency, highlighting how storms are rapidly escalating in size and strength. Andrew also explores the current hurricane categorization system and the possibility of introducing a new category to better reflect the increasing severity of...
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Building Baby Steps: How Small Goals Lead to Big Changes in Ocean Conservation and Climate Action
How To Protect The Ocean
In this episode, we explore an engaging teaching exercise designed to help children understand the concepts of challenge and perseverance. A teacher sets out pieces of paper on the floor, guiding a young boy to give him a high five by stepping only on those papers. As the exercise progresses, the teacher gradually removes pieces of paper, increasing the distance the boy must jump to reach his goal. Each attempt illustrates the importance of overcoming obstacles and adapting to more challenging situations. The moral of the story emphasizes that while goals may become harder to reach,...
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Politics vs. Science: The Troubling Future of Canada's Cod Fishery
How To Protect The Ocean
In this episode, we delve into the ongoing challenges facing the cod fishery in Canada, drawing parallels between the current situation and the historical 1992 moratorium on cod fishing in Newfoundland and Labrador. The discussion highlights how political pressures have repeatedly overridden scientific advice regarding fishing quotas, leading to detrimental outcomes for the cod population. We examine the recent push by fisheries unions and indigenous groups to increase the fishing quota from 15,000 tons to 25,000 tons, and the subsequent decision to raise it only to 18,000 tons despite...
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Beyond Plastics: The Hidden Dangers of Marine Pollution
How To Protect The Ocean
In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin welcomes back Dr. Judith Weis, the author of the newly released second edition of "Marine Pollution: What Everyone Needs to Know." Andrew reflects on his first interview with Judith, marking a decade of discussions on marine pollution. They delve into essential topics surrounding marine pollution, including not just plastic but also toxins, chemicals, and algae that impact ocean health. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the challenges facing our oceans and learn about actionable steps they can take to...
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Crowdfunding Innovating Seagrass Restoration: The Underwater Seed Harvester Project
How To Protect The Ocean
In this episode, we explore the crucial role of seagrass habitats in coastal ecosystems and their importance in combating climate change. Join us as we discuss Project Seagrass and their innovative initiative to create a seed harvester designed to efficiently gather seeds from seagrass meadows. Dr. Richard Unsworth, the chief scientific officer of Project Seagrass, shares insights into the challenges of restoring degraded seagrass habitats and the potential impact of their crowdfunding campaign aimed at developing this essential technology. Discover how you can contribute to the preservation...
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From TikTok to Impact: How Erica Hernandez is Inspiring Change for the Ocean
How To Protect The Ocean
In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin sits down with TikTok personality Erica Hernandez to discuss the power of social media in advocating for ocean conservation. Erica shares her journey over the past two years, highlighting innovative ways to communicate environmental science, climate issues, and wildlife conservation to a broad audience. Listeners will gain insights into effective messaging strategies and be inspired to start their own platforms—whether on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, or through podcasts—to join the movement for a healthier ocean....
info_outlineAndrew Lewin shares insights and advice on pursuing careers in marine science and conservation. Drawing from his own experiences and discussing his daughter's interest in becoming a wildlife biologist, Andrew provides valuable tips for those looking to enter the field.
Tune in to discover practical guidance on navigating the world of marine careers and making a positive impact on ocean conservation.
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Career paths in marine science and conservation offer individuals a diverse range of opportunities to pursue their passion for the ocean. As discussed in the podcast episode, those interested in this field can explore avenues such as government positions, private consulting, and academic roles.
Government Positions:
Government positions were traditionally stable career options in marine science and conservation, providing benefits like job security, pensions, and unionized support. However, the landscape has evolved, with more temporary positions being offered, leading to uncertainty in job continuity.
Private Consulting:
Private consulting in marine science and conservation allows professionals to work on various projects, from environmental assessments to conservation initiatives. While it can offer financial rewards, challenges such as fluctuating project availability and the need to build a client base for sustained work exist.
Academic Roles:
Pursuing an academic career in marine science and conservation involves obtaining advanced degrees like a Master's or Ph.D. and potentially securing a tenure-track position at a university. While academic roles offer the chance to conduct research and teach, the tenure process has become more competitive, requiring individuals to demonstrate academic excellence and secure grants.
Overall, individuals interested in marine science and conservation have the flexibility to choose a career path that aligns with their interests, skills, and lifestyle preferences. Whether working in government, private consulting, or academia, each sector offers unique opportunities and challenges for professionals dedicated to protecting and preserving the ocean.
When pursuing a career in marine science and conservation, it is crucial to consider salary expectations and lifestyle needs. The podcast episode emphasizes the importance of understanding the financial aspects of working in this field. Andrew Lewin discusses how the industry has evolved over the years, highlighting the challenges individuals may face in terms of job stability and income.
Lewin points out that the job market in marine science and conservation can be competitive and difficult to break into. He mentions the varying salary ranges within different sectors of the industry, such as government positions, private consulting firms, and nonprofit organizations. It is essential for individuals to assess their financial requirements and lifestyle preferences before committing to a specific career path.
The episode also touches on the changing nature of government jobs in the field. Lewin explains how government hiring practices have shifted towards temporary positions rather than permanent roles, leading to uncertainty for employees regarding job security. This shift underscores the need for professionals to be aware of the potential risks and challenges associated with different job opportunities.
Furthermore, Lewin discusses the salary disparities that individuals may encounter, especially as they progress in their careers. He emphasizes the importance of advocating for fair compensation and being mindful of one's financial well-being. As individuals advance in their careers, their salary expectations and lifestyle needs may evolve, requiring them to reassess their priorities and make informed decisions about their professional paths.
Overall, the episode underscores the significance of considering salary expectations and lifestyle needs when embarking on a career in marine science and conservation. By being proactive in understanding the financial aspects of the industry and aligning career choices with personal goals, individuals can navigate the challenges and opportunities in the field more effectively.
Balancing work and personal life is a crucial aspect of maintaining overall well-being in the marine science and conservation industry. The episode highlights the passion and enthusiasm that many individuals in this field possess, often leading them to work long hours, volunteer, or take on additional projects out of sheer love for their work. However, this dedication can sometimes lead to burnout if not managed effectively.
The host emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and having downtime outside of work to prevent burnout. While it's common for early career professionals to be willing to work for free or take on extra responsibilities, it's essential to recognize that as professionals, they deserve to be compensated for their expertise and time. The episode also touches on the need to have hobbies and interests outside of work to provide a mental break and prevent work from consuming all aspects of life.
Furthermore, the discussion delves into the various career paths within marine science and conservation, such as government positions, private consulting, nonprofit organizations, and academia. Each sector comes with its own set of challenges and rewards, but regardless of the chosen path, finding a balance between work and personal life is crucial for long-term sustainability and well-being.
The host shares personal experiences and insights into the industry, highlighting the changing landscape of job opportunities and the importance of understanding salary expectations as one progresses in their career. Whether working in academia, consulting, or nonprofit organizations, individuals need to consider their financial commitments, family obligations, and overall lifestyle when making career decisions.
In conclusion, the episode underscores the significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance in the marine science and conservation industry. By prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and engaging in activities outside of work, professionals can prevent burnout, enhance their overall well-being, and sustain a fulfilling career in this field.