Opportunities For Employment in State Government:  A South Carolina Perspective on Aquaculture Research and Getting Hired in Todays Employment Market

One of the main missions of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is aquaculture research and development with the end goal of providing technology transfer to the private sector.  The research wing of SCDNR is the Marine Resources Research Institute (MRRI), which includes the Waddell Mariculture Center.  The institute employs 120 biologists and scientists that work on aquaculture and fisheries research questions, making us one of the largest employers of marine biologists in the southeast United States.  Many of our scientists are also adjunct faculty at the local colleges and universities where our roles are mainly to mentor graduate students, who upon their degree completion we assist in job placement - either within state government or somewhere around the country.  I was hired right out of graduate school and have worked at MRRI for 23 years,  hired dozens of employees, and participated in countless job interviews - witnessing the good, the bad, and the ugly.  SCDNR is part of state government and has its own culture and hierarchy; to be successful, it's important for perspective employees to be prepared and know what is expected in the state system.  My presentation will provide helpful hints for both students finishing graduate school as well as seasoned biologists looking for employment in state government.