Future career - BSc Marine Sciences
Upon completing a bachelor's degree, most graduates pursue a two-year master's programme. Afterwards, there are many career options within higher education institutions, applied research agencies, government bodies, consultancy firms, and NGOs. Potential roles include (PhD) researcher, lecturer, consultant, advisor, policymaker, project manager, ecologist, hydrologist, ICT/data scientist, and entrepreneur. In this page, alumni from Wageningen University & Research share insights into their careers.
Sarina investigates the impact of offshore wind farms on marine ecosystems.
After completing my master's, I began working as a marine ecologist at Arcadis, an engineering consultancy involved in construction and spatial planning projects. Within the Ecology and Biodiversity advisory group, we assess the environmental impacts of our projects, both positive and negative. My focus is primarily on securing permits for infrastructure, such as cabling, essential for connecting future offshore wind farms to the electricity grid. This role is predominantly desk-based due to the extensive paperwork involved in permitting processes. I find great satisfaction in my role as a project manager and marine ecology advisor at Arcadis, especially as I contribute to projects that have tangible impacts on and add value to nature globally. My favourite projects involve comprehensive environmental impact assessments, where ecology plays a pivotal role in decision-making. It's fascinating to be part of such processes and to ensure that the best options for Dutch nature are identified and pursued.
Susan examines the relationships between government, nature organisations, and fishers.
I graduated with a master's specialising in Marine Governance. Initially aspiring to become an ecologist, I realised during a Marine Governance course that I could combine my passion for marine nature with my interest in politics. Currently, I am a PhD candidate in Environmental Governance and Politics at Radboud University. Prior to this, I worked as a marine governance researcher at Wageningen Marine Research, where I also conducted my thesis research, focusing on offshore wind farms, shellfish aquaculture, and fisheries policy.
To enhance my research skills and explore the possibility of an academic career, I pursued a PhD. My doctoral research is part of a Living Lab for biodiversity restoration, studying collaborations among governments, nature organisations, farmers, and fishers. My time is divided between campus—where I write and teach—and fieldwork in the Dutch Dune and Bulb Region. As a PhD candidate, there are numerous opportunities for personal development, including mentorship from senior researchers, attending courses, participating in summer schools and conferences, and steering the direction of my project.
Daily tasks primarily involve reading and writing, but also include supervising students, conducting field visits, and interviewing various stakeholders. My studies equipped me to approach issues from both social and natural science perspectives, which is invaluable when interviewing farmers and fishers, and collaborating with policymakers and fellow scientists. Post-PhD, I aim to continue in research and education or apply my knowledge in a governmental role.
Note: This content is adapted from the Dutch version of this page.