Oceanographers: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview Oceanography is a new science which involves the study of oceans. Experiments, surveys and observations on the ocean are done by oceanographers to obtain information. Biological oceanographer or marine biologists, physical oceanographers, chemical oceanographers or marine geochemists and geological oceanographers are four types of oceanographers which handle study on different aspects about oceans.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
Science and Math courses like Chemistry, Geology, Biology, Statistics, Algebra and Trigonometry will help people understand oceanography when taking it up nearly in college. English class is important since it will not just improve how one can communicate with people, but it will enhance writing and documentation skills. In college, majoring in Science course is preferable. These courses should include laboratory work and field research, which enhance skills of a person. Marine studies are offered in different colleges and universities where applicants can take graduate programs to obtain a Doctoral degree. To have a professional experience in the field of oceanography, most students join internships or apply as a teaching assistant while in college.
Skills and Abilities
Strong background and interest in Science are needed by a person to be motivated in pursuing a career in oceanography. Aspiring oceanographers should have a wide interest in activities involving nature. They should also have interest outdoor and water activities like fishing, boating, hunting, animal care and swimming. Since the study will be conducted in waters, they should know how to swim to be able to gather information needed underwater. Since most of their work involves reporting and analyzing information, they should know how to communicate and write effectively.
Duties
It is the duty of an oceanographer to gather data and make observations. They study the underwater life with the help of inventions and modern oceanography practices like bathysphere, deep-sea diving gear and scuba suits and diving.
Oceanographers study about sea life, sea and air interaction in weather forecasting. They also study on how to improve ways to derive food from the sea, solve sea mining problems, predict and prevent pollution.
Earnings and Job Outlook
Aside from their exciting work under the water, oceanographers are privileged earning at the same time. The factors which determine their salary are experience, chosen discipline and education. Some oceanographers who just graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Geology and Geological Science are offered $32,828 as starting salary. Those with Master’s degree can start with a median salary of $47,981 while those with the Doctoral degree start at $61,050. The salary of an oceanographer can range from $39,420 up to more than $132,290 with an average income of $71,640. They are also compensated with benefits like retirement plan and health insurance. Job opportunities in this field is expected to increase in the future because of climate change . Technology in analyzing and collecting data is more advanced which creates more interest for those who enjoy seas and oceans.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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Word Count: 514 Date: Mon, 1 Nov 2010 Time: 6:37 AM
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