How do you begin a career in coral reef research? What to do and how to do it after finishing university, or career switching

So you've finished your undergraduate or post-graduate degree, or you're in the midst of a career switch - what are the next steps to becoming a coral reef scientist, and what are the challenges?

Becoming a coral reef researcher requires passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the underwater world. This journey can be challenging for those just graduating from university or making a career switch. This blog post will explore the struggles faced by aspiring coral reef researchers and examine how they navigate to their dream careers.

A steep learning curve

Moving from academic learning to hands-on research can be daunting. While university programmes offer a solid theoretical basis, the practical elements of coral reef research demand a different skill set. Skills like scuba diving proficiency, underwater photography, and the use of specialised data collection equipment are crucial. For those changing careers, learning these skills can be both time-intensive and costly. The costly nature of the skill sets, internships and volunteer opportunities can be deemed classist - but that will be a discussion for another post, another day.

You can gain these skills with:

• Certification Courses: Investing in advanced scuba diving courses and underwater research certifications opens up research and employment opportunities. Most job postings that require underwater data collection require you to have a minimum accreditation of rescue diver and preferably Divemaster. Diving organisations such as PADI , SSI Scuba Schools International , Dive RAID International and NAUI Worldwide provide training in all parts of the world. Some dive centres and organisations offer ‘scuba scholarships’, which fund a lucky candidate to help them achieve the Divemaster level.
• Workshops, Volunteerships and Internships: Participating in fieldwork internships and volunteer opportunities allows you to gain hands-on experience. There are some funded opportunities, such as the Red Sea Project, but many do come with candidate restrictions (often geographic). Funded opportunities are not that common, and there is usually a lot of competition! Most volunteer and internship opportunities cost money, particularly in tropical regions. If you’re lucky enough to live near a coastal area, museum or aquarium, there may be chances to volunteer without any fees. Enquire at your local area to see what opportunities there are.
• Networking: Joining professional organisations and attending conferences to learn from seasoned researchers. Again, this can be costly as conference tickets are often expensive, including the travel to where the conference is held. This should not stop you from networking - sometimes, organisations hold online events that are mostly free! There are also plenty of Facebook and LinkedIn groups that post research openings and early-career opportunities. Check out the Coral Reef Research Hub, we have a wide community of researchers and coral enthusiasts!

Funding and Financial Constraints

Securing funding is one of the most significant hurdles. Research projects, especially those involving fieldwork in remote locations, are expensive. Grants are highly competitive, and early-career researchers often struggle to secure the necessary funds.

Ways of overcoming financial barriers:

• Small Grants: Applying for smaller, less competitive grants will allow you to start building a record. Small grants can help you fund a pilot study, and can also increase your visibility amongst awarding bodies. With more recognition, you are more likely to secure larger grants.
• Crowdfunding: Leveraging social media and crowdfunding platforms to raise awareness and funds. Social media can help your research in many ways - another blog post will explore how else you can leverage social media as a researcher, so make sure to follow The Coral Reef Research Hub so you don’t miss it!

Physical and Mental Demands

Coral reef research is physically demanding if you are working in the field. Fieldwork involves long hours underwater, often in challenging conditions. Research careers often go beyond the 9-5 (particularly if you’re looking at coral spawning!). With this in mind, it’s also beneficial to work on your well-being while working on skills to achieve a career in coral research.

Maintaining Physical and Mental Well-being:

• Fitness Regimen: Not all fields within marine science require you to be in the water. However, having regular exercise is beneficial for your mental and physical well-being. It is stressful to begin a career in marine research due to the worry of finding that one opportunity to get your foot in the door, or finding ways to fund the skills necessary for career progression. To avoid burnout from sending endless applications, CVs and cover letters, it’s good to step away from the computer: stretch, walk, run, swim - anything to give yourself a break! If your desired research path does require fieldwork, such as snorkelling and scuba diving, it is beneficial to continue exercising to improve this important skill.
• Mental Health Support: Seeking support from peers, mentors, and mental health professionals is paramount to achieving a research career after university. Due to the competitiveness and the challenging nature of the journey, it can feel isolating and defeating. While you should not give up, you should make time for your peers who may also be facing a similar situation, or seek the guidance of someone in the field. At the Coral Reef Research Hub, we offer mentoring and networking opportunities to help you seek the guidance needed to navigate your way to your dream career.

Career Uncertainty and Job Market

The job market for coral reef researchers is highly competitive, with limited permanent positions available in academia, government agencies, and NGOs. Many researchers navigate a series of short-term contracts, fellowships, and postdoctoral positions. By diversifying your skillset and knowledge, you are more likely to find a position as you broaden your horizons. Many budding researchers find other employment while finding another position that better suits them. We will be writing another blog post to explore this further, so stay tuned!

Navigating Career Uncertainty:

• Diversifying Skills: Gaining expertise in related fields such as marine biology, ecology, and environmental science can increase your knowledge while opening up more possibilities. There are lots of species within a coral reef, and coral reefs are heavily connected to ocean currents, mangroves and seagrass meadows. Having a wider ecological and biological understanding of a coral reef ecosystem will make you more employable as you deviate from a niche. You can still have your area of expertise, and this will become more apparent as you progress through your career.
• Flexible Career Paths: While your main interest is in coral reef research, your ultimate goal may be conservation. You can still pursue a conservation career through other paths - perhaps you could be a fundraiser, or focus on protected area governance? There are many ways to contribute to conservation and research.
• Continuous Learning: Staying updated with the latest research and technological advancements in marine science will ensure that you have modern and relevant skills for the career you are aspiring for. Marine science, like many fields, is transforming at a rapid rate - artificial intelligence, GIS, remote sensing and much more are now more commonly being used.

Pursuing a career as a coral reef researcher can be challenging yet deeply rewarding. Due to the limited opportunities and the competitiveness of the research and conservation industry, it can be extremely challenging for those who have left university or are in a career switch. Despite the obstacles, there are opportunities for growth and making a meaningful impact. With dedication, resilience, and a deep passion for the underwater world, you can overcome these challenges. However, bear in mind that this career can be financially demanding, requiring a high level of commitment. Despite these potential limitations, the field welcomes passionate conservationists, scientists, and environmentalists. Their significant contributions are crucial to understanding and conserving coral reefs.

Are you pursuing a career in coral reef research? Let us know your struggles and positive moments in the comments!