Exploring Career Pathways

There are roles for people with many different skills in community-based marine conservation. The perfect opportunity is one that helps you learn, grow your network, and overcome real challenges.

Early career development provides the time and space to discover special talents and interests while learning about real world challenges and building the diverse skill sets required for long-term success. Be flexible when thinking about your career direction, because you may very well end up in a place completely different than you ever expected. For example, you may start as a marine scientist or field biologist and end up running a program or new organization. Take the time to listen and learn all you can from those around you, so you are prepared for the unexpected twists, turns, and opportunities a career in conservation may present.

“I think it took about thirty years, going forward incrementally. I changed my life from a government resource manager to head of an NGO to a member of Palau’s national Congress. I moved around to where I saw the need, and accomplished what I wanted to. I’m now focused on the tuna fishery because that’s where we have a big challenge. ”

— Noah Idechong, Palau

**Cultivating Essential and "Super" Skills**