Career Paths in Maritime Research and Technology | Environment & Sustainability

What other career options are available within and beyond the academia?

The following selection of typical career fields provides an overview of other options and may serve as inspiration.

Career fieldTypical workplaces Qualifications
Coastal Management Public authorities, research institutions, planning consultancies Coastal protection, spatial planning, GIS, public participation
Marine Spatial Planning Public authorities, international organisations Spatial planning, geospatial data, environmental law, facilitation
Environmental Consultant Consultant Engineering consultancies, environmental authorities, consulting firms Environmental law, environmental impact assessment (EIA), data analysis, reporting
Environmental Monitoring Research institutions, offshore companies Sampling, laboratory analysis, statistics, GIS
Water Management Water management associations, engineering consultancies, public authorities Hydrology, modelling, water law, project management

Do I need a PhD to work in this field?

The qualifications required vary depending on the role and employer. For many positions in public authorities and engineering consultancies, a master’s degree is sufficient, while relevant professional experience and specialised skills may be equally important. A PhD is generally not required for most positions outside academia, but can be advantageous for research-oriented roles and senior scientific positions.