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Thread: School me

  1. #1
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    Default School me


    I am currently looking into a degree in Biology, most likely fisheries and wildlife. Would you have any advice for someone who wants to get into these fields?

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    I'll offer my advice as someone who has recently finished school and landed a job in fisheries. I don't have any experience or insight into the world of wildlife but i'm sure it is similar.

    The biggest thing, in my opinion, is experience; get as much of it and as diverse of experiences as you can. It doesn't matter if your volunteering to go out and help do a spotlight deer survey or pull in a few gill nets with the biologists or if you get a paid position as a temp worker or creel clerk; the experience definitely helps. Make sure to watch everything they're doing and don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions. I have learned the majority of what I use everyday from the biologists that I've met along the way. It's not just learning how to do a lot of what the job entails but it's also about building the connections and developing strong references because in fisheries and wildlife its not exactly a big field, you'll likely have a mutual friend with someone.

    Secondly, if you're able, be willing to travel to different parts of the state or country to get a job. I know multiple people that I have gone to school with and had temp jobs alongside who are still waiting for a job in this field. Why? because they aren't willing to move away from where they grew up or their woman doesn't want to move (that is a tougher situation). As far as full time jobs there isn't much turnover in fisheries and wildlife, there aren't new openings in Kansas or Missouri every week or even every month. Be willing to expand your job search to the the whole midwest and the southeast. States like Florida and Texas have a lot of job openings because they are HUGE departments. Check out Texas A&M job board, they are usually pretty good.

    Third, you're going to need an education. Gone are the days where you could get into this field with experience alone. You're going to need at least a bachelor's degree. Try to go to a school that has a fisheries or wildlife program or at least a lot of classes along those lines. That and a whole lot of experience should get you some interviews. I'm not going to lie to you, the job scene for this field right now is pretty competitive. With a 4 year degree, you're likely looking at some longer term (up to 3 years) temporary work. A lot of candidates out there right now have or are working towards Master's degrees, which really aren't as scary as they seem. With a Master's you will have a much better chance at getting interviews for full time gigs and more likely to be offered a position.

    Conclusion: Get at least your Bachelor's degree. Get a lot of experience and then some, don't be afraid to volunteer or move to take a job. Build those connections to people already employed and apply to everything that you could see your self doing, and don't be afraid to get turned down.

    Hopefully some of this helps and doesn't scare you away from fisheries and wildlife. Keep at it and don't be afraid to put in some hard work and make some sacrifices, it will all be worth it in the end!
    Likes Blackdog40 LIKED above post

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by fish_cyclone View Post
    I'll offer my advice as someone who has recently finished school and landed a job in fisheries. I don't have any experience or insight into the world of wildlife but i'm sure it is similar.

    The biggest thing, in my opinion, is experience; get as much of it and as diverse of experiences as you can. It doesn't matter if your volunteering to go out and help do a spotlight deer survey or pull in a few gill nets with the biologists or if you get a paid position as a temp worker or creel clerk; the experience definitely helps. Make sure to watch everything they're doing and don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions. I have learned the majority of what I use everyday from the biologists that I've met along the way. It's not just learning how to do a lot of what the job entails but it's also about building the connections and developing strong references because in fisheries and wildlife its not exactly a big field, you'll likely have a mutual friend with someone.

    Secondly, if you're able, be willing to travel to different parts of the state or country to get a job. I know multiple people that I have gone to school with and had temp jobs alongside who are still waiting for a job in this field. Why? because they aren't willing to move away from where they grew up or their woman doesn't want to move (that is a tougher situation). As far as full time jobs there isn't much turnover in fisheries and wildlife, there aren't new openings in Kansas or Missouri every week or even every month. Be willing to expand your job search to the the whole midwest and the southeast. States like Florida and Texas have a lot of job openings because they are HUGE departments. Check out Texas A&M job board, they are usually pretty good.

    Third, you're going to need an education. Gone are the days where you could get into this field with experience alone. You're going to need at least a bachelor's degree. Try to go to a school that has a fisheries or wildlife program or at least a lot of classes along those lines. That and a whole lot of experience should get you some interviews. I'm not going to lie to you, the job scene for this field right now is pretty competitive. With a 4 year degree, you're likely looking at some longer term (up to 3 years) temporary work. A lot of candidates out there right now have or are working towards Master's degrees, which really aren't as scary as they seem. With a Master's you will have a much better chance at getting interviews for full time gigs and more likely to be offered a position.

    Conclusion: Get at least your Bachelor's degree. Get a lot of experience and then some, don't be afraid to volunteer or move to take a job. Build those connections to people already employed and apply to everything that you could see your self doing, and don't be afraid to get turned down.

    Hopefully some of this helps and doesn't scare you away from fisheries and wildlife. Keep at it and don't be afraid to put in some hard work and make some sacrifices, it will all be worth it in the end!

    Thank you very much for the reply and advice, it is very much appreciated. I am excited about diving into this field. I just hope i can make the grades haha.

  4. #4
    Craig Johnson's Avatar
    Craig Johnson is offline Moderator "Ask The Biologist" Forum * Crappie.com Supporter
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    Quote Originally Posted by Beerguy24 View Post
    I am currently looking into a degree in Biology, most likely fisheries and wildlife. Would you have any advice for someone who wants to get into these fields?
    Beerguy24,

    Fish-cyclone nailed it! I can't think of anything extra that I would add to that reply. Education, experience, more experience, and flexibility in duty station.

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