How to become a paleontologist? (part 1)

[@turtledeity9920]

My left ear is very thankful for this advice

[@ghostfreak1352]

Go find a dinosaur ok

[@TheBaselessMountain]

Same

[@LalaLulu-ci6mq]

omg i thought it was just me lol

[@plaguedoc8200]

I’m a sophomore in high school trying to go into the paleontology field this was the most helpful advice I found, thank you.

[@katsup606]

my headphones are surround sound and his voice is only in my left ear... still worth watching

[@martinfernandez882]

Im a junior in high school and vertebrate paleontology is undoubtedly the career I want.

[@Leeuhs555]

Same here, except I'm a freshman

[@martinfernandez882]

@@Leeuhs555 The job outlook and oversaturation of PhD's in the job market kind of scares me but it's what I love.

[@Ethan-cr4qb]

You speak like a paleontologist

[@whotheheckiseyosias]

W

[@whotheheckiseyosias]

@@martinfernandez882 Nice job! You're awesome!

[@whotheheckiseyosias]

I am so close! Paleontology is something that I am dedicated to! I love it!

[@sweatyskinfolds1385]

You dint scare me at all man. Thank you for sharing this information. I've been really depressed for the last year and a half. I was working full time at a job i hated for 3 years after high school. I eventually became suicidal, at that point my family persuaded me to get help and now here i am. This has been a truly deep passion of mine since essentially as soon as i popped out of the womb. I feel confident that i want to pursue my dreams, because if i didn't I couldn't stand to be alive any longer. I really want to thank you for putting this information out on the internet for the public too see. I'm applying for College of the Redwoods hoping to get an Associates degree in Geology for Transfer, then finishing my masters at Humboldt State University. This is awesome because I live 20 mins away from those campuses. I even have deposits of Marine and Non marine sediments in the Budden Canyon formation. Saurolophus is know from fragmentary remains there. Most likely a bloat and float deposition. Thankyou once again.

[@mathildetanghe865]

How is it going

[@newdinowizard]

I’ve been in the same boat man, I hope you’re doing well. Have you achieved what you set out to do?

[@veggieboyultimate]

Shoot! I am already applied to a community college, but I can attend a second college right? And what type of colleges should I go to?

[@cggcgg4612]

I’m in middle school and I’m looking forward being a paleontologist . What books do you reccomend that I should read?

[@johnlawrence9957]

I'd love to study palentogy, but I'm 60 and not currently in a location that has any universitys with any classes covering geology (there may be some petroleum classes). My location will change at some point in the future, but unknown when that will occur. I do have a BA in an unrelated field. In any case, it was an interesting video and I'm looking forward to more! Thanks!

[@BenjaminBurgerScience]

John Lawrence check out and read books, also check and see if there are active fossil collecting groups in the area, and if not start one with fun local field trips. It does not need to be fancy. Best of luck!

[@johnlawrence9957]

@@BenjaminBurgerScience Rock hound club has been on summer break but should be starting back up again. Good ideas! Thanks!

[@Helpmedawgidkwhatimdoing2346]

I think It would be hard to be a paleontologist but I would never give up and full fill my dream of being a paleontologist

[@somthingaboutnicerakin9808]

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE WHEN YOUR UNSTOPABBLE

[@tessacavaliere1665]

@@somthingaboutnicerakin9808wdf does that even mean😂

[@Blake105_]

Did you make it?

[@zedtricoo4998]

I’ve been in the military since I graduated high school. I couldn’t afford college until now, and I really, REALLY wanna become a paleontologist. Vertebrate paleo to be exact, in the field and in the lab. I’m trying hard now to study before I get some Cleps in and start studying. It’s hard in the military to get time to study or for classes, but I’m super grateful for this video! Thank you so much, I’ll volunteer at my local museum ASAP and try to start making connections.

