How to Plan a Wildlife Career

Some of the people who are interested in the outdoors, whether it be hunting, fishing, camping, bird watching or some other activity, decide they want to take that interest to the next level and make the outdoors their career. They are certainly not alone. Competition for wildlife jobs is fierce, largely because of the widespread belief that wildlife professionals are always outside, working with wildlife. Though it may not always be the case, there are multiple factors that go into planning a wildlife career.

Instructions

1. Think about your ultimate goal. Perhaps it is to be a deer or upland bird biologist, or maybe you want to manage a group of biologists but work more with budgets and policy. Understanding where you want to go will help lay the groundwork for how you will get there.

2. Take science classes in school. The classes available to high school and undergraduate students often are general in nature and cover broad topics like biology, chemistry and ecology. As your level of education increases, you will be able to take classes on more specific topics. Keep in mind, though, what level of education you need to achieve your ultimate goal.

3. Talk to people who already have wildlife careers. Ask them what their job is like on a day-to-day basis. Ask them where they went to school and what they studied. The informational interviews you conduct will help you determine what is right for you.

4. Obtain practical experience. You do not need any formal education to help out some of the crews that work with wildlife. Although these likely will not be high-paying jobs and may not advance your wildlife career to where you want it to go, they are opportunities to get important hands-on experience and make contacts in the wildlife field.

5. Choose a college at which to study. Most wildlife careers require at least a college degree. Some require advanced degrees. Pick a school that has a good reputation for sciences, especially as they relate to wildlife.

6. Begin applying for jobs that you are qualified for, such as at state and federal agencies and nonprofit organizations. Because there is a lot of competition, you may have to move across the country. Also, you probably will not get your dream wildlife job right away. Just make sure the jobs you take help advance your career and are relevant to what you ultimately want to do.

Tips & Warnings

• Find a mentor, someone who already has the type of wildlife career you want. A mentor can answer questions and provide support.