Do you find yourself shedding a tear at the sight of marine wildlife suffering due to human impact? Are you keen to be a part of the change in ocean conservation? Have you been trying to kick-start your career in protecting the oceans for years? If so, your dream job just might be in marine conservation. But let's face it, breaking into this field isn't exactly a walk in the park.
Navigating the path to a career in marine conservation can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. That's why I'm here to share my journey with you and offer some insights and advice.
Hey there, I'm Joyce, the Communications Manager at The Reef-World Foundation! If you're as passionate about marine conservation as I am, you're in for a treat. Today, I'm sharing my journey into this fascinating field, and trust me, it's been quite the adventure!
Now, let me start by saying that marine conservation has always been my dream gig. But here's the kicker – I didn't start out as a marine biologist. Nope, not even close! My background is actually a mishmash of law, business administration, communications and marketing. Sounds like an odd mix, right? Well, that's the beauty of it – you don't need a marine biology degree to make waves in marine conservation!
So, let's rewind a bit. More than a decade ago, I took my first stab at breaking into marine conservation while working in Europe. Spoiler alert: it didn't go as planned. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't even land an internship. Talk about a reality check! But did I let that stop me? Big no!
Instead, I kept hustling, building my skills, and exploring different career paths. Fast forward to seven years ago, and I found myself working in the tourism industry in Australia. I was working at the Tourism Bureau for the Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef regions. It gave me the opportunity to work directly in partnerships with marine conservation organisations at different levels – a step closer to my dream. But, as they say, the path to success isn't always smooth sailing.
Along the way, I faced my fair share of challenges – from workplace bullying to sexism. It wasn't easy, but I refused to throw in the towel. I continued to learn, grow and adapt, all while keeping my eyes on the prize.
And then, the moment I'd been waiting for arrived – an opportunity to join The Reef-World Foundation as a Communications Manager. I jumped at the chance and let me tell you, it's been a game-changer!
In my role, I have the freedom to get creative, shape my work and make a real difference in marine conservation every day. Plus, the team at Reef-World – they're nothing but amazing! Supportive, empowering and always ready to take on the next challenge.
Now, if you're thinking about diving into the world of marine conservation, I've got some good news for you. You don't need to fit into any specific mould. Whether you're a marine biologist, a marketing whiz or something in between, there's a place for you in this field. And we need more talented people to get into it and make further impact!
To prove it, let's debunk some common myths about starting a career in marine conservation:
You need to be a marine biologist
While having a background in marine biology can be advantageous for certain roles, there are plenty of opportunities in marine conservation that don’t require a specific degree in marine biology. Various fields like policy studies, communications, marketing, design, finance, individual giving, and more are all needed in marine conservation.
You have to be a scuba diver
Having scuba diving skills can be valuable for some marine conservation roles, but it’s not a requirement for all positions. Many conservation efforts can be conducted from the shore, in laboratories, through policy work, community outreach, research analysis, fundraising and more.
You can only get volunteer positions
Volunteering can indeed be a great way to gain experience in marine conservation, but it’s important to note that it’s not the only path into the field. Many organisations offer paid internships, entry-level positions and career development programs, providing opportunities for individuals to start their careers in marine conservation without initially volunteering. Additionally, marine conservation organisations often seek experienced talent for various positions.
You need to be located near the ocean
Living near the ocean can provide opportunities for fieldwork and direct engagement with marine environments. But, many roles in marine conservation can be conducted remotely or in locations away from the coast. Research, policy development, education, fundraising, marketing, social media and administrative tasks are examples of roles that can be performed from different locations.
You spend your lives on the water
While some marine conservationists may spend significant amounts of time on the water carrying out research work, monitoring marine life or implementing conservation initiatives, not all roles require constant presence on the water. Many professionals in the marine conservation field also work in the offices, labs, classrooms, remotely and within communities.
So there you have it – my journey into marine conservation and some myth-busting to boot! Remember, no matter where you come from or what your background is, there's a place for you in this incredible field. As long as you stay passionate, keep your eyes on the opportunities and never give up. One day you will dive in, make a splash and contribute to marine conservation!
This article is dedicated to all the applicants who have applied to the recent job openings at The Reef-World Foundation (Programmes Manager and Development Manager at Reef-World). We received 240 applications globally. Thank you for your interest and efforts! Additionally, this article is dedicated to those who are trying to break into the marine conservation field.