How to become a marine biogeochemist

Is becoming a marine biogeochemist right for me?

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Overview
What do marine biogeochemists do?

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How to become a Marine Biogeochemist

Becoming a marine biogeochemist typically involves a combination of education, practical experience, and specialized training. Here’s an outline of the pathway to the career:

High School Diploma or Equivalent
Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. High school education provides a foundation in basic communication and math and organizational skills, and it lays the groundwork for further learning.

Bachelor's Degree
A relevant bachelor's degree is typically the minimum educational requirement for entry-level positions in marine biogeochemistry. Common majors include marine science, oceanography, environmental science, geology, biology, or chemistry.

Educational programs in marine science or related fields often include coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, geology, mathematics, and environmental science. Additionally, specialized courses in marine biogeochemistry, chemical oceanography, microbial ecology, and data analysis are beneficial for developing expertise in the field.

Field Experience
Seek opportunities to gain hands-on research experience through internships, volunteer positions, or research assistantships in laboratories or field settings.

Technical Skills
Acquire technical skills relevant to biogeochemical research, including laboratory techniques (e.g., chemical analysis, microscopy, molecular biology), fieldwork skills (e.g., sample collection, environmental monitoring), and data analysis methods (e.g., statistical analysis, modeling, geographic information systems - GIS).

Graduate Degree / Post-Graduate Opportunities
Most marine biogeochemists pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in one of the disciplines referenced in the Bachelor’s Degree section above. These graduate level programs provide advanced training in biogeochemical processes, independent research methods, and data analysis techniques. They offer opportunities for specialization in specific areas of marine biogeochemistry and prepare students for academic and research leadership positions.

After earning their master’s or Ph.D., graduates may pursue a fellowship or postdoctoral position. These are temporary positions that allow graduates to continue their training as a researcher and gain skills and experience that will further prepare them for an academic career. Generally, fellowships and postdocs come from three sources: colleges and universities, government agencies, and foundations. However, some may be available in private industry.

Specialization
Marine biogeochemistry is a broad and interdisciplinary field, with many areas of specialization. For a complete summary of specializations in the field, please refer to the What does a Marine Biogeochemist do? section in the career overview. Specialization typically involves taking advanced coursework, conducting research in specialized labs, and pursuing opportunities for fieldwork and professional development in the chosen area of interest.

Networking, Collaboration, and Continuing Education
Build professional relationships with other biogeochemists, researchers, and professionals in related fields. Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to network with colleagues and stay informed about current issues, research findings, and developments in marine biogeochemistry. Lifelong learning is essential for staying competitive in the field.

Certifications and Professional Organizations
While there aren't specific certifications exclusively for marine biogeochemists, there are certifications and professional designations related to environmental science, chemistry, biology, and other fields that may be relevant for marine biogeochemists depending on their specific area of focus and career goals. Here’s a sampling:

  • Certified Professional Geologist (CPG) – Offered by the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG, the CPG designation is for geologists who meet education and work experience requirements. While primarily focused on geology, this certification may be relevant for biogeochemists specializing in areas such as marine geology.
  • Certified Environmental Professional (CEP) – Offered by the Academy of Board Certified Environmental Professionals (ABCEP), the CEP designation is for environmental professionals with significant education and experience in the field. Marine biogeochemists working in environmental consulting, regulatory compliance, or other areas may find this certification beneficial.
  • Certified Environmental Scientist (CES) – Offered by the National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP), the CES designation is for environmental professionals with education and experience in areas such as environmental science, biology, chemistry, or related disciplines. Biogeochemists working in marine environmental assessment, remediation, or management may find this certification relevant.
  • Certified GIS Professional (GISP) – The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is a non-profit organization that promotes the advancement of proficient Geographic Information Systems (GIS) professionals. It awards the Certified GIS Professional (GISP) credential, which can be valuable for biogeochemists whose work involves mapping marine ecosystems.
  • Research Methodology and Statistics – Proficiency in statistical analysis software is crucial for analyzing marine ecological data. Certifications for software like R or SAS can demonstrate a strong foundation in statistical methods.
  • Scuba Diving Certification – The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) awards a range of certifications, for beginners, divers, and divemasters and instructors. These credentials may be of interest to marine biogeochemists involved in underwater research.
  • Leadership and Management Certifications – For marine biogeochemists involved in research project management, there are several certifications available, such as the Certified Manager (CM) certification offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM) or the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

In addition to these certifying bodies, the following organizations also support the marine biogeochemistry community, providing advocacy, access to resources, and platforms for networking, information exchange and collaboration, and continuing education and professional development:

  • American Geophysical Union (AGU)
  • Geological Society of America (GSA)
  • Ecological Society of America (ESA)
  • The Oceanography Society (TOS)
  • Geochemical Society
  • Biogeography Specialty Group (BSG) – American Association of Geographers (AAG)
  • International Society for Environmental Biogeochemistry (ISEB)
  • European Geosciences Union (EGU)
  • International Society of Chemical Ecology (ISCE)
  • Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO)
  • American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS)
  • International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC)
  • International Coral Reef Society (ICRS)
  • Marine Technology Society (MTS)
  • World Association of Marine Stations (WAMS)
  • Society for Conservation Biology (SCB)
  • International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
  • Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC)