College applications start to loom as early as middle school these days, and everything swirls around this identity-defining question: what do you want to be when you grow up? The best answer should come from who you really are—and as you look into marine biology camps, perhaps you’ll discover that inside of you there is a marine biologist just waiting to emerge. What Does a Marine Biologist Do? The job of a marine biologist varies largely depending on their particular specialization. Some marine biologists study the migratory patterns of dolphins, while others spend years exploring the particle makeup of a particular stretch of ocean. It involves a combination of interaction with and observation of the real world, of living organisms and their habitats. It also requires plenty of data collection, which includes writing down your observations and taking samples. Why Do They Do What They Do? The purpose of a marine biologist is manifold. On the one hand, their goal is to learn and understand the ocean and its inhabitants. That understanding empowers conservation efforts, responsible commerce, and educating the public on their expertise. More recently, marine biologists have been conducting studies to understand how warming patterns are affecting marine life. How Do I Become One? It helps immensely if you already live near the ocean, but if you don’t, then spending time around lakes and streams is just as helpful. Focus on taking as many science courses that you can before college, and try to find an undergraduate biology program that specifically caters to marine biology. This field requires at least a Master’s degree, so you should expect a few extra years of education. It's an immensely rewarding career path for anyone who loves the ocean, science, and the natural world. You may consider attending or sending your child to attend marine biology camps that allow the students to get first-hand experience in what the field is like.
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