Exploring Ocean Careers

An online course on marine occupations

This course is for people who are interested in pursing education and employment in a marine science or technology field.  In this course, students explore and evaluate ocean careers, develop a career plan, create a resume, and learn to find employment opportunities in the ocean workforce.  The basis for this course is the website OceanCareers.com, which offers a wealth of career information and resources on the marine industry.  The course draws upon other valuable resources, which can be found on the U.S. Department of Labor's website and many other websites.

  • Explore and evaluate the job opportunities available in marine science and technology and more
  • Decide which careers might be right for you
  • Determine what skills and education you need to pursue your career goals
  • Create a plan to acquire the skills and education you need
  • Learn more from people working in fields that interest you
  • Develop a resume geared toward target employers
  • Search for and identify job openings in your chosen field
  • Begin contacting potential employers to learn more about their hiring needs and priorities
  • Conduct an informational interview with a potential employer
  • Develop a five year plan to reach your goals
     

 Course Outline

Section 1
Introduction to Ocean Careers
Chapter 1 What is an Ocean Career? What would an Ocean Career have to offer me?
Chapter 2 What are my personal goals and preferences?
Section 2
Exploring Ocean Careers
Chapter 3 Working on ships or in the shipping industry
Chapter 4 Working in an ocean science related job
Chapter 5 Designing, building or maintaining equipment, ships or structures
Chapter 6 Protecting the marine environment
Chapter 7 working with animals
Chapter 8 Working with law enforucement, regulation, national security, or defense
Chapter 9 Teacching or sharing information with others
Chapter 10 Working with seagoing transportation of cargo or passengers
Chapter 11 Careers in energy or mineral research, exploration and extraction
Section 3
Preparing for an Ocean Career
Chapter 12 What skills and education will I need?  How can I get those skills and education?
Chapter 13 Entering the workforce