4 answers
Connor
Student
Trumbull, Connecticut
1
Question
Asked
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How do i get into a field that works with animals?
What is the best way to get into a career that works with animals considering how competitive the field can be? I've always loved animals and had a passion for caring for them. I feel that working as a zookeeper or a marine life biologist would be the perfect career for me. I just have no clue where to even start to get into the field.
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4 answers
Eduardo Gonzalez
Technical Support Specialist
2
Answers
Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile
Updated
Eduardo’s Answer
Hello Connor,
I believe it is super important to have conviction when looking forward to your career!
I think that If you do not have a clear idea at this moment of which major you would like to go for, why not check for places near you in Trumbull Connecticut? For example, there are plenty of places where volunteer work is constantly needed, from animal shelters to Zoos. If you get this exposure, you will be able to meet different people on the field and even professionals (recurring helpers, veterinarians, site employees, or even administrators) that will give you first-hand advice on their daily work.
This first step can help you clear out ideas and start solidifying career options, so you make your choice with the most amount of knowledge.
Wish you the best in your endeavors and keep that attitude of gathering insight into what is to come!
Regards,
Eduardo G.
I believe it is super important to have conviction when looking forward to your career!
I think that If you do not have a clear idea at this moment of which major you would like to go for, why not check for places near you in Trumbull Connecticut? For example, there are plenty of places where volunteer work is constantly needed, from animal shelters to Zoos. If you get this exposure, you will be able to meet different people on the field and even professionals (recurring helpers, veterinarians, site employees, or even administrators) that will give you first-hand advice on their daily work.
This first step can help you clear out ideas and start solidifying career options, so you make your choice with the most amount of knowledge.
Wish you the best in your endeavors and keep that attitude of gathering insight into what is to come!
Regards,
Eduardo G.
Angelica Breuker
Veterinarian
3
Answers
Waialua, Hawaii
Updated
Angelica’s Answer
Get good grades in high school and undergraduate. Start getting animal experience either volunteer or paid as a tech or kennel assistant. Get involved with shelters and local clinics and find a veterinarian to mentor you.
A. Michelle Hawkins
Make contributions and identify volunteer opportunities for employees
108
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
A. Michelle’s Answer
Start by doing some research. Identify different careers that involve animals and the education required to enter each profession. Look for opportunities to speak with and even shadow people working in the fields that interest you most. Also, volunteer at your local zoo or animal shelter. This will enable you to learn about different animal-focused work settings and have fun with the animals.
Brianna C., MS, SLP
Speech language pathology
148
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Brianna’s Answer
Hi, Connor,
It's great that you have an idea of what you'd like your future career to be. Though they both involve animals, marine biology and being a being a zookeeper are two very different careers with different education and training requirements.
A marine biologist is a more research-based/academic job. You will need to complete high school and at least a 4-year Bachelor's degree at a university. I would recommend majoring in zoology, biology, or biochemistry. From there, you can work in biology research labs as a research assistant, an animal care technician in a lab, as a zoo/aquarium keeper, or as a wildlife animal rehaber. If you would like to be a primary investigator running your own marine biology research (instead of an assistant), you'll need further education to get a Masters degree (at least 2 years) or, preferably, a PhD (4+ years).
Another option you may want to consider is becoming a veterinary technician, which requires only an associates degree (2 year) or a certification program.
As you can see, both of these have the same general starting point when it comes to your Bachelor's degree, but I'd recommend speaking to a college career counselor to determine what path works best for you.
It's great that you have an idea of what you'd like your future career to be. Though they both involve animals, marine biology and being a being a zookeeper are two very different careers with different education and training requirements.
A marine biologist is a more research-based/academic job. You will need to complete high school and at least a 4-year Bachelor's degree at a university. I would recommend majoring in zoology, biology, or biochemistry. From there, you can work in biology research labs as a research assistant, an animal care technician in a lab, as a zoo/aquarium keeper, or as a wildlife animal rehaber. If you would like to be a primary investigator running your own marine biology research (instead of an assistant), you'll need further education to get a Masters degree (at least 2 years) or, preferably, a PhD (4+ years).
Another option you may want to consider is becoming a veterinary technician, which requires only an associates degree (2 year) or a certification program.
As you can see, both of these have the same general starting point when it comes to your Bachelor's degree, but I'd recommend speaking to a college career counselor to determine what path works best for you.