“What can I do with my marine science degree?” Many young people steer away from their passion for the ocean in college because they think it’s not practical. They could not be more wrong!

Technical jobs in the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s blue economy sector are surging and will only increase over the next decade. Tara Skelton’s vantage point from working in science communications for multiple organizations since 2008 showed her a myriad of ways one can put that marine science degree to work. In Skelton’s new role with the GenSea, she lets members of Gen Z know they can follow their hearts and make a good living–all without ever leaving Mississippi.