How to Prepare for a Career as an Oceanographer

Marine biologists who study plant and animal life in the ocean are what most people think of as oceanographers, but there are a lot of other areas to work in the field of oceanography. Water covers nearly three-fourths of the earth, and oceanographers study the ocean floor, chemicals and characteristics of the ocean as well as the plants and animals. Whatever branch of oceanography you decide to pursue, there are certain things you need to do to prepare for your profession.

Instructions

1. Build a strong background in math, science and physics. Earn the highest grades you can. Be sure your math classes include differential equations and statistics. Biology, chemistry, physics, computer science and a foreign language are also important. In fact, learn as many foreign languages as you can so you can communicate with people from around the world you'll meet. Oceanographers spend most of their time traveling.

2. Visit ports, harbors and any location on the ocean to become familiar with it. Travel on ships to get used to being on the water--people with careers in oceanography spend long periods of time on ships. Read "National Geographic," "Nature" and "New Scientist" to learn everything you can about oceanography. Swim and participate in other sports. Take up diving and other water activities.

3. Volunteer at a oceanography research lab or join an environmental group that cleans ocean shores or protects ocean plants and animals. Attend lectures on the ocean and book signings by oceanographers. The more contact you have with people involved in oceanography, the more job prospects you'll have in the future.

4. Take advantage of academic resources. Go to your local library and check out "Curricula in the Atmospheric, Oceanic and Related Sciences." Write to the American Meteorological Society, 45 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02108 to ask for other available information on oceanography courses.

5. Plan to earn a Bachelor of Science in math, physics, chemistry, biology, geology, naval engineering or oceanography along with a Master's degree in oceanography. People with the highest grades in these programs get the jobs.

Tips & Warnings

• Expect to move around a lot. Most oceanographers have short contracts of five years or less, so they change jobs often.