Career in Oceanography: Explore the hidden jewels

Water covers more than 71 per cent of the Earth’s surface and of this, 97 per cent of water is found in the oceans. However, this water is too salty for growing crops, drinking, and most industrial uses other than cooling. But do you know there is a completely different world one can explore within the ocean bodies? Indeed outer space is not the only last frontier when there is so much left unexplored with the ocean floor. Oceanography as a career helps to study seas and the oceans- often called ‘The Blue Heart of the Earth’.

Oceanographers invest their knowledge in studying the contents and surroundings of the ocean enjoying time surveying an unexplored part of the earth. This includes the marine life and their ecosystem, ocean circulation, the physical and chemical properties of the ocean, geology of the seafloor, plate tectonics, and many more.

Similar to any other career, the scope of oceanography knows no limit. If you are keen to explore the unexplored, interested in science, love spending time in the water, and want to make some contribution towards saving the changing ecological balance in the ocean, Oceanography is the right place for you.

Oceanography as a Career in India

Covering a coastline of 7,517 km, The blue economy is considered a subset of India’s national economy. However, concerns arise when it comes to using the resources offered by the oceans in a sustainable manner. An Oceanography graduate can help to overcome such dilemmas and ensure economic growth without harming the coastal ecosystem.

For students willing to explore the Oceanography career opportunities in India, it is important to have a graduate or postgraduate degree in oceanography or related fields like Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Geology, or Marine Science.

Oceanography as a Career Abroad

For students willing to expand their horizons and explore the scope of oceanography beyond India, here are countries you can reach for oceanography career opportunities Abroad and the salary package you can expect.

The salary package one avail depends on several factors, like the country, education, and experience level of the candidate, specialization with any specific stream of oceanography, employer’s reputation and workload and more.

Eligibility

• The candidate must have qualified 10+2 (high school) examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects and anyone from Biology/Computer Science.
• Basic Reading, writing, and speaking English ability is required for communicating the research findings and public speaking.
• Candidate must secure an Undergraduate degree in Oceanography, or a B.Sc degree in Physics/ Chemistry/ Marine Biology along with an Advanced degree/ Master’s in Physical Oceanography/ Chemical Oceanography/ Biological Oceanography/ Geological Oceanography.
• Students interested in teaching in college/university or carrying out higher levels of research can pursue a Ph.D in Oceanography.

Securing a job after completing a course in Oceanography requires thorough research in the field, networking with eminent teams, and acquiring practical experience and passion for the profession.

Today with all the nations around the globe actively taking up projects that can benefit human beings while safeguarding the marine ecosystem, students can opt for a career in oceanography

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to pursue a career in oceanography.

• Obtain the required educational qualifications- Most of the jobs in this field require at least an Undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Oceanography or its related fields like Marine Science, Marine Geology, and Marine Biology.
• Acquire practical experience- This can be done by taking part in internships or volunteering in projects that are ongoing either in the public or private sector domain.
• Work on network building- Develop a good bond with your fellow team members, professors, or colleagues at the internship to seek guidance, job leads, and letters of recommendation.
• Framing the Resume and Cover Letter- Create a highly professional resume and cover letter giving a crisp and clear picture of your educational qualification in the field of Oceanography, relevant coursework, all research projects and internships you have been a part of, and a list of your presentations or publications.

Where to apply for Oceanography as a career?

Qualifying Candidates can apply for jobs in oceanography with government organizations, private agencies, Not-for-Profit organizations, and educational institutions keeping their career goals and preferences in concern.

While Government Agencies are the largest employers in Oceanography when it comes to conducting high-profile research and development, oceanographers employed by the private sector are involved with searching for valuable deep-sea deposits, careful investigation of areas safe for sea farming, evaluating and estimating the natural energy production that can be availed for the tides, waves, and currents.

Today with all the nations around the globe becoming more and more concerned with environmental issues and actively taking up projects that can benefit human beings while safeguarding the marine ecosystem, opting for oceanography as a career seems worth it.