Some graduates will have to stand out in crowded waters, writes Jim Bright.
Jane writes: "I am a marine science graduate, graduating from the bachelor of science (marine science) in 2007. In 2008, I graduated with 2:1 honours in environmental science. For the past two years, I have been actively seeking jobs in the marine or environmental science fields, with little success.
I worked as a teacher's aide in a primary school and I am at present commuting five hours a day to work casually for two days a week as an environmental education officer. In the past two years, I have applied for more than 150 jobs. I have had job interviews but the common feedback is that there was someone with more experience, or someone who's older."
On the face of it, Jane appears to face a significant hurdle. According to Job Markets Australia's statistics for 2009-10 from labour market expert Rodney Stinson, there are 1260 marine biologists in Australia, with about 126 of these in NSW. However, those aged under 25 years hold only 8 per cent of these jobs (about 10 positions).
There are eight universities (according to the Job Guide) that offer marine biology/science or oceanography courses in NSW alone.
Nine, if you include the Australian National University in Canberra. If we assume these courses produce only 10 graduates a year (my informal research suggests it is higher than this), then the universities provide more than sufficient graduates every year to fill every job in NSW nine times over. And that is if these 10 jobs become vacant every year.
Government occupational outlook statistics indicate a turnover rate of 9.7 per cent annually (for life scientists as a whole) or about one of those 10 jobs.
That would mean at least 90 students for every job - a one-in-90 chance of getting a job. It suggests that only one graduate across every course in NSW will secure a job in this specialist area each year.
Professor Iain Suthers, from the University of NSW and the Sydney Institute of Marine Science, regularly gives careers talks to students considering this area. He points out the area is "burgeoning" and that the growth prospects in this field at a time of increasing environmental awareness are enormous, citing significant investment offering vastly more opportunities for research scientists.
He says there is definitely demand at the postgraduate and post-doctoral level and this is borne out in the age profile for the profession.
Beyond completing a PhD, graduates who think broadly in terms of policy jobs and council jobs and who get involved in voluntary work will have much better prospects.
Flexibility is an essential attribute, Suthers says, so Jane will continue to need to demonstrate an openness to work on a wide range of issues. The likelihood that she will be able to pursue her passion for working with one particular marine animal is relatively low.
Jane appears to be doing the right things in volunteering and being willing to travel. She could enhance her prospects by continuing to be flexible and volunteering, looking more broadly at occupations where her training may have some relevance or by considering applying to do PhD research with a scientist who holds an Australian Research Council industry award grant.
Jane is a reminder that the simplistic dictum "follow your passion" may prove to be a lot more challenging in reality. What if you follow your passion but your passion takes out a restraining order against you for stalking?
Jim Bright is professor of career education and development at ACU and a partner at Bright and Associates, a career management consultancy. Email marked clearly "FOR PUBLICATION" to brightside@jimbright.com.
For more workplace advice, see mycareer.com.au/advice.