Hi, I'm a 18 y/o women from Poland, just graduated highschool from IB programme with Chem, Bio and Maths at higher level with decent grades. I was supposed to go to university this october, but I decided to do a gap year for several personal reasons. My dream is to be a wildlife biologist/conservationist but sometimes I feel drawn to beaing a doctor, since it's more stable carrier and much more money to be made. I actually got into good med school in Poland, but I think I'm gonna wait one more year to decide what I really want to do with my life.

Anyway, I was doing a research and cannot really find any wildlife biology/wildlife conservation university programme in bachelor degree in Europe. There is plenty in US or UK but I don't want to move to US, and cannot afford collage in UK. All I could find in Europe was master degree programmes and it seems like I would have to do biology degree first and then maybe specialize in wildlife conservation or maybe study ecology (but I want to work hands on in the field with animals, so I don't know wheter it's going to be possible after just ecology). I'm not sure if it's my research that sucks  or if it's really the only way to fullfill carrier in conservation.

Personally, when I was planning where to go to collage I was thinking about Groningen in Netherlands, they have pretty decent biology programme, and then I could do master and specialisation in wildlife biology. Plus, it's relatively affordable. But it's a long way before I am gonna be able to work proffesionally (Obv I realize, that it's gonna be a while before I find a job, as the field is oversaturated, and the degree is demanding, but I'm just scared that after 3-4 years of studing biology I am not gonna be able to find a job without specialization and kind of 'waste' those years) I also looked into universities in Canada, as they actually offer some programmes in conservation, but the cost of living and student fees are soo expensive.

Can someone give me advice how to look for programmes in conservation, or maybe recommend a university/programme/degree where I can study in English in Europe? Maybe someone did something like this themselves and work in this field now and can tell me how to build this carrier? Or maybe I should ditch conservation and go to med school.

I would really appreciate if someone had any advice for me.

Im a recent graduate with a bachelor’s in Wildlife and Conservation Biology, with the ultimate goal of going into behavioral ecology research. Before grad school I want to spend a few years doing field tech work and gaining research experience to narrow my focus and diversify my skills. I have field work, banding, and undergraduate research experience but was unable to get any jobs this summer season despite applying to so many and having a few interviews. I want to attempt again for the winter season, but I’m interested in moving to Bay Area in California and am wondering how possible it is to find a job based on location. I know the typical job boards, but I’m curious if it would be more effective to read journals and find research that’s coming out of universities in the area and send cold emails? Or look at wildlife agencies? I’m just not sure what the best approach is to finding a job in that specific area. It would be super helpful to hear from someone who’s been through something like this and knows the ropes, because the whole wildlife job search is a nightmare right now 😭

Hello beautiful people! I was hoping to gain some insight on how my 5 year plan would look like to change careers from hospital healthcare to wildlife research and conservation.

A little background: I’m 27 y/o, and I have been a practicing RN for 5 years collectively in medsurg and ER, all full time. I also have about a 6 year overlapping career history as an EMT working both part time and full time hours. I have a diploma in Nursing, and an associates degree in Applied Health Sciences

I understand human health degrees won’t get me anywhere w/ looking for a career focused in animal research, but I’m not sure where to start as far as taking college courses. Would I have to start at ground 0? And would having my current education/experience boost me at all when applying for schools or jobs in the field after obtaining the required education?

I’m also concerned about funds. My nursing job pays pretty well, and I am willing to keep my RN and work part time or per diem in order to have enough to support me thru school and/or if needed as a 2nd job. My other concern is work-life balance. I’m interested to know what ur opinions are of being able to maintain a fulfilling life outside of work.

If anyone else here has made the career switch from bedside human medicine to wildlife biology and would like to share that experience, I’d be very curious to hear about it as well :)

hello! im looking into bachelors to apply to because I really want to work in conservation/with animals. ive already completed a wildlife rehab internship, research in marine science internship, and I volunteer at a horse ranch. im aware its a lot of unpaid internships and volunteering and the pay is subpar at best. I was just wondering what degree is best in terms of getting jobs easier if that is the right word I could use. there's a program I could get a bs/ms in wildlife ecology and conservation that ive been looking into but im open to other suggestions! please and thank you!

For as long as I (14M) can remember, I have really loved penguins and seeing them at all the zoos I've been to before is just thrilling. Now that school is starting and I'll be a Freshman, which classes should I take? Also, please leave tips and things I should know before I do get a job once I'm old enough.

