Career Help!!!

[kevin_p]

Hi all,
I am in the proccess of determining what i want to go in to as a career and i caint really make up my mind. I want to go in to herpetology or like a zoology but i really want to like maintain a zoologigal park but i also want to study them too. any segestions?

[CraigC]

I would suggest general studies in biology first (2-4 years, AS or BS). Then choose advanced courses in a specific field with a minor in herpetology. Once you have acredidation [sic], you can seek a specific field of specialization. Count on about 8-10 years of under graduate and graduate studies, with possible tutorial under graduate participation. If you seek a doctorate, add about 4 more years.

Craig

[VexalUntil]

A lot of schools now offer (Wildlife) Ecology degrees which would serve you either in working in a zoo or doing field work. This is the degree I chose because it seems that zoologists focus on one organism thereby limiting themselves while ecologist focus on interactions between organisms and the functioning of the ecosystem. Also cause Zoology at UF required physics, microbiology, and bio chem while Wildlife Ecology required bio 1 & 2 and Chem 1.

I would recommend against maintaining a zoological park because you wouldn't be working with animals anymore at that level. You would be working with people. If you want to work animals at a zoo, head keeper would be the highest position you would want. Curators, directors, etc are all beyond the point of working with the animals and focused on making sure everyone is doing his/her job and the park runs smoothly. If you want to work in a zoo check out the Zoo Animal Technology Program at Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville, FL. I would strongly suggest getting a BS FIRST though!! I graduated the program only to find out that I needed a bachelors to have a chance to compete in getting a job in a zoo. So now I'm finishing that and decided that I would much rather get out in the field and study animals. Be advised with this program you will learn a tremendous amount of info on animals (none of which I have learned at UF btw), but none of the classes transfer to other schools. Well unless you decide to go to Oswego, NY or Friends Univeristy in Kansas.

But like Craig said in it takes forever to get all the degrees to do anything in the field. In order to pursue your own research you need a doctorat. You could work for the government at a park or with USGS doing research, but those jobs are few and far between and wont be what you're expecting. For example a friend of mine who's a herper and mammaler is now working for USGS studying sturgeons (large bony fish if you don't know).

[ssjsmits]

Hope you like Biology.

[RowingMunkeyCU]

Although you may love herps, you may want to consider it's impact on your hobby.

As an example. I have a BS in Software Engineering. I spend 8-10 hours a day in front of a computer. Before entering the working world, I used to love playing video games and messing around with computers in general. Since I graduated and started working, I do everything except play on the computer when I'm at home and not working. I can't stand it.

I've heard of another example in relation to OB/Gyns and their home life...

You might just be better off keeping it as a hobby and finding something else you enjoy, but isn't something that you'd typically work on at home (engineering of some flavor). That way, the fun won't be sucked out of the hobby and you can still enjoy it. Plus, if you want to get involved in herp stuff, you can typically volunteer at zoos or aquariums.

My 2c.

[Lucille]

I suggest you get a solid education and take the necessary science courses toward your goal. In addition, see if perhaps you can volunteer or get a job during the summer in the setting where you want to have your career. This will give you a better idea of exactly what is involved as well as put you in touch with people who can give you help and advice as you proceed. Good luck!

[spike06]

why not major in biology and herpetology, then go to a zoo and be the head reptile guy there, that way u work at a zoo, and can study the reptiles

[blondemafia26]

Originally Posted by spike06

why not major in biology and herpetology, then go to a zoo and be the head reptile guy there, that way u work at a zoo, and can study the reptiles

I agree .