Tornados and sharks: Science careers off the beaten path
Graduation happens, and we're all suddenly launched into that cold, harsh reality, also known as "life." And many of us face that dreaded question: What are you going to do with that science degree?
If you're tired of the conventional, here are some extreme science career choices to consider. In this job market, it might even be wise to jump off the paved road. Below are the basic ins and outs of two wild 'n crazy science professions: tornado chasing and shark wrangling. Risk-takers read on.
Storm Chaser
Often with little or no warning, storm chasers are called to travel where the weather screams, following extreme meteorology. Though usually thought of as only chasing tornadoes, professional storm chasers can go after any type of severe weather, ranging from lightning to hurricanes.
Tornado chasers are most active during the spring and early summer in the heart of North America. While most people duck and cover in the refuge of storm shelters, chasers, by car or truck, pursue the deadliest weather seen.
Most storm chasers are amateurs, using their own equipment to document or study natural phenomena. Professionals, however, usually conduct government or academic research, or provide the public with storm coverage in the form of documentaries.
One of today's most famous names in storm chasing is Warren Faidley, an extreme weather adventurer, bestselling author, journalist and storm chasing celebrity. As he makes apparent, a storm chaser must be multifaceted - able to do great work but also have the ability to market the results.
Though storm chasers face death on the job, there are sometimes weeks of inactivity between major storms. When the lightning strikes though, chasers must be on the scene with the thunder.
Shark Wrangler
The daily tasks of a shark wrangler might go like this: embark on scuba expedition, catch a shark, transport shark to aquarium research and/or nap. Rinse and repeat. Physically rough, always exciting and actually quite in demand by aquariums and private parties, such as filmmakers or eclectic billionaires, shark wranglers are the cowboys of the sea.
If you're tired of the conventional, here are some extreme science career choices to consider. In this job market, it might even be wise to jump off the paved road. Below are the basic ins and outs of two wild 'n crazy science professions: tornado chasing and shark wrangling. Risk-takers read on.
Storm Chaser
Often with little or no warning, storm chasers are called to travel where the weather screams, following extreme meteorology. Though usually thought of as only chasing tornadoes, professional storm chasers can go after any type of severe weather, ranging from lightning to hurricanes.
Tornado chasers are most active during the spring and early summer in the heart of North America. While most people duck and cover in the refuge of storm shelters, chasers, by car or truck, pursue the deadliest weather seen.
Most storm chasers are amateurs, using their own equipment to document or study natural phenomena. Professionals, however, usually conduct government or academic research, or provide the public with storm coverage in the form of documentaries.
One of today's most famous names in storm chasing is Warren Faidley, an extreme weather adventurer, bestselling author, journalist and storm chasing celebrity. As he makes apparent, a storm chaser must be multifaceted - able to do great work but also have the ability to market the results.
Though storm chasers face death on the job, there are sometimes weeks of inactivity between major storms. When the lightning strikes though, chasers must be on the scene with the thunder.
Shark Wrangler
The daily tasks of a shark wrangler might go like this: embark on scuba expedition, catch a shark, transport shark to aquarium research and/or nap. Rinse and repeat. Physically rough, always exciting and actually quite in demand by aquariums and private parties, such as filmmakers or eclectic billionaires, shark wranglers are the cowboys of the sea.
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