Mr.

Viso,

First of all thank you for checking your email and taking the time to read what I have to say. I am
in my junior year of high school at Pine Lake Preparatory located in Mooresville, NC. In order to
graduate we must write an extensive paper on the career path of our choice. I have chosen to
write my paper on Marine Biology and I understand that you are the Assistant Director of the
Department of Coastal and Marine Systems Science at Coastal Carolina University.

In our paper, we must include information directly from an interview that we have conducted
ourselves. I was wondering if you would mind answering some questions regarding your
experience with Marine Biology and all that it entails? I have included the questions below. This
paper is due in about a month so feel free to take some time thinking through your responses. If
you are willing to help please simply let me know so I can expect a response, please also let me
know if you are unable to help so that I may have time to find another person to interview.

Questions:
1. Why did you choose to become a professor at Coastal Carolina University?
2. What things did you do before you entered this occupation?
3. Why did this type of work interest you, and how did you get started?
4. How did you get your job? What jobs and experiences have led you to your present
position?
5. What other employment opportunities are open to those pursuing marine biology?
6. How well did your college experience prepare you for this job?
7. How would you describe the working atmosphere and the people with whom you work?
8. Is there flexibility related to dress, work hours, vacation schedule, place of residence,
etc.?
9. What abilities or personal qualities do you believe contribute most to success in this
field/job?
10. From your perspective, what are the problems you see working in this field?
11. Do you have any special words of warning or encouragement as a result of your
experience?
12. If you could do things all over again, would you choose the same path for yourself?
Why? What would you change?
Thank you so much for taking time out of your day for me, it means so incredibly much!

Hope to hear back soon,

Emma Brennan
Dear Emma,

Here are some answers to your questions. Best of luck with your paper!

1. Coastal Carolina University has a great program in marine science. This includes the
Center for Marine and Wetland Studies. Having just received a PhD in Oceanography in
2005, coming to CCU was a great opportunity to become involved with research and
education in coastal systems. I took a job as the Assistant Director of the Center for
Marine and Wetland Studies and had some great opportunities to write grants, travel, do
field work, and work with college students.
2. Before entering this occupation I graduate high school, completed a B.S. degree in
Geology, worked in industrial water treatment making process water for power plants for
one year, completed a M.S. degree in Geology, and then completed a Ph.D. in
Oceanography. I did not grow up knowing that I wanted to be a marine scientist.
Sometime in high school I started to think that science would be a good career, but I
didnt really choose geology until I was in college.
3. I enjoy nature and spending time outside. My interests when I was in school were broad,
but the idea of field work was very appealing to me. Hearing professors describe their
field work in exotic places around the world really sparked my interest. As a geology
major, we were required to participate in local field trips to observe the geology in our
region. This was also very exciting to me.
4. The skills I developed as a graduate student were a good fit for the position advertised.
To any young student, I would suggest learning quantitative skills, computing skills, and
lab/technical skills. These are required to pursue science. In order to get to my present
position, I was very open to opportunities in just about any form. Being open to all areas
of science/marine science, as well as understanding everything required to make science
happen (budgeting, staffing, field logistics, etc.) helps to beget opportunities.
5. Marine biology is one area in marine science. Jobs in marine science can be found in a
wide range of government, academic, and private sector areas. Some examples include
NOAA Corps, NOAA hydrographer, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
bathymetrist, scientist with DHEC, field technician, fisheries observer.
6. College experience is only part of what prepares you for a job. Gaining hands on
experience by completing a research project or internship while in college are very
helpful. Being wide open to any opportunity, even if it not your number one goal, is very
helpful.
 7. The working atmosphere in science is great. I have made some wonderful friends. There
is healthy competition and debate, and good collegial support as well. More experienced
scientists (older or younger) serve as mentors. It is always rewarding to work with
students and future scientists.
8. Yes, there is flexibility in all of the things you mention. If you produce at a high level,
work well with others, take direction when needed, and lead when appropriate, you will
find great flexibility in your world.
9. Try hard, dont complain, be enthusiastic, help with anything (even if you get dirty), be
honest, be open to criticism, have fun.
10. Many people with very narrow goals who are not open to broad possibilities will become
frustrated. Marine biology is a highly competitive field. Have a broad view and consider
yourself a scientist first and any other subdivision (e.g. marine biologist) second. Ask
yourself what is the role of a scientist in society?
11. I am not a biologist. If anything, I am more of a marine geologist. Many people focus on
the word biology. My advice would be to focus on the word marine if you want to
work in coastal and ocean science. Gain the most knowledge you can about coastal and
marine systems. Pay particular attention to how these systems affect people. Take any
opportunity to work in any field or lab setting as you study to become a scientist. Do not
insist on a very narrow focus.
12. Yes, I would choose the same path. I would not change a thing. Learning from mistakes
is part of life, dwelling on what you could have done different is not the best use of time.
Do not waste time. Focus on family, studies/career, hobbies. My path was unique, and so
will be yours. Embrace that. The details of my particular path or how I could have done
something a bit different are not the important thing. The only advice I can give you is to
get a science degree and always be looking for the next opportunity.

Best regards,
Rich

Richard Viso
Associate Professor
Coastal and Marine Systems Science
Coastal Carolina University
Conway, SC
Phone: (843) 349-4022
rviso@coastal.edu