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How to build your career in Palaeontology
This career guide is designed to help University of Portsmouth students and recent graduates explore job options, key employers, and entry routes into Palaeontology.
In this guide
If you are passionate about palaeontology, follow your dream as you never know where it might lead you, from a dig in the Gobi desert to a lecture theatre in Portsmouth, but it is important that you are aware that job opportunities are not plentiful. The oil and gas industry has been contracting, the museum sector is small and the relatively small number of universities with research departments focusing on Palaeontology means that there are not many academic jobs in this subject area. You may need to broaden your job search and target jobs roles where you could use the skills that you have developed during the study of your Palaeontology degree.
Potential Job Roles
Prospects has a useful list of job profiles, each containing relevant information about key responsibilities, skill requirements, starting salaries, entry requirements, career prospects with links to employers and current graduate vacancies. Some roles include:
Postgraduate Qualifications
To enter the field of palaeontology it is likely that you will need to undertake further study of some kind. For anyone wishing to work in the museum sector or the oil and gas industry a postgraduate qualification would be required. For anyone wishing to enter the geotechnical, environmental or construction sectors a relevant postgraduate qualification would be desirable and for those wishing to become a researcher whether in a university or research institution, you would need a PhD.
Relevant postgraduate qualifications include:
- MSc Palaeobiology
- MSc Micropalaeontology
- MA Museum Studies
- MRes/MPhil/PhD in Palaeontology
- MSc (Res) Palaeontology and Geobiology
- MSc Engineering Geology
- MSc Environmental Geology and Land Contamination
- MSc Geological and Environmental Hazards
- MSc Archaeology (Palaeoanthropology)
- MSc Palaeoanthropology and Palaeolithic Archaeology
The universities providing postgraduate courses in this subject area include University of Birmingham, University of Bristol, University of Edinburgh, University of Leicester, University College London, University of Manchester, University of Portsmouth and University of Southampton. You can research postgraduate course options on the Prospects or FindAMasters websites.
Gaining Experience
Getting experience is essential, and there are different ways you can gain experience and develop transferable skills whatever your career goal, for example this could be by working on a part time basis, undertaking a summer internship, through work shadowing or volunteering. It is worth remembering, however, that it's not the amount of experience that you gain but what you make of it that will count in your favour when looking to progress your career. Below you will find different areas that you could consider for potential work experience in this field.
Placements are a great way to gain substantial experience, help you to build contacts and gain an understanding of an organisation.
On some degrees, work placements are part of the programme, whilst on others you can choose to complete a placement as one of your modules.
To learn more about completing a placement, you can contact the Placements team in the Careers and Employability Service.
If you wish to work in the museum sector then volunteering is crucial. Don’t limit your efforts only to national and large regional museums and galleries. They are likely to be overwhelmed with requests for voluntary work. Apply to smaller local museums as you are likely to get a broader range of experience.There are several museums in Portsmouth that you could use as a starting point:
- Cumberland House Natural History Museum
- Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery
- National Museum of the Royal Navy
If you cannot see a role advertised then approach the museum yourself. Treat your request as if you are applying for paid work - find out about the museums that you are interested in, visit them if you can and when you contact them explain why you want to volunteer for them. Be honest about how much time you have available - you're more likely to find an opening if you are available for the same amount of time each week.
If you would like to gain some direct experience in Palaeontology, it could be worth investigating organisations that might give the potential for working in the field.
As a starting point you may look at the following local organisations:
If you intend to pursue an academic career, gaining experience whilst you are an undergraduate student would be advantageous. Experience such as volunteering to be a course representative is a great way to network with academic staff and to understand how academic departments are structured and conduct their business. A part time role working as a Student Ambassador, promoting the university at events such as Open Days, also would be a great way to gain experience. Equally any opportunities to attend conferences to network with researchers in your field of interest as well assisting researchers with data collection and classification could be a good way to gain new skills and experience.
Enhance your prospects with hands-on experience through volunteering. Whether you're uncertain about your career path or aiming for professional success, volunteering offers a chance to explore diverse roles.
You can also get involved in relevant university projects through the different groups and societies via the Student Union. This is a good way of demonstrating your motivation and interest in this area of work.
Internships are usually for a fixed period and give you more hands-on experience. Many employers will treat interns in the same way as full-time employees, so when future job roles ask for 'at least one year's experience' you can include an internship in this type of experience.
Where to find opportunities
Some key platforms for finding work experience in all sectors include MyCareer, HigherIn, Bright Network and Targetjobs.
You could also think about approaching employers directly to enquire of any suitable work experience opportunities. This is called a speculative approach, and can work well with smaller businesses who might not advertise as many opportunities.
Getting the most out of work experience
Whether you already have a career path in mind or are still exploring your options, our work experience pages guide you to finding opportunities that match your interests and goals. You'll find advice on choosing an industry, broadening your search, and standing out while building valuable skills and experience.
Finding a Graduate Job
We recommend starting your search using our online jobs board, MyCareer. You can also find general online job boards and advice through our Graduate Jobs page.
Job boards related to Palaeontology
Recruitment agencies
Recruitment consultants work with individuals to help them find suitable work to match their skills. Agency Central is the UK's leading recruitment agency directory. An advanced search and filter system finds the agencies which match your needs.
Are you looking for a role in Hampshire? Our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy can help!
If you're in the final year of your degree, you can register for support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy. They work with over 3,000 employers in the local area to place our students into fantastic graduate careers.
Speculative applications
Speculative applications involve sending a CV and cover letter to an employer to ask if they have any vacancies, even if the company is not currently advertising for a role. They're a great way to access "hidden jobs" that go unadvertised.
Submitting a speculative application shows your interest in a specific company and your willingness to go above and beyond to develop your skills and understanding of the industry.
Working for yourself
Got an idea you'd like to turn into something bigger?
Whether you're planning a business, side hustle or freelance career, our Student StartUp team can help you build your confidence and develop your plans. Access expert guidance, funding opportunities, workshops and workspace designed to help you move your idea forward.
Keep up-to-date with the industry
It's good to keep up-to-date on sector developments and track any vacancies coming up. Below are some great resources to help you research opportunities available. The knowledge gained through your research may help you to target your applications and will help when preparing for interviews.
- The Palaeontological Association - one of the world's leading societies of palaeontology
- The Geological Society
- How to become a Palaeontologist - article by Dr Susie Maidment of the Natural History Museum
- Becoming a Palaeontologist - more information about the role of a Palaeontologist
- New dinosaur species discovered by a UoP PhD student - Guardian article
- Palaeontology undergraduate and YouTuber - MyPort article about UoP undergraduate Ben Thomas
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