[@EricE.1996]

How has this been going for you so far? I’m also in the military and I completely understand what you mean with the time thing. I joined as an electrician but I realize I have zero interest in the field from when I first joined. Recently I’ve gone down this rabbit hole of trying to figure out what I actually enjoy and since I was a kid I’ve been interested in paleontology so I’d like to see what the education officer on base has to offer but I’d absolutely appreciate any insight you may have found on pursuing paleontology since we’re stuck in the same boat lol

[@coreofnothing]

I realy reaaaaaly wanna study fossils

[@luisdeluna8610]

Me too

[@K.e.e.p.e.r]

Same soooooooo muchhhhhhh

@@DrAskildsen he has some interesting finds but his explanations and rationales are crazy lol.

[@veggieboyultimate]

Same here

Just for the reference, the guy that deleted his comment above was talking about Michael Tellinger and the Ubuntu Project.

[@MarcusRuiz-f5y]

Thank you so much for the advice, its really helpful for me, as I took notes on your video. Being a paleontologist has been my dream and now with the notes it can be useful in the future.

[@derekdenouden1822]

Thank you so much for making this video! I'm a freshman in college ( going to a community college but planning on transferring after year two) This information will be very helpful moving forwards when picking future classes, thanks again!

[@renofthewild534]

Hey its been 6 years now have u made good progress, are you there?

[@Mr.VopenCereal]

Thank you because I’ve always wanted to be a paleontologist this will help me

[@zeinnerp7609]

Hi Mr. Burger, it's Zeinner, the dioramas kid from last year. I wish I had the recording of my project's presentation, I unfortunately lost it. It was a success and it wouldn't be the same without you. Thank you so much for doing this video, it's definitely what I needed. As I am currently halfway through junior high I am starting to evaluate my track. I'm glad to now see that I'm on the right track, having been a volunteer in my local NH museum for three years now and aspiring in my paleoart career. This video allowed me to be proud of my track until now and follow my plans on the way ahead. I hope we keep in contact for any upcoming projects. Also, I'm already doing research on the Santa Maria Formation, unfortunately I can only get started with it next year. If it is approved, it may be part of the exhibit. I'm very excited for the future, and even more so for the past. Wish you all the best. Cheers! If anyone reading this wants to check my projects, my Instagram is zeinner.paula And if any fellow paleoartist is reading this, I would love to see what you do too :3

[@BenjaminBurgerScience]

The Paleo Miner I’m glad it went well for you. Best of luck with school. Although it sounds like a lot of work, it’s a lot of fun.

[@derekdenouden1822]

Hey there! just saw you wanted to hear from any other paleoartists, and while I'm not a professional or anything I do have a deviantart page (EpicEiniosaurus). I don't have an instagram, any place else you post your art?

[@zeinnerp7609]

@@derekdenouden1822 Hello there! I saw your artwork, it's really nice what you do. Keep up with it :D! Unfortunately I only have Instagram for now, but I'm currently working on my very first digital artwork (and falling victim to overdetail). As soon as that piece is done I will create a DeviantArt page.

[@nerdychewy7367]

This actually helps me so much. My DREAM is to go into the field and dig up fossils and study fossils and this is what I was looking for. It’s very in-depth and told me everything I was asking. Thank you!

[@WatermelonCat372]

Im only 13 so im still young but im set in my goal for paleontology this is a helpful video that i will save for the future but it still will help me choosing what paleontology route i will take thank you alot

[@HunterandLucynd81.]

Yes me too I love studying dinosaurs and how they might have lived in our ancient world

[@PinkyMclonky]

Same

[@allisongon]

Thank you because I need to learn about paleontologist

[@literalcatpee9390]

Currently learning this so when I become 29 I will possibly be a paleontologist.

[@__-wc5zn]

Stick to Marine Biology. _yare yara daze*_

[@Ethan-cr4qb]

I believe in u

[@billwilliams2453]

Thank you Benjamin. This was very helpful

[@harrisoncoleman6306]

Hey, i really love paletontology and want to study it, i live in uk, I’m half way through my school right now, and this yeah i pick my options, the only main ones that i need are science, and maths, do i need like history and geography, or none of them? Also, is it worth studying in the USA or uk closer to home? Thanks, also your videos are really calming and awesome!

[@norberttoth1969]

As a geology student at Cambridge I can tell you there's no need to go to USA to study, I think it's actually a lot more simple to do so in the UK system. As for subjects, sciences and maths are the main ones, other than those I'd advise to just go for your interests.

