Strategies for Success: Strategies for Success: Preparing for a CareerPreparing for a Career

in ocean science and technologyin ocean science and technologyDeidre Sullivan

DirectorMarine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center

www.marinetech.org

Outline of PresentationOutline of Presentation• MATE Center

• Who am I?

• Trends in the Marine Economy, Science and Technology

• Realities of Career Advice

• Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes for Success

• Barriers to Success

• www.OceanCareers.com2

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1. Workforce Research2. Underwater Robotics Competitions3. Faculty Education4. At-Sea Internships5. Curriculum & Textbook

Development6. Career Awareness

The MATE Center Mission:The MATE Center Mission:Working to improve marine technical Working to improve marine technical education and prepare the ocean workforce.education and prepare the ocean workforce.

Deidre SullivanDeidre Sullivan• Owner of Video Production Company• Scuba Instructor for Club Med• Camp Director• Christmas Tree Lot Manager• Zoo Tour Guide• Kelp, Fish and Lettuce Farmer• Retail Store Manager• Cocktail Waitress• Scientist/Seafloor Habitat Mapper• College & University Instructor• Director of the MATE Center• Philanthropist, Saxophonist or Japanese Fish Printer

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The Marine EconomyThe Marine Economy National Security/Defense Transportation and Commerce Energy and Exploration Activities Telecommunications Recreation and Tourism Fisheries and Aquaculture Search & Recovery Operations Nautical/Underwater Archeology Government Assessment and Regulation Scientific/Medical Research Education and the Arts

Ocean DevelopmentsOcean Developments

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Working deeperLong-term observations/climate changeRenewable energy and food• Drilling for oil in unprecedented depths• Ocean observing systems • Offshore wind and wave energy installations• Offshore fish aquaculture• Marine safety and health concerns• Environmental protection (storms/sea level)

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Trends in TechnologyTrends in Technology Increased use of Remote Sensing

Atmosphere, Land, Sea Surface, Sea Floor, Mid- Ocean

Increased use of MiniaturizationCheaper, lighter, (ROVs, AUVs, GPS, Animal Tags)

Increased use of Computer Processing PowerSmarter equipment, data streamsHigher level data products, 3-D Sonars

Increased use of Molecular BiologySpecies identification, phylogeny

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• Green algae for biofuel• Tank-raised bluefin tuna• Fish friendly tidal turbine• Google’s floating data center

Time’s Best Inventions of 2008-9Time’s Best Inventions of 2008-9

And the public is participating: Crowd SourcingAnd the public is participating: Crowd Sourcing

Students are not being adequately Students are not being adequately prepared for ocean occupations prepared for ocean occupations

• Most students don’t receive adequate career guidance

• Many education programs are not keeping up with changes in research & industry

• Problem solving and creativity are limited

• Students and educators are unaware of many ocean occupations because many are not classified by the Department of Labor

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Occupations Difficult to Fill in IndustryOccupations Difficult to Fill in Industry• Electronics Technician• Software Engineer• Electrical Engineer• Mechanical Engineer• Engineers/Scientist with acoustic backgrounds• UW Vehicle Pilot / Tech• Computer Programmer/Scientist• Project / Program Manager• Diver• Machinist / Welder• Ship Officer / Crew

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There is a widespread need for employees with a broad There is a widespread need for employees with a broad range of knowledge and skillsrange of knowledge and skills

Interdisciplinary

• Engineering (EE & ME) + physical oceanography

• Computer science + physical oceanography

• Marine biology + physics

• Marine biology + math/modeling

Science + technology

• Oceanography + electronics

• Oceanography + high performance computing

• Oceanography + remote sensing

• Marine resource management + GIS

• Geology + software development

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Comparison of Salary Ranges Across Sectors

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Occupations Overall AcademiaFederal

AgenciesIndustry

Bureau of Labor

Statistics

AnnualSalary

Range

Annual Salary Annual Salary Annual Salary Annual Salary

Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max

Biologist$35K - $150K

$35K $150K $38K $149K $40K $135K $35K $90K

Software Engineer

$26K - $150K

$30K $125K $26K $149K $60K $150K $40K $131K

Electrical Engineer

$32K - $150K

$40K $100K $32K $128K $50K $150k $51K $121K

Oceanographer$32K - $150K

$35K $150K $32K $149K $40K $135K $41K $144K

Electronics Technician

$25K - $125K

$25K $80K $26K $101K $45K $125K $27K $76K

Underwater Vehicle Technician

$40K - $125K

$40K $90K n/a n/a $50K $125K n/a n/a

High starting salaries in Industry

Barriers to SuccessBarriers to SuccessOutliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

Barriers to At-Sea Internship Participation• Being on a Boat• Sleeping in a strange place• Eating different foods• Not knowing how to swim• Being afraid of being asked something you don’t

know how to do• Being away from family, friends, cell phone…

• Attitude