Advice for careers in biology, ecology, zoology & more from scientists John & Kendra Abbott
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- Опубліковано 16 вер 2024
- Ready for another? The wetland rap is gonna blow you away!
• The Wetland RAP! Ecosy...
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The response to my first video on getting started with zoology got a great response from viewers and I was overdue for a follow up. I interviewed the amazing scientists and photographers John and Kendra Abbott (who also contributed most of the photos in my "Baby You're an Arthropod" video seen at • "Baby, You're an Arthr... ). Yes, this is LONG but, hopefully, it will be helpful to all of ya'll wondering if you really can make a living while researching and helping animals. Leave your questions and comments and I'll get back to you as quickly as I can.
Lucas, you are such a dear for taking the time to create videos like this, and answering every question you receive. I don't know if you're told enough, or at all, but thank you. :)
Very kind of you! Yes, I put a lot of work into these but it's quite rewarding to feel like I'm helping folks find their own ways into careers in science and conservation. I appreciate your words of thanks and recognition so much.
I know this is an older video, but I found it really relevant and helpful for my situation. I am married and have an almost 2 year old son. I’ve started back up with my schooling after taking a 3 year break. I have to do it all online because I’m a stay at home mom. I am leaning heavily towards an environmental science or ecology degree and I hope to be able to get a decent paying job in the future working hands on and not pushing paper or spending all my time in a lab. I have heard the need for volunteering is really important and doing summer research etc. how can I achieve my dream degree and career while being a stay at home mom who can already only take online classes? My son will eventually be in school, but that is not for over 3 more years.
+Justin Robinson So sorry to take so long to get back to you, this slipped through the cracks. I know it is super tough to do anything when you have kids to tend to (been there). I'm not going to be a ton of help since you're looking to do something very different from my domain but I will say that three years probably seems like a super long time but it really isn't. Be patient and keep your eye on the goal line. Yes, volunteerism is great but the underlying principal there is building personal relationships with professionals in the field and there are other ways to do that. I take it you're working on your undergraduate degree? If so, then what is your plan for the next step? A university closer to home? Is there a way to start building relationships with people there? A counselor might be able to put you on the right path. I hope that helps. The world needs more people like you so I really do hope you can make it happen! Glad the video helped - John and Kendra have better advice than I can offer which is why I made the video...
I wish this video or ones like it existed when I was in school. I am from the days of the commodore and the internet didn't exist. Good Job!! Kids need this these days.
You are very welcome, Jake. Thanks for the kind words!
thank you for the help im 14 and have always wanted to work with animals so I found this very helpful
Wow Fantastic Video I hope to See more from you shortly!! I Can Tell you put time into The Video! Keep up the Amazing Videos!
Thank you for the link, I'll be researching and mass sending E-mail's immediately at an amazingly annoying rate. Also going to find a biology related volunteer opportunity asap.
I specifically want to work with African Mammals (mainly Elephants and Rhinoceros'), and I'm looking for schools more tailored for that. Any suggestions?
Great talk, thanks guys.
Really enjoyed this, thank you!
I love your videos! Thanks for coming to my school
Hi Lucas, I'm a junior in high school and I've known all my life that I've wanted to work with animals. I've done countless amounts of research and nothing compares to the phenomenal videos you make, so thanks for sharing!!! I'm looking to have hands on experience with larger mammals such as bears, big cats, wolves, etc. I originally wanted to go into wildlife rehabilitation but thorough research has shown me that it is mostly volunteer work. Also, very few colleges offer a zoology course. Working alongside large mammals seems like a dream which leads me to wonder if I can actually make a career out of it. Forgive me if this is a personal question but is there a zoology career out there that will support me well enough financially? Or should I look into something else with better pay because as much as I love animals, I can't help but think long-term. Sorry this is a little lengthy... your opinion on the matter would be greatly appreciated! :)
Danielle LaFleur First, thanks for your kind words! You're asking a thoughtful and intelligent question. As I understand it, most schools would probably guide you toward a major in animal behavior rather than zoology (which tends to be more focused on taxonomy (animal groups/relationships). The well-paying jobs in this field tend to be through universities as professors and researchers. They are few. That's not to say it's impossible but just peruse the comments on my other video on what zoologists do and you'll see that there are many who covet those jobs working with cats and other large mammals. It's very competitive and not the surest way to make a living wage. There are other careers that may start with a biological sciences degree (as this video discusses) and they might put you in a better position to both earn a decent living AND get to do some volunteer work with the animals that you adore. I wish you much luck and thanks again for your comment! I hope that helps.
