Expedition guides spend their time working in some of the planet's most isolated and remote locations. The job is unpredictable and exciting. No two days are ever the same.
I've been working aboard small ships as a Lecturer, Expedition Guide, and Zodiac Driver for the last 2.5 years on all 7 continents. Here's my reply to the question: how do I become an expedition guide? Here are my 6 tips for getting into the industry!
#1, There are many paths into the industry
There’s many ways to get involved in expedition guiding. All of my co-workers come from diverse backgrounds. Some were scuba dive instructors, oceanographers, kayak guides, photographers, historians, professors, conservationists, zoologists etc. Expedition companies are looking for well-rounded teams that are experts in a range of disciplines. That being said, one commonality that all guides share is a passion for educating and inspiring a love for the planet's diverse cultures and wild spaces.
#2, Find out what roles you’re interested in
Oftentimes the phrase “Expedition Guide” is a blanket term used for many different roles. Aboard expedition ships there are; Naturalists, Lecturers (Marine Biologist, Historian, Geographer, Ornithologist, Anthropologist etc), Zodiac Drivers, Kayak Guides, Expedition Leaders, Expedition Staff Assistants, Coordinators, Videographers, Photographers and more. These different roles have different responsibilities and therefore different workdays. Think about what appeals to you most.
#3, Develop your outdoor competency
To work in this industry you need to be comfortable working in the outdoors, and fit enough to spend months exploring some of the world’s harshest environments. Many members of the team have a passion for the outdoors and enjoy spending time in wild spaces. When not out at sea, they are likely out hiking, camping, climbing, surfing, bird-watching, skiing, kayaking etc.
It’s one thing to love the outdoors, and another to have certificates proving your technical wilderness skills. I recommend learning first aid and CPR, if possible, get certified as a wilderness responder. Develop your natural interpretation skills and practice leading hikes. While you're out there, practice your navigation skills and explore different environments. Also, zodiac driving is an important part of expedition guiding, look into getting a boaters license (some companies will train new hires onboard for this as well).
#4, Develop your teamwork skills
You need to be a team-player who is eager to collaborate and problem solve. Onboard, you live, work and breathe as a team. While you're away from home, your colleagues also become your ship family.
#5, Take a few classes
There are organizations like the Expedition Guide Academy that offer training, education and development for those interested in the industry. They have different courses that cover many of the essential skills. If you’re not certain that this career path is for you could always take classes at your local REI. They offer introductory courses on backcountry navigation, hiking and wilderness medicine throughout the year (which are good to know for any sort of excursion anyway). I’m sure there are more resources that I’m not even aware of. Also, YouTube is a great free resource!
#6, Learn more about the industry, and make connections
Learn more about the companies in the industry. Take notes about their itineraries, ship sizes and expedition teams. Are they sailing vessels or cruise ships? Does the company focus on a certain region, or do they sail worldwide? What kind of shore excursions do they offer? Find out what interests you. If you're interested in the polar regions, learn about Antarctic and Arctic regulations through IAATO and AECO. Most importantly though, reach out to people already working in the industry and ask questions. If you don't know anyone, feel free to reach out to me.
Are you interested in this career? Let me know in the comments below!
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