Career in Botany Essay

Plants and Their Historical Importance

Plants form an integral part of the human history especially since they are a source of food and oxygen and contribute massively to the aesthetic value of the natural environment. Their historical importance as a source of employment for the human populace and in the modern times cannot be overstated.

Botanical Studies

Botanical studies entail the study of all plants and involves all aspects of their life. Study of internal structures and processes in plant biology is typically identified as plant physiology. An example is a study of photosynthesis and the factors affecting it (Minorsky 5). Plant physiology involves five major components. These are: first, study of the molecular and cellular biology of plants. Secondly, phytochemistry which studies plants’ defense mechanisms. Thirdly, plant cellular and tissue interactions. Fourthly, plant morphology which involves study of the mechanisms of regulating internal functions. Finally, research of how plants respond to varying environmental conditions in environmental physiology. Plant taxonomy forms the second primary specialization of botany where plants are studied and grouped into various taxonomical units through multiple standards, processes, and procedures. Plant ecology entails the study of how plants interact with other plants and the general environment and how this affects their population.

Educational and Training Requirements

All Botanists require some level of training and education in the field in a way similar to all professions. The educational and training requirements for a career in botany focuses on the completion of an undergraduate degree program in the field of plant science or any closely related field and majoring in botany. Further specialization in masters and doctoral level is desirable for advanced botanical research, and it furthers one’s employment prospects in the industry. English, chemistry, mathematics, and biology form the core subjects for which anyone must demonstrate proficiency in before gaining admission as a trainee in the field.

Attributes Required for Success in Botany

Different professions require different personal and professional attributes. Botany is no different, and as such there are attributes required of a botanist for them to succeed in the profession. First, a botanist must demonstrate a desire and enjoyment of outdoor plant research work. Secondly, one must be patient as research often involves long periods of study. A botanist should also be able to think logically and have demonstrably good verbal and written communication skills. One should also have good analytical skills coupled with excellent individual and teamwork skills.

Working Conditions

Botanical studies involve both indoor and outdoor working conditions. Laboratories form the major component of the indoor working environment for a botanist where they spend most of their time studying specimens. Outdoor botanical studies often involve samples and specimen collection activities in both land and marine environments.

Salary and Employment Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides a mean estimate for the salary of a botanist as $33.31 hourly and $69,290 annual for a botanist in the United States of America. Higher learning institutions, scientific research and technical consulting services as the most significant employer of botanists (BLS). With increased specialization in botany, there is a projected demand in specialties such as bio-physicists, soil plants scientists, biotechnicians and environmental scientists.

Conclusion

The importance of plants to the human race creates a need for botanical studies to better understand plants, especially with the current environmental problems. This, coupled with my fondness for plants, preference of outdoor work, strong analytical skills, and teamwork skills makes me a good fit for the occupation.

Work(s) cited

“Become a Botanist: Education and Career Roadmap.” Study.com. Web. 22 Mar. 2018.

Minorsky, Peter V. “Mitochondria Affect Photosynthetic Electron Transport.” The Journal of Plant Physiology.176.3 (2018): 5. ASPB. Web. 22 Mar. 2018.

Occupational Employment Statistics. U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017. Web. 22 Mar. 2018.

Preston, Jill C. and Fjellheim, S. “Shedding light on the role of seasonal flowering in plant niche transitions.” American Journal of Botany. 105.1. Wiley Online Library. Web. 22 Mar. 2018.