[@harrisoncoleman6306]

Norbert Toth even though it’s a month late, thanks!

[@ZP1993]

I was interested in prehistoric animals for as long as I can remember,and I wanted to become a paleontologist since I was a kid.Unfortunately,when I was finishing high school back in 2012,I didn't get informed about colleges in my city well enough (which I never forgiven myself),so I thought I'd have to move to a different city or maybe even a different country to study paleontology.Last year I found out that there is one geology college in my city where I can study paleontology,and I made a decision to switch from political science that I currently study and try to get accepted to that geology/paleontology college and hopefully one day do my dream job.

[@newdinowizard]

Have you achieved what you set out to do?

[@ZP1993]

@@newdinowizard I did start that college that teaches geology and paleontology back in 2019,and I'm currently still attending it,as the pandemic and online classes slowed things down a bit,but after the pandemic ended it went back to normal. Hopefully when I graduate I'll manage to find a job as a paleontologist.

[@newdinowizard]

@@ZP1993 That’s good to hear and congrats on being accepted! I’m finishing up high school at the moment and I didn’t really investigate colleges until recently. I’ve been feeling like I’ve had a late start, but you’ve given me some hope. Thank you for the quick reply and best of luck to ya!

[@ZP1993]

@@newdinowizard Thanks. Good luck finding a college you'll like.

[@conspiritsy]

I run a Jurassic Park news/Paleontology news site. I’m working on an article on how to become a paleontologist. Do you mind if I embed this and part 2 into this post? It’s one of the most helpful on KZbin.

[@BenjaminBurgerScience]

That is fine, feel free to embed the video. Good luck with the news site!

[@paleo1019]

Thanks for making this video!

[@llamaarmy7501]

I kinda got lost on this. Can you still get a job if you go to a biology class in collage for 4 years? I'm trying to get into the digging up and cracking rocks side of paleontology

[@parthasarathidey1113]

Sir my son wants to be a Paleontologist. We are from India and what should he take up for his undergrad studies.

[@thegoldpilot]

Currently a distance USU Biology major (freshman but all generals and math are finished) wondering if I should change or double major in Geology. I really enjoy all of your videos.

[@duhandrecloete1450]

I thought he was whispering to me and that this was some test to see if you could lip read. Turns out my left earphone wasn't in my ear

[@midget4957]

I wish only all of that talk were that easy especially in my country and in my condition. I ended up studying a stupid bachelor major in business and 3 years later still no job

[@sukratbeniwal3419]

Thanks for the video I spent all day and reading book of fossil it's is my dream to become a paleontologist

[@horsetuna]

Do you think it's still possible to become an official paleontologist without going to secondary school?

[@BenjaminBurgerScience]

Depends on what you want to do.

[@horsetuna]

@@BenjaminBurgerScience personally, fossil prep/describing/drawing. But up here they all want college degrees

[@BenjaminBurgerScience]

@@horsetuna yes, it is good to take additional classes. One venture would be to take art classes and specialize in science illustrations, often schools help you meet people with shared interests and can help you with your career. It is not only what you learn in a classroom, but who is also sitting next to you. Good luck!

[@horsetuna]

@@BenjaminBurgerScience additional classes yes, but if someone is unable to afford or get qualified to get into college or university for those classes it seems like a lot of places won't even consider them

[@travisbickle3835]

@@horsetuna that's what happens when you privatize education

[@xtinctdesign4220]

I really want to be a paleoartis but I'm not sure what I need to do in order to become one?

[@BenjaminBurgerScience]

zach robinson paleoart check out James Gurney’s KZbin channel! There are also other paleo artists on you tube who give great advice on scientific illustration.

[@xtinctdesign4220]

thanks!

[@liam04294]

Cool video this will be very helpful thanks

[@kamekaziii]

Thank you so much sir

[@HiThereImFootloose]

This is a cool video, thanks

[@JustSkullDuggery]

I know you said don’t attend a community college but I plan on going to one temporarily for 2 years then transfer due to financial reasons. Would this lower my chances or not? Great video by the way, very informal and helpful for me!