Lucas, what kind of advice would you give a rookie?
An appropriate fear of wasps and bees is understandable but don't let it keep you from enjoying your life okay? They are not out to get you--they sting when they feel threatened, not just to inflict pain randomly. There's a certain cost involved (some bees actually die when they sting) so they will generally leave you alone if you leave them alone. Most stings happen when some inattentive person puts a hand or foot on or near them so try to watch yourself and just stay calm when they come near.
I just want to thank you for this video. It really helped me a lot! (:
I'm so glad! Best of luck to you!
Thank you very much, this was very helpful! I am definitionally going to be more proactive in finding research experience next year. I hope it helps me figure what specific field I have an interest in. I am going into my second year as an undergraduate at University. I'm just trying to figure out what I want to do as a career because I haven't chosen a major yet I love biology and environmental science and there are so many different pathways and fields within those disciplines.
So glad to be able to help. Best of luck!
very helpful, thank you so much! x
Hey I have a question that not much people seem to tell me. Ive had a phobia of wasps and bees since I was a child. Do wasps sting you for no reason? Or do they only sting you if they see you and you disturb them.
Hi Lucas. I am currently a junior in high school and ever since I was little, I've wanted to work with animals. I am very interested in zoology, specifically with marine mammals, dolphins mostly. II was wondering what your thoughts are in this type of field currently or if I should have a backup career in mind? Thanks a lot. Love the videos.
Hey sorry
Im not sure if you're familiar with the International Baccalaureate (IB) ?but to become a zoologist or study Biological Science is it essential to take another science (chem or phys) at higher level? It's just that I'm extremely into Biology, Ecology and animals in general and have wanted to study it all my life though I know I won't be able to cope with higher chem or higher physics because I am rubbish in comparison and have no interest in them. To get a job in the field and with studying animals, will taking just higher Bio and no other science be sufficient? Sorry if you've already mentioned this in the video.
I'm sure you can find careers working with animals that don't require physics and chemistry but, if you're going to pursue zo/bio at the college level, yes, you'll have to take both of them. Find some study partners and support each other and I'm sure you can manage it. I took physics for non-majors during summer school so I could focus just on that. Also, try and be open to them because you might find you enjoy them more than you expected. I found the teaching at the college level much better and more engaging than what I had in high school. Best of luck to you and I hope you can create a life working with animals!
Thanks for vid i may going to do something whit animals very usefull ;)
Hi i know this is an old video but im really curious in how to start a career path towards being a zoologist im currently a junior in high school, going to be a senior in a couple months and id like to know what courses to take, i know you need biology or chemistry and i was wondering if you absolutely need chemistry aswell, I would like to work in a zoo and study the animals behaviour while also teaching people about the animals, Handling them and caring for/feeding them. Not sure if zoology is the correct path?
At your level, yes, just take all the science you can (including chemistry). At the college level you'll probably want to major in animal behavior. Some schools have programs specifically for zoo jobs. Zoology, however, is rarely offered any more as it is most concerned with taxonomy and most schools tend to focus on other topics in the life science (evolution, genetics, ecology, physiology). Good luck and sorry to take so long to reply!
Were any of you ever scared to choose a specific area of study? I am a senior at uc davis and i am still finding it tough to choose a niche within ecology/biology. I am interested in marine ecosystems, herpetology, and conservation. And advice for narrowing my choices?
How about sea turtles? It's a marine herp that needs conservation ;-) Seriously, though, yes, I was very unsure about which direction I should take. I ended up in informal science education so I'm not much use here. I'll forward this to John and Kendra and see what they say. More of grad school seems to be about working with particular professors and/or in particular types of research so I think working with your current professors' networks could be helpful in guiding you to the right program. Good luck and I'll try to follow up with more from the Abbotts. They're enthusiastic communicators.