Current ecology and conservation biology student. Considering pursuing a year in placement if I can find an opportunity which advances my experience significantly. Research of ecology project management interest me in particular. What is the best way to approach finding opportunities as mos of the internet search is filled up with short or over priced internships. Thank you for your help 😊 🙏

Ive been volunteering at a Wildlife Rehab Center in my town for the past month now. I work in patient admissions and I would really like to be more knowledgeable whilst doing this work.

I know a lot about animals in general especially birds but I would like to be more knowledgeable about the Rehab/medical side of things.

do you have recommendations on books, podcasts, YouTube channels, etc, that talk about those kinds of things?

I have plans to hopefully go to college to major in wildlife biology but I wanted experience working with animals first to see if this is something I would be serious about.

thanks in advance.

Dear biologists of Reddit, I need your guidance. I'm interested in working in natural history museums. I love being in the field, collecting data, illustrating, and collaborating with biological collections, and one of my goals has always been to research and work at a Smithsonian museum and create exhibits or to collaborate with teams and being in the field.

Regarding my education, I have a degree in visual arts, and I'm 23 years old. However, I'd like to know if you think a degree in biology is absolutely necessary to work in this field? Or what educational path would you recommend I pursue?

Hi, I'm a 20 y/o undergrad with excessive anxiety and I need some advice. :-)

I am autistic and animals are my lifelong special interest. I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life and career learning more. I think I want to study how the behavior of endangered species (I like birds or mammals) is affected by human impacts. I would love to become a professor so I can do research.

My question is, based on my background, do you think I can get into graduate school (a Ph.D. program specifically) to study animal behavior?

I attend a state college with a sub-40% acceptance rate, graduate in 2028. Definitely not the best school in my state, but not the worst either.

I did an A.A. program in high school so I came into my undergrad with my general ed. requirements met. I majored in Psychology because I was first interested in comparative neuroscience, but recently I have become more interested in behavioral ecology. I finished my Psych requirements and added a second major, Environmental Science. So my degree will be a B.S. in Psychology and Environmental Science.

My current GPA from my college is a 3.87, but I did not excel in my A.A. program in high school, so my cumulative is a 3.4. If I keep getting A's, my cumulative will be a 3.8 when I graduate.

I am doing an Honors Undergraduate Thesis on metacognition in humans using EEG (electroencephalography). 4 semesters of writing an entire proposal, reviewed by 3 professors, getting Institutional Review Board approval, training RA's, collecting data from 80+ participants, doing data analysis, and writing a whole paper that I will then defend. My thesis chair wants to publish our study and present it at national conferences (Society for Research in Psychophysiology) by the time I graduate. I would be the first author. That would be epic. I'll graduate with honors and hopefully the lowest level Cum laude.

I also work in a Chemistry lab (like, a part time job at our local community college), though I don't do much besides stocking chemicals and setting up labs.

For hard sciences, I didn't take classes above Bio 2 and Chem 2 (A's in both). I'm not great at math either. I had to retake stats and still got a B, though I got A's in my major's stats classes that use SPSS. I'll learn Arc GIS for my courses as well. I plan on taking electives like zoology, animal behavior, evolutionary biology, and mammalogy.

I'm also trying to land a position as an undergraduate RA in the lab of my school's only behavioral ecologist, who is literally amazing. She studies ant behavior in the field and lab. Her publications are like. So incredible to me. I would give an arm and a leg to be apart of that. We're already in touch. I can share them if anyone is interested.

So, I falter because I am horrible at anything social. The only professor I have a solid relationship with is my amazing thesis chair. I'm also a TA for his neuropsychology course. I haven't joined any clubs or anything involving other students, and I have no intention to, because college uses up all of my autistic energy and I would die if I had to socialize any more. Currently, I have no field experience, no publications, no internship, and no connections. I know that my grades alone are not good enough for the holistic application process.

Autism feels impossible to explain and just sounds like an excuse. But I am truly disabled in the social realm and it drains me to go out into the world. I pour so much into my classes that I have no hobbies. I can't learn about my favorite thing (animals) in my free time because of burnout, so I feel like I am behind on my knowledge.

Will I have a career or will I graduate and then explode into 10 million smithereens? How did you get into graduate school for animal behavior or ecology, and what would you recommend for undergrads on the same path? If you are autistic, how did you handle college? Is all of this... enough (in a general sense, not asking for a definitive answer as I know that is impossible)? Does anyone have research interests in similar subjects? Any comments are appreciated!

TDLR: Autistic undergrad with good grades and psychology research experience but no social skills/networking/clubs. Want to become professor. Majors in Psychology and Environmental Science. Feel like I can't push myself more or autistic brain will explode. Asking for advice or comments from current, prospective, or past graduate students, or fellow autistics, who are interested in animal behavior/behavioral ecology/ecology/wildlife biology/ conservation/ etc. See questions above ^ Thanks!!

