Ecology - Explore A Career
|
|
|
|
| Skills needed to succeed in the Ecology field |
This is a listing of skills that will supplement your college education. Develop them early!
Develop skills and knowledge
|
- Keen observation
- Backpacking & camping
- Plant and animal ID
- Research design
- Theory development & application
- Math
- Scientific Analysis
- Map &compass
- Computer
- Laboratory methods
|
|
Take up a skill building sport
- Any sport that helps build your endurance: cross-country running, hiking, biking and any sport that increases your knowledge of the outdoors: bird watching, boating.
|
Top
|
| Career Advice |
- ATTEND the Unity Career Fair-talk with the professionals in your field, conduct informational interviews
- TALK with upperclassman - where did they volunteer, intern, and find employment?
- ASK faculty, and CRC about Unity alumni who are employed in the ecology field. Call alumni who are working in an area you want to work; introduce yourself, let them know you are looking for advice, internship, job
- JOIN The Ecological Society of America (for annual & regional meeting) by your junior year.
- ATTEND area, state, regional, national ecology conferences - NETWORK
- READ Any and all Ecology related popular and semiprofessional magazines or publications that interest you.
- CHECK the CRC Employment Links webpage regularly
Top
|
| Jobs for Ecology Students |
- The Ecological Society Of America They also have a listserver, ECOLOG-L for discussion of ecological research and theory and job and meeting announcements. Members and non-members are welcome to use this resource. To subscribe to ECOLOG-L, send the command “sub ECOLOG-L {your name} to the address: listserv@listserv.umd.edu This page has more info about the list serve, including the archive
- Jobs in Ecology-This site is sponsored by a non-profit group; it provides listings of jobs, internships and fellowships along with other useful links.
- Ornithological Societies of North America ORNITHOLOGICAL JOBS: Positions and Opportunities Available, On-line
- Research Experiences for Undergraduates
Use their on-line searchable database to find paid research opportunities. The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects designed especially for the purpose.
- Student Conservation Association Complete one application - SCA matches you to positions with federal, state or non profit environmental/conservations agencies. Website has searchable database. Positions available for 16, 26 or 52 weeks.
- Career Resource Center's Job Webpage-Tons of other web links to jobs.
Top
|
| What types of positions can I work in? |
Positions to look for during college to gain experience and skills:
- Summer Camp - naturalist position or any position which strengthens your outdoor skills
- Field Assistant - volunteer or paid position-often associated with university, government or private nonprofit organizations (Nature Conservancy and World Wildlife Fund)
- Lab Assistant - working with plants or animals
- Information Centers - for parks/refuges where you would be providing information about plants and animals
Volunteering even half a day a week for the summer will provide you with valuable
experience. You may need to ask repeatedly before being taken on as a volunteer.
Remember it's all about NETWORKING. If you don't network how is anybody to know who you are and what you have to offer? Volunteering is where you are given the chance to schmooze with the professionals, use it wisely. This is where a lot of people get their first jobs.
Definition of "NETWORKING"- Introducing yourself to, and getting to know, people who might be able to tell you about a job. "An estimated 80% of all jobs are filled by word of mouth eventhough they may be advertised." The Career Search Handbook
Top
|
| After Unity, what do alumni do? |
Title and Organization
- Aquatic Biologist, Kentucky Department Water, Ecological Support Section
- Assistant Professor of Fisheries and Wildlife, Utah State University
- Biology Technician/Back country, Great Bear Foundation/Green Mountain Club
- Biologist, US Fish & Wildlife Service
- Environmental Laboratory Analyst, Environmental Sciences Services
- Environmental Scientist, James C. Anderson Associates Engineering
- Environmental Technician, Terrestrial Environmental Specialists, Inc.
- Hydrologic Technician, US Geological Survey
- Marine Ecology Research Tech, Marine Science Research Center
- Quality Assurance Officer / Senior Chemist, Clear Water Laboratory
- Wildlife Research Technician, Alaska Dept of Fish and Game
Degree, Major and School
- PhD, University of Arizona
- Masters Physicians Assistant, Humboldt State University
- Masters, SUNY/Buffalo
- Masters Michigan State University
- Masters Wildlife Management/ Public Administration, University of Arizona/ Lewis and Clark College
- Masters Wildlife Biology, University of British Columbia
- Masters Aquaculture Fisheries, Clemson University (SC)
- Masters Ecology, Rutgers
Visit the CRC and get contact information for alums so
you can get advice from former Unity students.
Top
|
| Develop a gift wish list |
If anyone asks what you would like for your birthday, Christmas, Chanukah, graduation etc. suggest the following
|
- Backpack
- Camping equipment
- Hiking boots
- Foul weather gear
- Hip boots
|
- Binoculars
- Gift membership to Ecological Society of America
- Field guides & handbooks based on areas of interest
|
|
Need some equipment in the meantime? Stop by the equipment room in the OAC. With a $20.00 refundable deposit you can take out equipment including canoes, backpacks, snowshoes, skis, wet suits and much more!
Top
|
| Grad School Links |
- Grad Schools-Directory for Ecology Grad schools
- Ecology-An easy to use resource designed for undergraduate students considering applying to graduate school in the general area of ecology.
Top
|
| Professional Association Links |
- The Ecological Society Of America is a recognized organization representing ecology. They have a great information page specifically for Ecology undergraduates.
- They also have a listserver, ECOLOG-L for discussion of ecological research and theory and job and meeting announcements. Members and non-members are welcome to use this resource. To subscribe to ECOLOG-L, send the command “sub ECOLOG-L {your name} to the address: listserv@listserv.umd.edu
|
For more information about the Ecology degree at Unity College click here
Top
|
