June 2025

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June 2025 | Oceanography

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What did your oceanographic education (or academic

career) give you that is useful in your current job?

My academic training provided me with a strong foundation in

observational oceanography, along with technical skills in sci­

entific writing, data analysis, and project management. Equally

important were the practical and soft skills I developed, such

as public speaking, networking, and communicating science to

diverse audiences—all of which are crucial in my current role.

Is there any course or other training you would have

liked to have had as part of your graduate education to

meet the demands of the job market?

While my education thoroughly prepared me for the scientific

aspects of the job, I would have benefited from formal train­

ing in project management, leadership, and public engagement.

These skills are essential for coordinating large-scale initiatives,

managing teams, and effectively communicating ocean science

beyond academia.

Is the job satisfying? What aspects of the job do

you like best/least?

Absolutely. As an early career ocean professional from a devel­

oping country, I know first-hand how transformative training

programs and fellowships can be. My favorite part of the job is

creating similar opportunities for others, knowing the impact

they can have. I review every application we receive very care­

fully, fully aware—through my own experience—of how these

opportunities can shape careers. I also love meeting our trainees

and staying in touch with them later through NANO.

The aspect I enjoy the least is the volume of administrative

work and reporting. While essential, these tasks can sometimes

be time-consuming and take time away from more engaging

aspects of my role.

Do you have any recommendations for new grads

looking for jobs?

Make the most of every learning opportunity—whether through

internships, volunteering in a university lab, or engaging in out­

reach and extension activities. Start building your professional

network early by connecting with mentors, attending events,

and exploring opportunities beyond traditional academia. These

experiences will help strengthen your CV and make it more

compelling. Oceanography is a vast field that offers many excit­

ing and unexpected career paths—stay open to new possibilities!

ARTICLE DOI. https://doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.2025.307

Degree: When, where, what, and

what in?

I earned a bachelor’s degree in ocean­

ography in 2004 from the Federal

University of Paraná (UFPR) - Brazil,

followed by a master’s degree in zool­

ogy in 2008 at the same university.

I completed my PhD in biological

oceanography in 2013 at the Federal

University of Pernambuco (UFPE),

Brazil. Throughout my academic jour­

ney, my research focused on the con­

servation of marine animals, particu­

larly sea turtles.

Did you stay in academia at all, and if so, for how long?

Although I’ve always appreciated the academic environment,

my involvement was limited to the time between my undergrad­

uate studies and completion of my PhD. Throughout this period,

I was fully engaged in research and academic life. However, I

was also drawn to outreach and science communication activi­

ties, which eventually inspired me to explore professional paths

beyond academia.

Flávia M. Guebert, Director, Coral Vivo Project, Coral Vivo Institute,

Santa Cruz Cabrália, Bahia, Brazil (flavia.guebert@coralvivo.org.br)

How did you go about searching for a job outside of the

university setting?

In truth, I never waited for a formal transition—I was already

building bridges outside academia while still a student. During

my undergraduate years, I helped create a small marine animal

rehabilitation center on campus to care for injured sea turtles.

I later met my graduate advisor, who was also president of an

environmental NGO, and I immediately became fully engaged

with the group’s initiatives—offering training courses, receiv­

ing interns (including international students), and organizing

immersion programs based on my practices.

Still as an undergraduate, I proposed and established a line of

research and outreach at my university that focused on marine

wildlife conservation, engaging other students and building

connections between science and society.

Later, during my PhD in the northeast of Brazil, I expanded

my focus to include human dimensions of conservation—study­

ing fishing practices, turtle poaching, and the role of protected

areas in coastal communities.

After completing my doctorate, I took a brief pause with the

birth of my first daughter. But soon after, I applied for a coordi­

nator position in one of Brazil’s leading coral reef conservation

NGOs. Following a long and competitive process, I was pleased

to be selected.

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