Palaeontology is a rather unique career choice, in that at one point or another most children (and some adults) want to be a palaeontologist, but very few of them are ever able to realize their dream. However, there are more avenues into palaeontology-related work today than there ever have been, and the main purpose of this book is to highlight some of the potential routes into palaeontology as a career, or as a more productive pastime than just basic fossil collecting. The author wanted the book to be accessible to as broad an audience as possible, from primary school children (or at least their parents) up to those who may be in retirement. After all, it is never too early nor too late to pursue your palaeontological passion!
"This is a must have for anyone seriously contemplating working in palaeontology. It also makes a great gift for anyone who is considering aspiring to be amongst the next generation of palaeontologists, or indeed for the enthusiastic fossil collector who would like to become more involved with this fascinating area of science. This publication provides an insider's view on the exciting and diverse career opportunities available to students who want to develop their interest in palaeontology into a full-time occupation. It really is required reading for any teacher or educationalist wishing to assist aspiring palaeontologists."
– Everything Dinosaur blog
"'I want to be a palaeontologist'. A sentence that palaeontologists hear all too often, which is great but giving the best (and most appropriate) advice to that child/student/adult can be difficult. The science has evolved so much that it encompasses many sub-disciplines and areas which most individuals stating that sentence would never consider to be palaeontology. Palaeontology, at least to most people, is simply dinosaurs yet they form a tiny fraction of what the science truly is – the entire history of prehistoric life. Growing up, I had little in the way of guidance (but had moral support) for a career in palaeontology but was certain I would be a palaeontologist regardless of what I had to do. But, for many, the interest in a career in this science often fizzles out because it seems to be a career that has no straight arrow or guidance. This is where 'So You Want to Be a Palaeontologist?' excels. If you are an aspiring palaeontologist, fossil enthusiast or would simply like to understand what palaeontology is and who studies it, then you need this book. It is a must."
– Dean R. Lomax – Palaeontologist (Honorary Visiting Scientist at the University of Manchester) and Presenter of ITV's Dinosaur Britain