Marine Biologist

Joestajkowski · Jul 13, 2020

Hello,

I currently have a Bachelors Degree in Human Resources and a full time job. I am seriously considering going back to school to follow my dreams and pursue a career in Marine Biology. I was wondering if there may be any current Marine Biologists or someone who is currently enrolled in a program here on R2R that may be willing to offer some advice or answer some questions.

Thanks in advance,

Joe

Bryn · Jul 13, 2020

Welcome to R2R.

LRT · Jul 13, 2020

Hi and welcome to R2R.

Dilan Patel · Jul 13, 2020

Im actually attending university of alabama double majoring in Marine Bio/Biology. One of the perks to their program is sending a summer at dauphin island where you work hands on in the laboratory. I am now just starting to take some of the funner classes lol.

MightyMO · Jul 13, 2020

Welcome to Reef2reef!!! Good luck with that education!

ReeferWarrant · Jul 13, 2020

I'm actually debating doing this as well. Im about to retire from the Army and have my GI Bill completely untouched. Interested in following this thread.

Mr_Knightley · Jul 13, 2020

Hey there! I'm also planning on getting my education in marine biology, what a coincidence! Though that's years away for me now.
Good luck and God bless!

Peace River · Jul 13, 2020

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!! We're glad you're here!

LRT · Jul 13, 2020

Dilan Patel said:
Im actually attending university of alabama double majoring in Marine Bio/Biology. One of the perks to their program is sending a summer at dauphin island where you work hands on in the laboratory. I am now just starting to take some of the funner classes lol.

Well I know who to bug about biology stuff now

jack_aubry · Jul 13, 2020

I guess I could be called a marine biologist. I have my PhD in marine biology and I am currently working as a scientist. There are so many specialties in bio that I think of myself as a bioinformatician/evolutionary biologist that happens to work on marine systems. I would be happy to answer any questions I can.

Hydrored · Jul 13, 2020

Welcome!

Joestajkowski · Jul 13, 2020

Dilan Patel said:
Im actually attending university of alabama double majoring in Marine Bio/Biology. One of the perks to their program is sending a summer at dauphin island where you work hands on in the laboratory. I am now just starting to take some of the funner classes lol.

awesome! Are you planning on specializing in any particular area after school?

King Turkey · Jul 13, 2020

Practice. Read books. Think about what area of interest you want to focus on. Practice. Read more books. Think about your current knowledge-based and expand on it is a great way to get ahead and further your enjoyment of biology. I first graduated as a music teacher and realized biology is my thing.

Joestajkowski · Jul 13, 2020

jack_aubry said:
I guess I could be called a marine biologist. I have my PhD in marine biology and I am currently working as a scientist. There are so many specialties in bio that I think of myself as a bioinformatician/evolutionary biologist that happens to work on marine systems. I would be happy to answer any questions I can.

Thank you! Very early in my research phase but looking for a starting point because as you said, there are so many specialties. The hobby has helped me uncover just how fascinated I am with marine life. I truly enjoy testing water chemistry, dialing in dosing, monitoring coral and fish behavior, uncovering why things are happening, etc. and doing this for a living would be a dream. So again, looking for a place to start in making the dream a reality.

Joestajkowski · Jul 13, 2020

crabcore said:
Practice. Read books. Think about what area of interest you want to focus on. Practice. Read more books. Think about your current knowledge-based and expand on it is a great way to get ahead and further your enjoyment of biology. I first graduated as a music teacher and realized biology is my thing.

So glad you said that. That you started in a different field then followed your passion into biology. Did you go back to school? Assuming this would be required.

King Turkey · Jul 13, 2020

Joestajkowski said:
So glad you said that. That you started in a different field then followed your passion into biology. Did you go back to school? Assuming this would be required.

Yes I did in oregon. I was frusterated with myself at first but grew accustomed to the change and accepted that it truly was a great choice. I gave myself a hard time for going back to school but I am alot happier now. If biology is your thing and rely want it do it don't hold your self back.

Dilan Patel · Jul 13, 2020

Joestajkowski said:
awesome! Are you planning on specializing in any particular area after school?

As of right now I haven't thought about it yet. Im still trying to take classes that would expose me to some of the field research so I can then narrow down what I should do.

Cell · Jul 13, 2020

Welcome to R2R!

Joestajkowski · Jul 13, 2020

crabcore said:
Yes I did in oregon. I was frusterated with myself at first but grew accustomed to the change and accepted that it truly was a great choice. I gave myself a hard time for going back to school but I am alot happier now. If biology is your thing and rely want it do it don't hold your self back.

I can see that and that is definitely a current mental roadblock for me. Anticipating the frustration of knowing I’ve already done this once and graduated and now I’m starting again. Did you keep working your current full time job when you went back to school?