She Strengthens

Pursuing a Career in Wildlife and Nature: Insights from a Seasoned Professional

Many of us have, at some point, fantasized about working in a national park, zoo, or reserve, surrounded by the beauty of nature. However, few of us realize the challenges that come with pursuing a career in this field. Amanda, a former wildlife major, has spent years navigating the ups and downs of seasonal positions and has finally landed a permanent job in the fishing sector. She shares her experiences and valuable insights to help aspiring professionals make it in this field.

Choosing the Right Major

Amanda majored in Wildlife & Fisheries Management with a minor in Forestry at the University of Tennessee. She stumbled upon her major by accident, but it turned out to be a perfect fit. Her academic advisor recommended the program, and she was drawn to the curriculum, which included classes dedicated to learning about mammals, birds, trees, and even rain.

Preconceived Notions vs. Reality

As a sophomore, Amanda assumed she would secure a job easily after graduation, just like her seniors. However, the economic collapse changed everything. By the time she graduated, many of her peers were either pursuing graduate degrees or struggling to find employment.

The Elusive “Dream Job”

Amanda’s concept of a “dream job” has evolved over time. She loves the variety of jobs in natural resource conservation, from researching genetic variation in endangered salamanders to measuring annual tree growth in Yellowstone. While she hasn’t found her ideal job yet, she enjoys aspects of every role she’s held.

A Variety of Jobs in the Field

Amanda has had a range of experiences, from tracking ducks in the Mississippi Delta to driving an ATV around the prairie in North Dakota, finding duck nests. She’s also worked in the Shenandoah Mountains, conducting research on plants, soil, water, and mosquitoes. Each job has presented its own challenges and opportunities.

Considering Graduate School

Amanda considered pursuing a graduate degree, but ultimately decided against it. She wanted to gain hands-on experience in the field before committing to a research project. Moreover, she saw friends with graduate degrees struggle to find full-time positions, while she was able to secure seasonal jobs and gain valuable experience.

Networking: The Key to Success

Amanda landed her current job through networking. Her boyfriend’s friend’s fiancée, who works in environmental finance, connected her with an aunt who worked for an environmental monitoring company. The company needed someone quickly, and Amanda’s experiences and skills made her a strong candidate.

Overcoming Obstacles

The biggest obstacle in this field is the lack of funding, which makes it difficult for companies to take risks on new hires. Networking and having someone vouch for you can make all the difference. Amanda advises aspiring professionals to get experience, volunteer, and apply for internships to increase their chances of securing a job.

Advice for Aspiring Professionals

Amanda’s advice is to gain as much experience as possible, even if it means taking jobs that don’t sound glamorous on paper. She emphasizes the importance of working hard, being flexible, and taking advantage of seasonal work. While the pay may not be high, the experiences and opportunities are invaluable. Above all, she encourages people to pursue their passion for nature and wildlife, even if it means facing challenges along the way.