Hello everyone, I am new to the forum and looking for some career advice. I am interested in working in marine mammal rescue such as seal rescue in the UK and even work abroad, I currently work at a veterinary practice as an assistant and have attended the British divers marine mammal medic course. I am looking into attending a biology degree with the open university (do you think this will be suitable for the sector I want to work in? as it would allow me to work and study or would a more specialized degree be needed?) Any other advice would be much appreciated Thanks everyone.
I don't know much about the education required, but if you can, I bet it would help a lot to volunteer with a marine mammal rescue. Having hands-on experience is valued in any field and I'm sure your nearest marine mammal rescues are more than happy to take volunteers. You can also look into volunteering for a zoo or aquarium with marine mammals. This could potentially get you some experience caring for and working with marine mammals, skills that would easily translate into working for a rescue group. Rescues and aquariums may offer internships as well.
There is a place called the Marine Mammal Center in Marin, California that rescues marine mammals along the coast. They work primarily with pinnipeds (harbor seals, sea lions, elephant seals, fur seals), but I think might help rescue dolphins sometimes also. Their website has some information on volunteering and jobs. Maybe you could find some people there to informationally interview and possibly find contacts through them to interview even more people and look for internship opportunities? Good luck. It sounds like you are asking the right questions that will lead you to the right people and opportunities to find your path. The Marine Mammal Center : Home
Voluntary work is often a way into conservation not just for building much needed actual hands on experience (degrees are good, but theory alone isn't going to land you a job in a practical enterprise - at least not very easily); but also for building up a network of contacts - as often its not what but who you know as to how you can get your foot in the door. Having an upbeat and positive and keen attitude whilst volunteering and being forward with taking part also helps a lot and gives you a strong reference as well. Note you also want to look at other practical courses or certifications that could be of use to you in this field - I can't suggest any (I prefer my legs on dry ground) but I'm sure there's a slew of diving certifications; machine/tool use; methods etc... that will have short courses or training certificates you can work toward. Not only bolstering your CV but meaning that to ap otential employer you've got skills already to use not just someone who has to be trained up (even if you're inexperenced)
Provided that the 2nd and 3rd year options are focused on marine topics and content yes it should suit. If you bolster that with voluntary and practical skills as well you should be good. The key with any degree is to look at the last years subject choices and see what the focus is because each uni will be different and most will have a general focus depending on the nature of the site and the research that goes on there. Furthermore a uni with a strong marine focus will generally have lecturers with more contacts in that market sector which is a bonus for your networking.
