2 answers
sydnee
Student
Whitmore Lake, Michigan
15
Questions
Asked
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What is the best way to get a job as a zookeeper?
I'm in 8th grade. I have a class called career and technology. My teacher is having the class ask questions about what they would like to do in the future. #classes #career-choice #zookeeper #job
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2 answers
Corey Romberg
Training Specialist & Conservation Educator
9
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Corey’s Answer
Hi Sydnee,
The number one thing for you to do would be volunteering and/or interning at a zoo. Almost all zookeepers get their start this way. Even though you are only in 8th grade, you can definitely start volunteering now. Many zoos offer teen volunteer programs which may allow you the chance to handle small animals, educate the public, work with camps or school groups, or even help zookeepers. I don't know how far you are from the Detroit Zoo, but they have a teen volunteer program you could check out: https://detroitzoo.org/support/volunteer/teen-volunteer-opportunities/
As you get into high school and college, continue volunteering and also look into doing zookeeping internships. I would also say to definitely get a Bachelor's degree, but the degree program you choose doesn't matter as much as the type of hands-on experience you have on your resume.
Explore teen volunteer opportunities at your local zoo
The number one thing for you to do would be volunteering and/or interning at a zoo. Almost all zookeepers get their start this way. Even though you are only in 8th grade, you can definitely start volunteering now. Many zoos offer teen volunteer programs which may allow you the chance to handle small animals, educate the public, work with camps or school groups, or even help zookeepers. I don't know how far you are from the Detroit Zoo, but they have a teen volunteer program you could check out: https://detroitzoo.org/support/volunteer/teen-volunteer-opportunities/
As you get into high school and college, continue volunteering and also look into doing zookeeping internships. I would also say to definitely get a Bachelor's degree, but the degree program you choose doesn't matter as much as the type of hands-on experience you have on your resume.
Corey recommends the following next steps:
Sydney Barnes
Manager
12
Answers
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
Sydney’s Answer
Sydnee,
After doing some research, I found https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-a-zookeeper provided 4 steps to becoming a zookeeper.
1. Gain experience early on
2. Complete a bachelor's or an associate degree
3. Compile your resume and apply to entry-level positions
4. Attend interviews and receive a job offer
As an 8th grader, getting experience is the first step such as volunteering at your local zoo. This will help you determine if being a zookeeper is the path you want for a career. You may find out that you want to be something in a related field. Just keep an open mind. According to http://becomeazookeeper.com/zookeeper-qualifications/, the zookeeper position is highly competitive and outlines the requirements for an applicant to be considered for a position. The good news is that relevant college studies are the minimum requirements to start but any hands-on experience with a college degree is much better. This site has some good information https://www.yourfreecareertest.com/zookeeper/ and it has a career test you might find useful.
Although you are not in high school yet, that gives you 4 years to figure out what career to pursue, which is very important when it comes to selecting a college to attend. Hopefully, you are aware of the importance of a college education and the opportunities it opens up for you. The challenge is that not all colleges cost the same amount and they all don't offer the same majors. You will want to determine your career path to identify the colleges which offer the major you want to pursue. Then you can start the decision-making process of the college to attend.
This is the right time for you to start thinking about your future because time is on your side. When you are young, you have a flexible schedule and not many responsibilities. That gives provides time to get the education you and want to pursue your dreams. When you are older with a full-time job and family, your time becomes very limited to get the desired education if you did not complete it while you were young. I recommend you take advantage of the career and technology class to learn how to research career paths you are interested in and use the resources available to you. This way you can start taking steps like volunteering jobs in a job you are interested in. That experience might not be a glamorous job or what you expected but it will help you in making a decision at some point in your life.
Good luck and enjoy the journey/experience in selecting your career path.
Review https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-a-zookeeper
Review http://becomeazookeeper.com/zookeeper-qualifications/
Review https://www.yourfreecareertest.com/zookeeper/
After doing some research, I found https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-a-zookeeper provided 4 steps to becoming a zookeeper.
1. Gain experience early on
2. Complete a bachelor's or an associate degree
3. Compile your resume and apply to entry-level positions
4. Attend interviews and receive a job offer
As an 8th grader, getting experience is the first step such as volunteering at your local zoo. This will help you determine if being a zookeeper is the path you want for a career. You may find out that you want to be something in a related field. Just keep an open mind. According to http://becomeazookeeper.com/zookeeper-qualifications/, the zookeeper position is highly competitive and outlines the requirements for an applicant to be considered for a position. The good news is that relevant college studies are the minimum requirements to start but any hands-on experience with a college degree is much better. This site has some good information https://www.yourfreecareertest.com/zookeeper/ and it has a career test you might find useful.
Although you are not in high school yet, that gives you 4 years to figure out what career to pursue, which is very important when it comes to selecting a college to attend. Hopefully, you are aware of the importance of a college education and the opportunities it opens up for you. The challenge is that not all colleges cost the same amount and they all don't offer the same majors. You will want to determine your career path to identify the colleges which offer the major you want to pursue. Then you can start the decision-making process of the college to attend.
This is the right time for you to start thinking about your future because time is on your side. When you are young, you have a flexible schedule and not many responsibilities. That gives provides time to get the education you and want to pursue your dreams. When you are older with a full-time job and family, your time becomes very limited to get the desired education if you did not complete it while you were young. I recommend you take advantage of the career and technology class to learn how to research career paths you are interested in and use the resources available to you. This way you can start taking steps like volunteering jobs in a job you are interested in. That experience might not be a glamorous job or what you expected but it will help you in making a decision at some point in your life.
Good luck and enjoy the journey/experience in selecting your career path.
Sydney recommends the following next steps: