Many are interested in the question of who is an entomologist. Is it a profession, or rather a vocation? After all, it is difficult to imagine a person who makes a living by catching and then studying insects. It is also important how relevant this specialty is in the modern world. Especially considering the fact that every year the range, and with it the population of insects, is rapidly declining.
To begin with, what does the profession entomologist mean? First of all, this is a scientist who perfectly understands various types of insects, knows their habits and habitats.
How to become an entomologist?
In order to become a real specialist, well versed in the diversity of insects, you need to get a proper education. For this, there are institutes that have biological departments with a bias towards entomology. You can enter there after grade 11, having successfully passed the exams. Another option is agricultural universities or technical schools, which teach methods of combating parasites.
Naturally, you can master this science yourself by reading books about insects, as well as by studying the works of famous scientists published in scientific journals. But it will only turn out to be an amateur entomologist, because to get a real position you need a diploma.
Entomologist profession: what does this specialist do?
In general, this profession can be divided into two large groups: general and applied. And although both of them are derivatives of the same science, the difference in their application is very great.
General entomology studies all insects without exception. Specialists of this direction travel to all corners of the world in order to search for new species of beetles, monitor the population of butterflies, catalog the endangered subspecies of dragonflies in the catalog, and so on. There are also scientists dedicated to general entomology. They are pioneers in the world of insects, whose main desire is to learn all new things.
But an entomologist is a many-sided profession, as proof of this its practical direction. Specialists of this group are engaged in the study of insect pests, as well as the development of methods to combat them. Including with ticks and mosquitoes, which are carriers of many infections.
Relevance at the labor exchange
Where to find work for those who have earned the honorary title of Entomologist? This profession is not very popular, so much depends on the place of residence, region, as well as the narrow specialty that a person received at the university.
In particular, specialists in general entomology are better off looking for a position at an institute or university where they can devote themselves entirely to the study of insects. Having gained experience, you can compete for a place in a research center, which will open up an even wider range of opportunities for a scientist (including business trips abroad).
But there are more popular areas in this science. For example, a practitioner entomologist is a more common profession. Indeed, in any city there is an institution that monitors compliance with sanitary standards at enterprises, including the presence of parasite insects on them.
In addition, entomologists are needed in disinfection services, whose responsibilities include the destruction of pests. Also, a good specialist can always count on a place in the agricultural sector, because their knowledge about methods of protecting crops from insects is greatly appreciated.