Graduating with a degree in marine science can feel like a massive accomplishment—and it is! But if you're struggling to land a job you’re excited about, you’re not alone. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when the hard work doesn’t end after graduation but instead shifts gears into job applications, networking, and skill-building. The first job is often the hardest to land, but there are ways to strengthen your CV and stand out from the crowd.
Here are five strategies to help you build your CV after graduation and set yourself on a path toward the career you’re passionate about.
1. The "Wrong" Job
Don’t dismiss opportunities just because they’re not exactly what you envisioned. Any job—even one outside the marine science field—demonstrates that an employer trusted you enough to take a chance. This builds your credibility and helps future employers see you as a safer bet. Every role also comes with transferable skills, like teamwork, communication, or project management, which can add value to your marine science CV.
If you’re in a job that feels like a detour, take time to reflect. What skills are you gaining? What gaps in your CV might this role help you fill? Think of your career as a series of small, deliberate steps rather than a single leap into your dream job.
2. Volunteering
If you can’t commit to long-term unpaid work, seek out volunteer roles that are manageable and sustainable alongside other responsibilities. Even a few hours a week or one day a month can add up over time and contribute to valuable skills development. Look for local wildlife or science organizations with established volunteer programs.
Reliability is key here—don’t overcommit. Start small, focus on roles that match your goals, and build from there. Consistency in volunteering can signal to employers your dedication and passion for the field.
3. Citizen Science
Citizen science projects are an excellent way to develop skills, gain experience, and show your enthusiasm for marine science beyond the academic setting. Employers want to know that you’re motivated and curious even without deadlines or grades to push you forward. Choose a project—like wildlife record-keeping, water quality monitoring, or birdwatching—and commit to it.
These projects don’t need to be flashy; instead, aim for consistency and independence. Spending time in the field on your own will inevitably present challenges you’ll need to overcome, and those experiences can serve as great examples in a skills-based CV.
4. Joining Scientific Societies
Scientific societies often provide valuable resources for recent graduates, including mentorship programs, networking events, and access to professional development tools. While memberships can be costly, they can be worthwhile if you fully engage with what they offer. Read the publications, attend events, and look for ways to contribute, such as writing for their newsletter or taking on a leadership role within the society.
Many societies also have tiered membership options, such as “associate” or “graduate” levels, with clear criteria for advancing. Use these as a guide to identify skills you’ll need to develop for future growth and professional recognition.
5. Building a Portfolio
If certain skills are missing from your CV—like report writing or data analysis—consider creating a portfolio. This allows you to showcase your capabilities proactively, even if you don’t yet have formal job experience in those areas.
For example, you might take an online course on data visualization or report writing and apply what you’ve learned to a project of your own. You could use publicly available wildlife or environmental data to write mock reports or create analyses. Platforms like Datacamp and other online learning resources can also help you gain skills that are highly sought after in marine science roles.
Portfolios can provide tangible proof of your ability and initiative, making you a more attractive candidate to employers who might otherwise hesitate to take a chance on a recent graduate.
The Path Forward
Building a marine science career after graduation often requires patience, creativity, and determination. It’s normal to feel uncertain at this stage, but every step you take—whether it’s volunteering, contributing to a citizen science project, or building a portfolio—brings you closer to your goals.
Remember, career paths are rarely linear. Your "dream job" might not come immediately, but each experience adds a piece to the puzzle. With time, effort, and adaptability, you’ll build a career that’s as fulfilling as the marine world you’re passionate about exploring.
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