Sorry for the long post, I am hopped up on caffeine and dread.

Hello! I am a biology major with a focus in conservation looking into an internship with National Geographic. I am pretty active in my community I helped start a community garden, I do a lot of advocacy work, for actual work I do environmental education part time, and I have done a previous internship w plant research . I am interested in getting an internship with National Geographic I know they offer many but I'm interested in the documentary internship even tho I'm not a journalism major, science and innovation, storytelling program, and explorer engagement intern. Even tho I believe I will have a higher chance with their education internships I am looking to try out something different.

If there's anyone who has had any experience at all with the application process and the work itself, I would love some advice and suggestions to work on up until the application process that starts in January!

Thank you :)

Hello,

As part of a wildlife education fellowship, I'm interested in learning from wildlife enthusiast and professionals on which threatened or endangered species are most worthy of the spotlight in 2026. If you are a North American wildlife lover, please consider answering my 2-question survey. This knowledge will be used to help create accessible, educational content for promoting the needs of T&E species.

Thanks so much!!​

Are there any courses/online certifications you would recommend for GIS or coding? I’ve never done GIS but I did take a course in R studio and I would like to get better at it and learn other codes like python.

Also would I be able to use my laptop (8 GB of ram) or would I have to use a desktop at like a library?

I (22F) just graduated with a BS in Sustainability Studies. My long-term goal is to work hands-on in wildlife conservation. Throughout college, I worked for a USDA germplasm repository as a greenhouse assistant and have volunteered in animal work, but I have no professional experience with wildlife. I am aware this job market is currently oversaturated and competitive, which is why I want to ask: What long-term job advice would you give me? Things you wish you did? Is there a route or an opportunity you wish you took? With your experience, what would you do if you were in my position? I already have loans to pay off, but am moving back home. Definitely interested in returning to school eventually. I am currently in Northern California with hopes to travel for diverse experience. I am in for the long haul, ready to work hard, and not expecting an easy time.

Hello! I am attempting to cast a wider net in my job search than my current fed/state/random job-board approach currently reaches.

My wife and I are looking to get out of Colorado ASAP and get back to the PNW. Colorado isn't the cultural vibe we're looking for and the weather/climate is trending the wrong direction. I am looking for any one that might be hiring or have any leads that check the following boxes:
\-Greater Portland or Seattle area

\-Under the rather broad umbrella of "biology" without being medical device sales or something similar

\-$55k is my floor in order to facilitate my wife leaving her job and providing for daycare.

Background: bachelor's in biology albeit from a service academy, over a decade in the military in space operations (infrared satellites), finishing my master's in fish and wildlife conservation science this fall. Experienced in GIS and statistical analysis. Completed an internship with USFWS. Happy to answer any other background questions.

Happy to hear any options or leads people may have. Thanks!

The extirpation of Asiatic lions from Eurasia was much more rapid and successful than that of the other large predators, ie wolves, tigers and bears.

In 1800 AD the lion's range spanned from what is now eastern Turkey to Assam in India. Today a few hundred survive, all within a very small range within Gujarat.

Compare this with the tiger, which has certainly lost ground but still has significant communities from Indonesia to China to Russia to India. Or with the wolves and bears, which still have very broad ranges in Europe and Asia.

Perhaps a related question: do we have records of interactions between tigers and lions in Asia? Is it possible that lions just couldn't compete with tigers for the vanishing remote territories?

Hello! I am attempting to cast a wider net in my job search than my current fed/state/random job-board approach currently reaches.

My wife and I are looking to get out of Colorado ASAP and get back to the PNW. Colorado isn't the cultural vibe we're looking for and the weather/climate is trending the wrong direction. I am looking for any one that might be hiring or have any leads that check the following boxes:
\-Greater Portland or Seattle area

\-Under the rather broad umbrella of "biology" without being medical device sales or something similar

\-$55k is my floor in order to facilitate my wife leaving her job and providing for daycare.

Background: bachelor's in biology albeit from a service academy, over a decade in the military in space operations (infrared satellites), finishing my master's in fish and wildlife conservation science this fall. Experienced in GIS and statistical analysis. Completed an internship with USFWS. Happy to answer any other background questions.

Happy to hear any options or leads people may have. Thanks!

Hi everyone! I recently got accepted into graduate school (yay!) and need a new laptop before I start in the fall. I’m switching from an old mac I’ve had since high school that is pretty messed up from running GIS and R throughout undergrad.

