How to Become a Zoologist

By eHow Careers & Work Editor

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Zoologists usually work in zoos as directors, curators or zookeepers. Directors are responsible for fund raising and public relations; curators oversee the functioning of the zoo and the acquisition of animals; and zookeepers are responsible for the daily hands-on care of the animals. Increasingly, some zoologists are working in areas of conservation, breeding and the protection and preservation of species.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Academic Counselings
College Catalogs
Individual School Requirements And Application
Career Counseling
Postage Stamps
Online Career Search

Step1

Volunteer during high school at facilities such as ranches and veterinary clinics, where you can gain firsthand experience caring for animals.

Step2

Maintain high grades in high school, especially in science classes.

Step3

Ask your high school guidance counselor for a list of colleges that offer a bachelor's degree in zoology or in biological science with a concentration in zoology. Realize that a bachelor's degree is only the first step in this field.

Step4

Send for college catalogs before your senior year. Make certain you meet the admissions requirements, and be sure to apply well before the deadline date.

Step5

During your college years, gain practical experience at a local zoo by volunteering or through an internship or part-time job. You'll make invaluable contacts through this work.

Step6

Be prepared to get a master's or doctoral degree if you want to advance to the position of curator or if you want to do any research work. Include business courses in your electives, even as an undergraduate.

Tips & Warnings

You must love working with animals. Otherwise, this is not the career for you.
Keep your writing skills sharp. Many curators write for scientific journals and other publications since zoos exist to serve the public.
Keep in mind that you'll have to stay abreast of new advances in biology and zoology.
You must be in good physical shape to work with animals.
Realize that this is a very competitive field, even with an advanced degree. You must be willing to keep your eyes open for jobs in related scientific fields, such as conservation or the environment.

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Comments

LittleMeghan said

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on 5/23/2008 Ive loved animals since I was a little girl. At first i wanted to be a vet,but then i realized that I was not good with blood and the death of animals (kinda a sensitive person). Then I heard about the ASPCA but thats more law enforcement then well,actually working with animals. I want to be a Vet Tech and a Zoologist. I just don't know how to make that work.

LittleMeghan said

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Jmcqueen83 said

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on 4/27/2008 I myself would like to become a zoologist, but had a rough life growing up, and struggled a lot. I am now 24, way past high school, (yes, I made great grades) and am now trying to find the way to that path.

Jmcqueen83 said

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on 4/27/2008 I extremely agree with DoctorJan.
I find the captivity can demoralize animals just as much as humans.
Remember, we ALL are animals whether you accept it or not.
An animal should not be taken from its natural place into an environment which it will constantly be gawked at.
The day when zoos start to realize that being in a polluted city is harming its animals and decides that its best to find ways in which people nor animals will be harmed and able to enjoy one another in harmony is a day that is a victory to me.