[@BenjaminBurgerScience]

The SkullDuggery not at all. It might mean having to take longer at a 4 year college since many of the classes that you need to take are not offered at a community college, particularly science classes with labs.

[@antavaswims6957]

Man i want to become a paleontologist that sound like a awesome job 🦖

[@davidmcwilliams717]

i read online that if you become within the top 25 percent of paleontologysts u get paid 133 grand a year

[@Grand_History]

All that’s pretty daunting, but I’ll try to focus on one semester at a time till I get there.

[@danvithana95]

Sir I'm an engineering graduated student, i need to study paleontology. and i want to continue my career as a paleontologist. Do i need to follow any other courses in order to start a paleontology course?

[@craven1749]

hello please can you help me , i wanna know how old my surroundings are , meaning i wanna know was my area 65M years ago land or ocean? and how can i tell the age of rocks and the different layers?

[@jenpconn]

My bachelors degree has nothing to do with paleontology, what do you suggest if I want to pursue a career in the field? Should I apply to a Masters program or start over in a new bachelors program?

[@BenjaminBurgerScience]

It depends on your degree, with my university if students are coming from a different degree major other than geology or biology and are accepted into the program of study, there is a series of undergraduate classes that they must take, which may add an additional year to a 2-year program. Graduate schools are competitive, so realize that your application would go against students with geology/biology degrees. Depending how far off your major is, you might see about getting a second bachelors in Geology or Biology. Note that you can get a job in the field with just a bachelors, such as working in a museum or fossil preparation. If you are thinking of leading your own expeditions or fieldwork and interested in research, then graduate school would be worth it.

[@hannahmargaret7281]

Dumb question, but I'm 17 years old and this has always been my dream. The past year and a bit I had a tough time which affected my grades causing them to be in the mid 60's. I also don't have the advanced math I probably should have taken or physics. I have bio and chem though, is it too late for me?

[@parkerlane7797]

Hi Hannah! I know I'm not the person you wanted to hear from haha but i just wanted to say - it's never too late to start doing what you love. Fail a class in high school, don't get into the university you want - it's okay! You can retake classes. You can reapply to schools! You can do a year at a community college and rack up credits (and get ahead in your future course list!) without breaking the bank. Universities love transfer students! There are endless stories of people who thought they were too late/too old/too "whatever" to chase their passions, but who ultimately realized that there's no cut off for pursuing your dreams. High school makes you feel like your deadline for success is graduation - it isn't. Not even a little bit. You can get your grades up, you can get into a good school, and as long as you can find a way to fund your education (scholarships/grants/or maybe even independently) you can live your dream! Just don't forget that there's no deadline on this. You're never too late!!! Good luck with everything, dude!! :+) (And I'm very sorry if I'm overstepping my bounds by responding like this haha)

[@hannahmargaret7281]

@@parkerlane7797 Thank you so much! I really appreciate your response! Your comment is giving me that push to continue trying and working up to my dream, if only you knew how close I was to giving up lol Again I cant thank you enough!

[@parkerlane7797]

@@hannahmargaret7281 Gosh, yeah, of course!! I had the same feelings when I was in high school but as soon as you're out it becomes so much easier to see the big picture. You just have to hold onto that motivation (which, clearly, you have)!! Anyway, have a great one - i'll be rooting for ya!

[@hannahmargaret7281]

@@parkerlane7797 Thanks a ton!!!

[@Alberad08]

Interesting information.

[@Alberad08]

BTW to what animal belongs the skull in the thumb nail picture? at first, the brow horns reminded me me on Allosaurus, but I remember his lower jaw somewhat different.

[@didabowstudios5157]

What books on paleontology do you recommend? Everything I can find is made for children.

