I want to be a paleontologist, and I need to convince my folks (and friends) that it's worth it!
2007-11-22 11:39:59 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Paleontologists are scientists who study fossils of animals to learn about what the earth was like many years ago. They find these fossils by digging into layers of sedimentary rock. The paleontologist uses scientific methods to find out more about the animal that the fossil came from such as, how old a fossil is, and whether the fossil was formed on and or underwater. They use this and other information to learn more about the history of our earth.
2007-11-30 11:00:03 · answer #1 · answered by thenetsurfer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did this work for a summer once - it was fascinating and a great way to spend a summer. I wasn't a paleontologist, I was just a digger helper (aka shovel bum) but it was a true life experience I wouldn't trade anything for.
The days are long and very dirty. It's either too hot or too cold. You sleep in a tent on the ground if you're lucky enough to have a tent. The food is worse than Army food because at least the Army trains their cooks before they are sent to feed you and the pay is terrible unless you're one of the lead scientists (which requires a PhD). There are bugs in everything. Your coworkers have short nerves (because they're hot and hungry) and your boss is the pickiest perfectionist on Earth. All that said, it was great!
Why would you have to convince anyone else that your idea of a career is "worth it"? Worth what? How is this their decision?
According to the occupational outlook - "The middle 50 percent earned between $49,260 and $98,380" did they want you to major in Early Childhood Education or General Business like everyone else? Then you could start at about $30,000 and top to about $50K. And not have nearly as much fun.
As you make your arguments - paleontology is a subfield of geoscience with some serious archeology in there. Take a look at some degree programs and show them the sort of courses you'll be taking. Geoscientists are those folks who hunt for oil (not badly paid) among other things. You'll come out a paleo program with the title "scientist" and it will be well earned - the level of your math and science skills will be very high.
They just don't understand and think "Indiana Jones" when they hear paleontologist - if that's what you think too then you need to go to a field school for a few weeks in the summer and see their real world. âº
2007-11-22 20:18:08 · answer #2 · answered by CoachT 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You should talk to a paleontologist.
2007-11-22 19:47:19 · answer #3 · answered by RAWR. 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