The arctic includes everything above the Arctic Circle and encompasses parts of Canada, Norway, Russia, Alaska, Denmark, and Iceland. The region has welcomed many explorers and scientists throughout history and is rich in natural resources, making it the perfect starting point for your STEM career. Here are just a few of the many arctic jobs you could find!

Marine Biology

Marine biology is an increasingly important field in the arctic as global warming continues to be a hot topic. Rising sea levels and toxic waste levels are affecting the region, making the role of biologists even more crucial. There also is an incredible variety of wild life that can’t be found in most other parts of the world.

Writing

Writing is a valuable asset to anyone looking for a career in a STEM field. People who aren’t interested in a STEM career still benefit from STEM skills! Writing is one way of connecting and explaining all the amazing advancements and discoveries happening in the arctic. In an interview on her time as a journalist in Norway, Andrea Hill described the arctic as “a rapidly changing region – temperatures are warming, sea ice is shrinking and new technologies are making it easier to exploit northern resources – and it is finding itself more and more in the media spotlight.” If you have a passion for writing and STEM, the arctic is an important area of the world that is under-reported and understood, making it a unique place to start your journalism career.

Engineering

The University of Alaska offers an arctic engineering program that teaches students how to develop natural resources, improve transportation, operate construction in rural and frozen areas, and evaluate the effects of climate changes. If you’re interested in an arctic career in engineering, programs like UA’s would be the perfect way to learn more and be prepared for the specific challenges the arctic hosts.

Photography

Not only can photography capture the incredible beauty of the arctic, but it can also help further research. Chris Linder used his photography to create the campaign Live from the Poles to create more public awareness of issues facing the arctic region and to promote scientific research being done in the area. He contributed to the website Polar Discovery that features interviews with scientists, along with arctic photography and writing.

Geology

Geology would also make a fascinating and extremely useful arctic career. By drilling through ice, geologists can examine sections of ice – known as ice cores – to research their history. Similar to how trees can provide information about aging through their rings, ice cores offer well-preserved climate records. Examining ice cores can help scientists learn from the past and prepare for the future to best protect our environment and the arctic.

STEM careers don’t have to take place in a lab or classroom; from the bottom of the sea to the North Pole, there are STEM jobs to match every passion and interest. Take our quiz to discover your STEM type so you can #DoWhatYouLove!