[@Tom21212]

Prehistoric Life : The Definitive Visual History of Life on Earth by DK

[@sudhaghosh9512]

Ahh I took science stream in 12th and now Im gonna go in college .. I live in India but I really wanna be a palaeontologist in montana or like in new zealand.. i dont know how to do it.. if i complete my graduation in any of the indian school then what subjects i sud go for? And for my post graduation where shall i opt? Shall I go for institutions abroad? .. okhay I am confused

[@jeromeskiuchiha]

I'm Jerome from Southeast Asia. I'm already a nurse here in the Philippines. But I don't mind quitting my job. As long as I become a Paleontologist and I don't even care if being a Paleontologist pays well or not. Being a Paleontologist is my childhood dream until now. I'm so desperate right now please help? Thanks

[@BenjaminBurgerScience]

You don't have to quit your job, to get started head out into the field and see if you can find fossils. Here is a great paper on the geology of the Philippines: geomorrison.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/geologic-evolution-of-the-philippinesv04.pdf See if you can team up with other geologists and learn about sedimentary rocks that might contain fossils (in the Phillippines these will likely be Neogene deposits, but they have produced some interesting fossils). Write up your discoveries and start a webpage. You can also return to school if needed, but just keeping an eye to the ground can yield some amazing discoveries. The Philippines has a short geologic history, and much of the rocks are igneous volcanic rocks, which lack fossils, so it will be difficult, but not impossible. Check out local universities, and see if their are active research going on near you, and volunteer your time to help out. Best of luck!

[@nathanbronstein5901]

Hi, I am a aspiring paleontologist and it has been a dream of mine since I was little and I was wondering, what is the route of becoming a professor like? (specifically dinosaur paleontology if it matters) Edit: And what college would be the best to teach at?

[@BenjaminBurgerScience]

It is a long journey, requiring a lot of education! Best of luck on that journal, and keep the goal in front of you. Every college has its own perks and challenges, smaller colleges offer more student interactions, while larger colleges focus more on research and publishing. It also depends on fellow faculty and how well you get along with departments, administration and funding available for students and research. Some smaller colleges and even some well funded high schools are better places to teach at then some large universities which don't have a focus on paleontology, so it really depends and can change over time depending on the programs available.

[@nathanbronstein5901]

Thanks!

[@poludhupogala7217]

What course should i do for my PG , so that i can become a vertebrate paleontology

[@novastones8914]

Yes,yes,yes,and yes.

[@georgetiffany8884]

I'm a marine and got a year and a half left before I get out and have been thinking about getting into a career in paleontology what can I start doing to help me get ready for going to school for this? What books should I read?

[@BenjaminBurgerScience]

I would pick up some geology and biology textbooks, but more importantly I would also read various fun non-fiction books out there, I've enjoyed Steve Brusatte's - the rise and fall of the dinosaurs. Bill Bryson's - a short history of nearly everything is another fun book. Don't sweat the technical terms, in textbooks, until you are in a class and can ask questions, but read as much as you can about the lives of other paleontologist can be very inspiring. Under a lucky star by Roy Chapman Andrews might be a fun read for you, as well as George gaylord Simpson Attending Marvels.

[@georgetiffany8884]

@@BenjaminBurgerScience thank you for your advice! I've started reading green house of the dinosaur and I'm enjoying it, I'll pick up those books as well.

[@glenwarrengeology]

If you like cracking rock and dead animals open, Palaeontology is the job for you.

[@spookepicgamermommie7302]

Im 25 and didn't do well in school at all i have GED and welding vocational training will i make it?

[@BenjaminBurgerScience]

Yes, just have to have the passion and enthusiasm.

[@Spacetrap]

Hello i will be leaving elementary school in 2 years any tips on wich subjects i should focus on ?

[@Paleo_online]

Is the skull fossil on the cover a allosaurus or a saurophagonax

[@BenjaminBurgerScience]

Its a Allosaurus skull on display at Dinosaur National Monument.

[@areafifty]

I genuinely need to know if 41 years old with no experience is too old to have a career as a paleontologist

[@kekorules3241]

Sir please replyy.. I live in India and I really want to be a paleontologist. What should I do considering that I am from India

[@starrynight669]

Kinda sad now cause I just left my university and plan on attending a community college. And my everyone keeps pushing me into doing art instead but I don't want to do art at least not for a career

[@PengzillaAnimations]

D.I.N.O.S.A.U.R

[@ЕльветСпринтайл]

Не стоит. Говорят палеонтологи не умеют бегать: в ногах у них какие-то функции нарушаются из-за длительного стояния на грунте.