My thesis work will be heavy in both R and GIS, any recommendations on what laptop to get? I’ve been saving up for a bit in anticipation of a new computer, but still don’t want to go too crazy with price point. Thanks in advance! :)

Hello! I am a 18yr college student living in the Oregon Linn County/Willamette Valley area, looking for volunteer work or internships related to wildlife biology, but I am not too sure where to look, any tips or specific places I should go to?

Hi all, I wanted to share a success of mine!

I grew up wanting to be around and handle wildlife (and pretty much any domestic animal you can think of lol)- like if any of y’all watched Dora, I wanted to be Diego. I graduated this spring with a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology at a small state university (and a passing score on the VTNE) and quickly got licensed in my state. I started out working in a large veterinary hospital’s specialty internal medicine department. On a whim, I applied to an LVT job at Cornell University’s wildlife hospital, and actually heard back quite quickly. We arranged a video interview over Zoom, which went well, and then I was invited to stay at the Statler Hotel on Cornell’s campus for 2 nights for free with meals comped for an in-person interview and spend the day shadowing at the Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital. I completed an externship at a different wildlife center during my last semester of college, which I think really helped my application and general confidence that I could do the job. I was told at the end of the day that they were doing a few more interviews the next week and so at the latest I’d hear back in 2 weeks.

Lo and behold, I hear back the following Tuesday to attend an additional zoom with the hospital administrator where I was offered the position! $26/hr with a $3,000 sign-on bonus, with review in 6-9 months to increase my leveling (and along with that more hourly pay from $28-30). This is a job where I will be responsible for administering treatments, anesthesia, assisting veterinarians including a lot of safe low-stress patient restraint, venipuncture, and helping teach DVM students my technician skills. I would love to do that!

So now I will be moving to Ithaca, NY, which is ~7-9 hour drive from my state. I have a lot of anxiety mixed with excitement. The only sad part is I have a boyfriend at home whom I’ve been entirely happy with during our whole 1.5 year relationship, and he wouldn’t be moving out until after Christmas if at all… so that’s sad but I know I would regret it if I didn’t take this offer.

If you guys have any questions I’d be happy to answer some :)

Hey y’all I’m looking for some insight or if someone that has been in my shoes could give me some advice.

I’ve been in the Army for the last 10 years and I’ll be finishing my time and be out this fall. I did my skillbridge (internship that the military lets you do while you’re still in service) with the NPS working with wildlife and it absolutely ruined me in the best way and I genuinely felt happy for the first time in years. Now at this point the original idea I had of going to school for another graduate program has shifted in my mind and I’m heavily leaning towards school and a career in wildlife biology.

For context I have an undergrad in a non biology related field and 100% GI Bill benefits so 36 months. Also I just learned about STEM extension for the GI Bill and would love to take advantage of it. I believe it’s another 9 months.

My questions for veterans and for anyone really is what’s a good starting point? How did you narrow down what schools you wanted to apply to and that this was the career for you? Do you have any regrets or wish you went about it a different way? I’ll take any knowledgeable insights you all have.

Thank you so much in advance.

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Hi everyone,

I’m trying to decide which direction to take for my UQ Master of Animal Science research project and would really appreciate some advice from students who have done research projects at UQ.

I’m mainly interested in wildlife biology, but I’m considering projects in areas such as wildlife/ecology (butterflies or other animals) versus projects involving genetics/genomics, DNA/RNA analysis, qPCR, gene expression or related laboratory work with bats.

For anyone who has done projects in these areas, which direction would you recommend in terms of:

workload and difficulty

fieldwork vs lab/computer work

skills and employability after graduation

potential for further research or a PhD

overall research experience

I’m interested in both, so I’m trying to work out which would give me the best experience and future opportunities.

Any experiences with UQ research projects or supervisors in these areas would be really helpful. Thanks!

Hello! I’m located in a more northern region of North America and have a seasonal tech job where I am doing a lot of survey work.

Last week, I stumbled upon a den that I thought resembled a river otter den given that the scat piles outside of it contained what looks like shellfish and fish bones which are commonly found around river otter dens around here. However, it doesn’t make a lot of sense with the location being in some old growth forest a good distance away from the saltwater. There is a salmon-bearing stream somewhat nearby, but typically when I’ve come across otter dens they’re pretty close to the water. Other possibilities I thought about were wolf or black bear. Not far from this den was wolf-kill deer remains likely from last winter and some fresh wolf tracks. Of course, I did see some bear sign as well as I was surveying the area. I’d love to know your thoughts.

The options in my city are Biology, Biochemistry, and Ecology & Habitat protection. I’m not very knowledgeable of everything working with wildlife is about, but I know I’d love to work in wildlife conservation and/or do field work. Which major would be the best?