Sarah is Director of Marine Dimensions, an independent consultancy dedicated to knowledge, awareness and sustainability for the marine environment
Dr Sarah Varien - Marine Environment Consultant
What were the main “career decision” milestones in your life so far?
For me, making the decision to do a course or a degree was the easy part. The difficult decisions were made afterwards once I entered the workplace and I moved around a lot before I found an environment that suited me.
Apart from my interest in the subject of biology, one of the main motivations for me was to feel like I was making a positive difference to the environment. If I was in a job that wasn’t fulfilling that need, I just ended up moving on.
It’s also important to consider that work may not be the only influence in your life, so there are other factors that will inevitably shape your career too (e.g. where you want to live, the hours you work, spending time with loved ones etc).
Who most influenced your career direction?
My parents would have had the greatest influence on me making the decision to study marine biology. They have always been enthusiastic about wildlife and the environment and they very much supported me when I expressed an interest in going to Galway to do my degree.
Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?
Opting for a career in nature conservation is very much a lifestyle choice. In a way, you are turning a hobby into work and that has its pros and cons.
On the one hand, you have the luxury of almost always being interested and excited about your work. Sometimes I forget that I am working because I am so into what I’m doing.
On the other hand, the world of wildlife is full of people who are utterly dedicated to what they are doing, and it’s not unusual for people to work long, long hours (e.g. 70 hour weeks). This makes things very competitive.
It’s also not a career that can guarantee much security from a financial point of view as most of the work is contract based. For me, the enthusiasm I feel for my work makes up for this, but I think it really depends on the individual as to what they consider to be acceptable.
What are your main tasks and responsibilities?
My role as business director and manager obviously involves certain responsibilities, ensuring that projects are well run and that we are on track for meeting targets and goals.
My work as a science communicator is all about holding the audience’s attention, so energy, enthusiasm and a sense of humour tend to go a long way with that one.
When I’m working on scientific surveys, my formal scientific training comes into play as I need to be independent and objective in the way that I evaluate the environment. It’s important not to allow your feelings for a subject to bias the results.
What are the main challenges?
The main challenges for me are all related to the business management side of things, e.g. fundraising, meeting numerous deadlines, making do with limited resources, managing time etc. The science itself is fun and easy in comparison.
What’s cool?
Getting out in the field, traveling, getting close to wildlife, meeting lots of interesting people, being able to try out ideas, seeing a child’s eyes light up when they touch a starfish for the first time, breathing in the sea air…
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
I took eight subjects for my Leaving Cert, including the three sciences (biology, chemistry and physics) and music.
In hindsight, I think it probably would have been best to take two science subjects. The workload was very heavy with so many practical subjects (I never had any time to practice the piano!).
I also think it might have been worth studying Spanish rather than French, as it might have been more useful from a globetrotter’s perspective.
Sarah Varien - Marine Environment Consultant
What is your education to date?
- Secondary level: Alexandra College, Dublin
- Tertiary level: BSc Hons in Zoology (1st class), PhD in Fish Biology and Behaviour, University College Galway
- Diving Qualifications: PADI Divemaster
What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?
Pretty much all of my education. I think there is a tendency for people to focus on subjects that are directly related, e.g. biology or chemistry, but I believe that subjects that receive less emphasis, such as English, are just as important.
A scientist needs to be able to draw upon a whole range of skills in order to be successful in his or her career. For example, good communication skills (both written and spoken) are becoming increasingly important in the science world.
Do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?
I am currently attending the Wicklow Enterprise Board’s Management Development Programme which is certified by the Carlow Institute of Technology.
Because I am running a small business, I need to be looking at constantly improving my business management skills.
I have also signed up for a Wicklow Enterprise Board workshop that focuses on developing media skills. Other areas that I would like to get training on are project management and fundraising skills for NGOs.
What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?
I think that the day that I realised that my business, Marine Dimensions, was actually viable (at least until 2009) was the most rewarding.
What advice would you give to someone considering this job?
Think carefully about pursuing a career that requires a very strong sense of commitment and dedication. If they’re dreaming about that Louis Vuitton handbag or a permanent pensionable job, it’s probably not going to suit them.
But on the positive side, if he or she loves discovery and exploration, well then deciding to be a marine biologist or zoologist might be the best choice they ever made.
What are the three most important personal characteristics required for the job?
Determination, enthusiasm for the subject and hard work will get you where you want to go, no matter what your skills are. I would also say that a strong sense of integrity and a good sense of humour should serve you well too.
What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?
Working with an environmental consultancy, assisting scientific researchers in a university or research institute or working as a volunteer with any of the environmental NGOs.
