Amber has always been fascinated by animals. Especially the unusual ones. When she was six, a zookeeper brought a wallaby to her local library. That moment stuck with her, sparking a lifelong interest in biology. Years later, as a freshman at the University of Maine, she found herself still captivated by creatures like the peacock mantis shrimp but unsure how to turn that passion into a career.

Coming from a family without a science background, Amber often felt like she was navigating her path alone. Her university brought in guest speakers, but there was rarely time to ask deeper questions about conservation, daily work in the field, or which skills really mattered.

Looking for guidance, Amber turned to CareerVillage.org—a community where professionals answer students’ real questions about careers.

Asking big questions, finding real advice

Amber’s first question to the community was simple but important: “What skills should I develop to work with animals and conservation programs?”

The answers she received went beyond the general tips she’d heard before. Professionals encouraged her to build real-world experiences—like travel—and to strengthen her public speaking skills, explaining that being able to communicate science clearly was just as essential as research experience.

“It made me realize public speaking wasn’t just a side skill, it’s central,” Amber reflected.

From advice to action

Taking the advice to heart, Amber looked for opportunities to practice. In her molecular biology class, she presented research on yeast DNA to an audience of 75 classmates. The idea of speaking in front of so many people was daunting, but she pushed through.

“It was pretty rewarding. I was able to get my message across…I’m happy with how I executed it,” she shared.

Amber earned an A on the project, but more importantly, she gained confidence and a clearer vision of how her passion for animals and her skills could fit together in her future.

A community that builds confidence

CareerVillage didn’t just answer Amber’s question. It gave her a community to lean on, a place where “little” questions felt welcome.

“Having a community of people just really helps better understand what you want to do, what you need to do to get there, and how to ask it,” Amber explained.

Words for other learners

Amber now shares her own advice for students who may feel unsure where to start:

“Don’t be afraid to ask… it’s not too little to ask, and it’s very important. Every little detail counts, because when you’re working towards your future, that’s how you will find yourself.”