How to become An Entomologist

• Insect Biologist
• Insect Scientist

What do Entomologists do?

An Entomologist would typically need to:

• Focus on the study of a specific type of insect and its characteristics such as nutrition, ecology, morphology, diseases, reproduction, and movement patterns; discover and catalogue new insect species
• Undertake air, water, soil, and material sampling to collect factual data on the habitat and ecology of insects 
• Perform experiments on insects in diverse environments; publish findings in reports, research papers, and scholarly articles
• Create and control breeding programs for insects; model and predict entomological populations using computational analyses
• Keep an eye on insect populations; find ways to restrict the increase in population, importation, and spread of destructive insects
• Establish a cross-disciplinary network to access first-order analyses of peripheral issues such as climate change and their effect on entomological modelling
• Collect and manage field specimens; investigate and analyse the impact of insects on the environment, human health, agriculture, and forests
• Study the evolution of insects and classify them; organise public awareness programs to help people easily identify insects
• Research the control and impact of pests; study the impact of specific pesticides on different insect species through the field and lab tests
• Develop pest management programs; guide stakeholders on how to manage complex pest-control problems
• Curate insect collections in museums

Entomologists typically work inside labs to conduct experiments and in the field to collect specimens. Fieldwork might require them to relocate to remote locations for extended periods.

Although the standard work schedule of an Entomologist spans forty hours per week, it is not uncommon for professionals to put in more hours when on field trips or when experiments need close monitoring. 

They must also spend their spare time reading and keeping up with scientific developments in their field. 

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Entomologists can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Entomologists are generally employed by: 

• Chemical Manufacturing & Pharmaceutical Companies
• Pest Control Companies
• Universities, Laboratories & Research Groups
• Zoos & Museums
• Private & Governmental Agricultural Entities
• Military Agencies
• Public Health Organizations
• Biotechnology Firms

Professional associations and organisations, such as the Entomological Society of America, are crucial for Entomologists interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.

Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Dealing with poisonous or allergenic insects and chemicals
• Being around strong odours and unpleasant conditions
• Physically strenuous fieldwork; long work hours may mean a lack of life-work balance
• Extended time away from home due to relocating to remote places for long periods

High school students interested in entomology can join relevant under-18 clubs run by colleges, universities, and entomological organisations to gain hands-on experience. 

Any academic program that a potential Entomologist takes up typically requires a period of supervised experience, such as an internship.

Prospective Entomologists may also find voluntary work in museums or conservation organisations helps them become well versed in insect identification, sample sorting, and conservation techniques. 

Join entomological societies, conservation organizations or study groups, subscribe to entomological journals and collect insect specimens or photos to gain valuable experience and knowledge.

Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts working in entomology to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Prospective Entomologists must have a bachelor’s degree in entomology or a related field in the biological sciences.

Undergraduate college students who aren’t offered this program in their universities may take entomology courses within the biology or chemistry degree program. They would typically study communication, English, advanced mathematics, physics, and chemistry, along with entomology.

An MS or PhD degree will best serve Entomologists who wish to focus on medical research, scientific research, or epidemiology.

Certification demonstrates an Entomologist’s competence in integrated pest management and important safety and regulatory issues through work experience, training, and passing an examination. 

You can acquire either board certification or associate certification. 

While Board Certified Entomologists (BCE’s) need to pass two comprehensive exams and must have graduate-level degrees in entomology, Associate Certified Entomologists (ASE’s) can make do with just one comprehensive exam.

ACEs are commonly found in the pest control field. BCEs can opt for certification in general, medical & veterinary, urban & industrial, regulatory and plant-related entomology or pesticide development, analysis and toxicology.

An Entomologist with a doctoral degree and consistently high-performance levels may be eligible to get promoted as Director of Research in a government agency or private firm. Entomologists could choose to take up tenured faculty positions in universities and colleges or become Administrators after acquiring doctorates.

Many other Entomologists choose to start their own consulting or pest control businesses. Professionals focused on research find career advancement happens most often in the form of recognition for their contribution to the field. 

Candidates with graduate-level degrees have the best job prospects.

Entomologists could work towards obtaining completed doctoral degrees, which are usually crucial for career progression. Professionals in the field of entomology must study throughout their careers to keep up with new developments in the field. 

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Entomologist build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.

It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge. CPD also allows the regular renewal of desirable certifications and professional memberships. 

Who do you want to bee?

Entomologists generally specialise in the study of one kind of insect. These studies have individual, unique and fascinating names. You could go into coleopterology, the study of beetles or dipterology, the study of flies or hemipterology, the study of true bugs or lepidopterology, the study of moths and butterflies. 

Similarly, the study of bees is called melittology or apiology, the study of ants myrmecology, the study of grasshoppers and crickets orthopterology, while the study of wasps is called vespology. These terms are simply a few amongst thousands of subfields under entomology. 

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Entomologists have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time entomologist has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Insects perform vital functions and outnumber the sum total of all other life forms on earth.

Entomologists have a direct impact on all our lives. Their vast knowledge of insects and their advanced intelligence allows them to have a hand in developing crop pollination, insect species conservation and pest control.

They help preserve the vital food cycle and whole ecosystems as they heroically clean up contaminated sites. Entomologists are one of the last bastions in the war humankind seeks to wage against climate change and catastrophe.

You must invest heavily in extensive collecting, looking, and learning about insects. You should meet with local entomologists, go outdoors and try to identify as many insects as you can in their natural habitats.