The term “oceanography” implies study of ocean and marine life. It thus encompasses various related subjects like marine ecosystem, circulation of ocean, physical and chemical properties of ocean and advanced areas like tectonics (study of evolution of rocks that make up the crust of earth), etc. Study of “plates tectonic” that are in earth’s lithosphere is an interesting aspect that can explain several factors relating to movement of earth. There are mainly four branches of oceanography: “physical”, “chemical”, “biological”, and “geological”. All these are quite interesting branches to grasp and offer good career opportunities to students.

Major Job Profiles:

1. Oceanographer: This is the primary and core role of a student who has studied oceanography. They are involved in research and evaluation of any of the above four branches of oceanography. They find jobs in research laboratories, both in the government and private sector. Some of these research institutions are Center for Marine Living Resources, Kerala, Center for Mariner Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi, National Center for Ocean Information, Hyderabad, National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, etc. Researchers on oceanography are engaged in collecting samples from sea floor using specialized instruments & techniques, analysis of these samples for natural and contaminant composition, dissect life forms present in water and evaluate their origin and growth, use various statistical models to predict the future events, amidst others. The jobs are engrossing and intellectually stimulating.

2. Specialized Career: Many oceanography scientists are involved in study of certain unique aspects of oceanography. These include the role of the ocean in different industries / spheres of life like “fishing industry”, “climate & temperature change”, “carbon cycle”, “world environment”, “future likely movements of oceans”, etc. These jobs are unique and need specialized skills.

3. Biological Oceanography: Also known as “marine biology”, this is a unique application of oceanography / biology to understand the origin, evolution, and behavior of various living organisms in the marine environment. These include organisms like the fish, marine mammals, and plants.

4. Consultant: Study of oceanography equips a student with skills and competencies to understand oceans and their impact on various issues related to the environment. There is, thus, a good career for an oceanographer to become an “environmental consultant”. It may not be at the initial stage of the career and may be after speeding a few years in research and getting deeper practical insights.

Educational Qualification:

A graduation degree in oceanography (BSc) is the most suitable qualification for entering into the career path. The other route could be doing a BSc in biological sciences and then completing a master's degree in oceanography. Master’s degree is always preferred in scientific roles. For a highly successful career, students may explore the possibility of doing a doctoral degree. Special certifications in areas like “marine science” or “simulation / advanced statistics” might help to progress in a career.

Needed Competencies:

Majority of jobs in oceanography are research based. Hence a strong sense of analytical ability and problem-solving skills are needed to be successful in such a career. In many such roles, students may have to spend long hours in laboratories analyzing the data. The students, thus, need lots of thinking competencies as well as perseverance. Ability to work in a team and good communication ability, both oral as well as written, are imperative.

Future Outlook:

Dr A K Sen Gupta is the Founder and Convener, Higher Education Forum (HEF). He is former Director of SIES College of Management Studies (SIESCOMS), Navi Mumbai and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s S P Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai. He may be contacted at aksengupta51@gmail.com or 9821128103.