Oceanography About

Oceanography has emerged as one of the demanding fields, especially, with the advancement of technology. The knowledge and skills gained upon pursuing degree courses after 12th Science in this field are used to attain the information on the deepest parts of the ocean and sea. Due to this, there exists a vast scope in the industry, study, and research. To understand this in detail, here is a blog that will shed light on various components related to starting a career in Oceanography!

An oceanographer is a type of scientist that specialises in studying the ocean. Because the seas are such a vast environment, oceanographic science must be equally vast. Oceanographers study all aspects of the ocean, including the chemistry of ocean water, the geology of the ocean, the physical motions of the ocean water, and even the life that lives in the ocean. As people have spread around the globe, our effect on the seas is putting a strain on their capacity to function regularly. Healthy seas are critical to the planet’s long-term health. Oceanographers are among the most influential climate experts in the battle against climate change, overpopulation, and overfishing.

Oceanography
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Career Roles & Responsibilities
  • plan and carry out research expeditions
  • spend time at sea collecting samples and data from the sea floor using specialised equipment and techniques
  • analyse samples for natural and contaminant composition
  • look at life forms and matter, such as trace metals, present in sea water
  • perform simulations of ocean phenomena using computer or mathematical models
  • use statistical models of laboratory and field data to investigate hypotheses and make predictions
  • analyse and interpret data from samples, measurements and remote sensing aids
  • attend conferences and go on research cruises
  • submit proposals to obtain research funding
  • write reports and papers on research activities and findings
  • lecture to university classes and lead field trips.
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Career Education Path Summary

Oceanographers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree for most entry-level positions. A geosciences degree is generally preferred by employers, although some oceanographers begin their careers with degrees in environmental science or engineering. Some oceanographer jobs require a master’s degree.

Discover some of the courses you will take pursuing a degree in Geology or Environmental Science.

Watch this video to learn more from our oceanographer role models:

Your career development is largely self-directed and may involve you having to move to other jobs around the UK and abroad. You could progress to senior scientist and then on to lead a team where you'll take on more responsibility for contract and project management. Seniority depends on the publication of research papers and having a range of experience.

If working in academia, you may combine departmental responsibilities with your own research. In a small profession like this, you need to network and build a reputation. You also need to acquire new skills and assimilate new knowledge quickly. It may be necessary to get involved in fields other than your own specialism, especially as many contracts and projects are fixed term. The key is your ability to adjust to changes of emphasis in scientific focus and funding.

If you're based in private industry and consultancy, your career prospects will often be dependent on wider economic and political factors in the energy sector, particularly oil.

Further studies at Masters or Doctorate level are often vital for career progression.

Similar Careers
  • Typical starting salaries for oceanographers range from £18,000 to £25,000 depending on your qualifications and experience.
  • You could progress to a salary of £38,000 to £45,000 with substantial experience, depending on the organisation and type of project.
  • Lecturers with the right combination of qualifications and experience can earn up to around £60,000.
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Career Pros Details
  • You get to spend a lot of time learning and observing marine animals.
  • You may find/learn something new that will improve the ocean and society.
  • Very adventurous, never a boring day being an Oceanographer.
  • The pay for going into the career is really good.

 

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Career Cons Details

Funding Scarcity

Funding is an issue for many oceanographers. Many rely on outside sources to fund research projects, which means they must spend a significant amount of time writing proposals and project updates to obtain funding and keep the money coming in throughout the project. This is true of oceanographers who work with research groups as well as those who teach in between research projects. Some positions might offer a steady salary, but many have salaries based on existing funding.

Education Requirements

It takes a significant amount of education to qualify as an oceanographer. A bachelor's degree isn't sufficient; instead, you must earn at least a master's degree, and often a doctorate. The oceanography college course load is heavy in math and science, including chemistry. Considering it takes four years to earn a bachelor's, two more for a master's and often six or more years to earn a doctorate, you're looking at a minimum of 12 years in college before you're qualified for many oceanography jobs with a reasonable oceanography salary, according to American Geosciences Institute.

Required Travel

Depending on your area of oceanography research, you might spend much of your time traveling around the world gathering data. Some research requires you to observe the same area over a period of time, while other types mean you must take samples from hundreds of locations and compare them. You could spend months in remote locations or on boats while you collect data. You might even run into risky situations or creatures, says EnvironmentalScience.org. When you're not performing field research, you're compiling the data where your office is located. Such a significant amount of travel often makes it difficult to maintain relationships and keep in touch with family and friends.

Schedule Complications

As an oceanographer, you're not always in control of your schedule. You must conduct field research when the conditions are right, regardless if the time is convenient for you. To complete your research projects, you might have to return to the field to gather more data unexpectedly. This is often compounded by tight deadlines imposed by funders; they want to see results from their investments within specific time frames.

  • excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for working with teams and reporting findings
  • knowledge and experience of the marine environment
  • good computer literacy and some experience of computational and mathematical modelling
  • data analysis skills
  • good observational skills and attention to detail for analysing samples
  • determination, perseverance and problem-solving skills, while working away at sea and when carrying out experiments
  • a flexible approach to work
  • the ability to work well both in a team and alone
  • team project experience as you may be planning and carrying out research assignments
  • openness to ideas and concepts of scientific disciplines other than your own.
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