How Do I Become a Taxonomist?
Taxonomy refers to the science and practice of classification. Taxonomic schemes exist in a variety of fields including biology, languages, the military, and the economy. As a result, the first thing that you should consider before becoming a taxonomist, is the field of taxonomy you are interested in. This will determine the coursework you should take before becoming a taxonomist. Additionally, the level of education should be considered, as well as actual experience as a taxonomist before you embark on a taxonomy career.
Originally, taxonomy only referred to the classification of a certain set of organisms. With time, taxonomy came to be used in other fields, such as sociology, where it was applied by Emile Durkheim to classify different types of human relationships. The most common form of taxonomy is Linnaean taxonomy, or biological classification where things are classified into three main categories — animals, plants and minerals. The basic ranks of the animal section of Linnaean taxonomy are species, genus, family, order, class, phylum and kingdom.
Some academic institutions offer degrees in taxonomy generally or degrees in taxonomy as related to a specific field such as biology. As a result, determining whether you want a general degree or a degree that focuses on a particular specialty is important. Even if you want to become a taxonomist in a particular field, you'll want to take some courses that cover taxonomy generally, including the important considerations in developing taxonomic schemes.
The knowledge of particular foreign languages can also be helpful to a taxonomist. Latin, especially for biological taxonomists, is helpful since many taxonomic schemes employ Latin terms. A good understanding of ancient Greek can be helpful for similar reasons.
To become a taxonomist, you do not have to take courses at a traditional university. There are many online taxonomy degrees available which can be an excellent option for aspiring taxonomists with limited time or those who are located in remote areas. These online degrees can vary in quality, however, so it is generally recommended to verify the type of accreditation you will receive upon completing a program. A properly accredited degree is often necessary to find a job as a taxonomist.
Post-graduate studies help you become a taxonomist. This is especially true since many taxonomists have master's degrees of PhDs. Additionally, experience as an intern or apprentice or in relation to taxonomic work can be helpful to anyone interested in becoming a taxonomist.
Written by Klaus Strasser