[@erickphoenixwhite5577]

I Really like Dinosaur ik some dinosaur like T-Rex,Triceratops,Velociraptor, Ankylosaur, Utahraptor, Kronosaur, Mossasaur and ect. But idk if the Philippines have that Job

[@Goku17yen]

can someone who has a ba in physics take up paleontology?

[@BenjaminBurgerScience]

Goku17yen yes

[@Goku17yen]

@@BenjaminBurgerScience what would be the first steps, and how would a physics background help in paleo? Im guessing bio physics? Thanks :)

[@BenjaminBurgerScience]

Goku17yen The field of biomechanics is very important in paleontology, especially in reconstructing how ancient animals moved and functioned. Check out the book “Cats, Paws, and Catapults” by Steven Vogel, a popular introduction to biophysics. It’s a big field of research today. Requires good knowledge of anatomy and physics.

[@Goku17yen]

@@BenjaminBurgerScience merci beaucoup :)

[@specialinterests4653]

I feel destroyed I need hands on stuff and am bad at math im 25 f and autistic and I just I don't know what to do. I love dinosaurs and geology. And have some maybe outlandish ideas and no way to find out how to prove or dis problem them I only graduated highschool and went into triad school for dog training which I love cuz animals and dirt lol .. idk .

[@act1veee]

my dream is to discover a new species.and I'm gonna accomplish it.

[@windydandelion]

Any tips for aspiring palaeontologists in the uk?

[@BenjaminBurgerScience]

In the UK there are many great museum's that offer opportunities to volunteer. My first experience as a "paleontologist" was at a small local museum giving tours to children from local schools and summer camps. I would guide them through the display of dinosaurs. I moved on to work in the science labs, but that was my start in paleontology. Those kids taught me a lot! There are many good and excellent paleontology programs of study in the UK, much more than here in the United States.

[@windydandelion]

Thank you so much! Here I was thinking there weren’t many opportunities for palaeontology in the uk , but no! Thank you for the advice!

[@New_maker526]

What class are important to become a Fossile preparator ?

[@colbykeating2412]

If you get really good you can become a double preparator

[@New_maker526]

@@colbykeating2412 how about just one

[@ghostfreak1352]

Tell Toronto film school that

[@cephalonorcan4256]

I've only become interested in paleontology as a career in my second year of GCSE and I didnt take a geography GCSE is there anything I'd be able to substitute for that

[@newjones1754]

I would have done anything any day any where for a chance at this study. Well I have acedemic intelligence but, That's the only thing that I am Lucky with. Instead of a normal childhood I'm Dyslextic and got Asperger and didn't go to school because to much effort. So every day till I became a adult I took my bike and ride 40km to Antwerp to find Sharkteeth. Till it became dark and 40km back and spending the last hour's in books trying to learn. Tried Applied Psychology Bachelor and needed to quit because couldn't afford it. I would only needed one chance but, well attleast i have one of the biggest collection's of European sharkteeth. Auriculatis Angustidens Benedeni's Carcharias Megachasma Notorynchus Hexanchus Sumniosus Isurus Hastalis| Escheri oxyrinchus Megalodon Galeocerda's Catticus Squalodon Alopias Retroflexus Hemipristis etc etc etc etc You name it I found it and I might have the same knowledge the expert have. How to become one is just impossible for me.

[@School-qp6fb]

Jack Horner has dyslexia. You can do it. :)

[@SirrDanke]

Man said physics, welp it’s over

[@stegosaurus4922]

I wanne be paleontologist

[@CheesyMez]

I think working in the oil industry would be best to start, with because it’s higher pay, when you think you have a nice amount of money to live with then spend the rest of your life as a palaeontology as palaeontology is not the best paying job...

[@DreadEnder]

Even if this wasn’t extremely helpful (I knew half of the stuff already and the other half wasn’t relevant as the UK system is very different), this was very entertaining.

[@gemmapalmer1519]

*is 13*

[@elliottjames671]

I ain't trying to get in all that debt🖐🏽👎🏽😆