Careers in Marine Mammal Science and Industry: Building Skills for the Blue Economy

Event Overview and Objectives

This collaborative webinar between the IMarEST Marine Mammal Special Interest Group (MMSIG) and Blue-jobs is designed to inspire and guide individuals seeking meaningful careers in marine mammal science and industry. Aligned with Blue-jobs’ mission to connect professionals with opportunities in the blue economy, the event will:

Capacity Building: Equip participants with essential skills and knowledge for impactful careers in marine science and conservation.
Promoting Blue-skills: Highlight key competencies and emerging opportunities in marine mammal conservation.
Fostering Global Collaboration: Strengthen international networks and ensure equitable access to career pathways in the blue economy.

Facilitator: Blue-jobs Founders Celia and Patricia will chair the session and introduce the work of their organisation and the importance of blue economy skills.

Speakers: IMarEST MMSIG members Niru Dorrian, Liz Ferguson, and Ashley Noseworthy will deliver engaging 10-minute presentations followed by a panel Q&A session.

Webinar Key Topics:

Introduction to Careers in Marine Mammal Science:
- Overview of career opportunities in marine mammal science.
- Insights into professional institutes like IMarEST and their relevance to career growth.
Professional Accreditation:
- Importance of accreditation for career development.
- Step-by-step guidance to achieve professional accreditation.
Graduate Pathways:
- Overview of graduate support programmes by institutes like IMarEST.
- Guidance on CV and LinkedIn profile building to enhance visibility and networking.
Approaching Employers Online:
- Strategies for connecting with potential employers in the marine sector.
- Best practices for effective online networking.
IMarEST Marine Mammal Careers Matrix:
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Short Courses:
- The role of CPD in career progression.
- Short courses and guidance on selecting the right ones.
Internships and Volunteering:
- Tips on finding and applying for internships.
- How volunteering can provide valuable career experience and growth.

Proposed Outcomes

Increased awareness of career opportunities in marine mammal conservation and the blue economy.
Strengthened understanding of professional development pathways and accreditation.
Enhanced global engagement and networking among participants and stakeholders.

This webinar is an excellent opportunity to connect a global audience with inspiring experts and actionable insights for careers in marine mammal science.