Q:   What do you do each day when you go to work? How often are you actually involved in a dig? How is most of your daily time spent? Did you go right into graduate school?
— C. Fenton
A:   I am lucky because I live and work right amongst the fossils. I usually spend my summers prospecting for and collecting fossils and the winter cataloging them into the museum collections. In addition to that, I maintain the museum collections and carry out research on the side.

To become a paleontologist, I completed an undergraduate degree in Geology and a graduate degree in Biology. It took me a little longer than most people because I also worked for many years as an intern for the National Park Service.

For somebody who wishes to become a paleontologist, I recommend an undergraduate degree in a natural science (such as geology, biology, or possibly physical anthropology) with additional coursework that includes sedimentary geology, anatomy, ecology, and evolutionary theory. Working as an intern or volunteer with a museum, National Park, or similar organization that has a paleontology program is also important.

Finally, when people inquire about whether they should attempt a double-major (such as in geology and biology), I recommend a more diverse background in the humanities, such as writing, literature, music, history, or art. Any scientific coursework you miss as an undergraduate you will be taught in graduate school; the same is not true for the humanities. Remember, there is no structured trade school for paleontology. Each and every paleontologist has found his or her way into the profession based on unique interests and direction. Good luck finding your path.

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