 What is your current job and what does it entail?
I work for Maine Sea Grant as an extension associate, often referred to as an extension agent. Extension is really about bringing resources together from many areas to meet needs and solve problems. My primary clients are fishing and aquaculture industry members, together with scientists, resource managers, NGOs (non-government organizations) and citizens. In general, my work involves informal education (workshops, conferences, etc), applied research and technology transfer. So, sometimes I act as a scientific investigator (grant writing, project coordination, data analysis and reporting), sometimes as an educator, and sometimes as a convener, bringing people together to share information of common interest. It's pretty exciting and very varied.
What was the key factor in your career decision?
Over the course of several years, while a student and during my earlier work career, I had come to know a couple of marine extension agents. The more I understood their work, the more I was interested and thought that that kind of work was for me. I admired the diversity, resourcefulness and energy that I saw in them, and that their work was something that really excited and interested them.
What do like most about your career?
It's hard to say, there are a lot of great things about it. I enjoy the variety, the freedom, the feeling that I'm doing a useful and valuable job, and the people.
What do you like least about your career?
I wish there was more time! There are so many needs and there is so little time to address them all. There is a great push and pull to be involved in different things, and it is often hectic. There is a lot to be said for being able to maintain your focus and on using good decision making and ingenuity when deciding whether to be involved in a project or not, and in what capacity.
What do you do to relax?
Depends on the season. Anything from fishing, canoeing, waterskiing to reading, running, snowboarding, playing music, woodworking, etc.
Who are your heroes/heroines?
I really gained a lot of inspiration from my mother. She showed me a lot about real strength and courage. I also observe many qualities in my other family members that I admire.
What advice would you give a high school student who expressed an interest in pursuing a career in your field?
Be persistent over the long haul! The older I get, the more I value simple stick-to-it-iveness. What comes along with that kind of attitude is creativity and adaptability. Read your Goethe, on commitment.
Are career opportunities in your field increasing or decreasing and why?
I'd say that it seems that things are pretty stable. There are not huge numbers of marine extension people, but the value in the work appears to be recognized, so I see it continuing into the future. In addition, it may be that groups and agencies who have traditionally not done extension work will make some efforts that way in the future. There's plenty to be done!
What will you be doing 10 years from today?
Hopefully this job, or something related, in natural resource education and research.
Salary: $40,000 - $60,000
Email:dana.morse@maine.edu
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