Singing Zoologist I sincerely appreciate the reply, and i look forward to hearing what the Abbotts have to say. And yes I would LOVE to work with sea turtles! I just fear that the majority of conservation biologists probably feel the same way, haha. I have also been having a hard time getting a consistent research assistant or internship position under a professor or grad student, I have emailed a few professors, and been quite persistent i might add, and still no luck. I haven't had an internship since summer/fall. Any advice there?
Hi Marcus, I was very "lucky" in that I knew exactly what I wanted to do from a very early point. I aimed for it and go there with little fan fair. This is unusual for most students today. In fact, after 14 years of being in that career I aimed for, decisions out of my control forced a change and now I'm more where you are than I have ever been. I think the answer is to chase your passions, but know they may change or evolve, sometimes by choice, sometimes not. Just always be on the look out for the many open doors that are open and waiting for you to walk through! As to your specific questions of a niche in ecology/biology... I would say the more well-rounded you are (i.e. systems approach) vs. organismal is probably best (despite the fact I am the latter big time!).
Great advice! thanks for taking the time to write a thorough reply, I appreciate it! I definitely am interested in big picture questions, revolving around ecology and evolution, and this quarter i am actually taking a grad class in marine ecology, so i am excited for that! Hopefully i can keep up with the grad students and maybe one day become one. haha
So glad to hear it. There is so much great stuff to learn in biology so you're doing great: just jump in and get the most out of each class, professor and experience!
Hey I was wondering if you have any videos on what to write in a personal statement when applying for zoology?
Well, I've never served on an admissions board so you'll have to take my advice with a grain of salt but keep it real and from the heart. From what I know of these things, most boards get gobs of applications so most of them kind of blend together ("I was president of student council and in the top 5% of my class," etc.). Unless you've done something truly remarkable already (published research, won a state science fair, etc.), it's probably better to go with something heart-felt. Try to emphasize what makes you different and how your studies will equip you to improve something in the world. You don't want to stand out in a BAD way, mind you, so be respectful but try to orient this around what they stand to gain from you rather than what you stand to gain from them. Hope that helps!
Thanks for taking the time to reply to my comment and thanks for the advice :)
You bet! Good luck with your studies!
great work!
Thanks so much! I hope the video was helpful.
Hi Lucas! I'm from India just about to give my 12th standard final exams. I had this craze of persuading a career that involves working with animals since I was child. Finally I decided to to be a zoologist! We don't have much opportunities and knowledge about this field here in India, neither are the friends and families supportive of the decision. I want to study and work somewhere abroad (preferably Australia) so badly! Unfortunately I have to do my bachelor's degree here due to financial reasons, I can't afford abroad . But I'm planning to go as soon as I finish my course. So can you please help me in knowing what are the ways or any exams that I can give to go abroad so that I get maximum scholarship (I'm a bright student!) or any important tips, coz I have zero knowledge about this. It will be great help on your part! And thank you so much for this video!!!!
Oh, man, I wish I could be of help here but I'm really not familiar with higher education in India. Do you have an advisor you can talk to at your school?
That's the problem, I have no one who can guide me through this. But thanks for your concern anyway😃, I'm trying to reach out more and more people for help.
How do I deal with questions during my degree with the most incomprehensibly boring phrasing? Something like: '"Mutualistic relationships between species are essentially cooperative" Discuss this using appropriate examples. '
HOW do I cope with that? I love the ideas in Biology, but when someone puts that on a piece of paper. I don't think I've ever seen anything more boring in my whole life!
Riley B Don't know what to tell you. It's just something you have to deal with in life sometimes. Perhaps try to tie in a topic or animal that you're interested in?
hello lucas i am currently attending shasta college and its my second year but i really dont have a major but im wanting to take zoology and work with animals but i dont like killing them its just an oath i took but i do understand if the animals are sick and injured and cant be healed they need to be put down but i really love animals especially wildlife animals my favorite is the wolf but i would love to be working with wildlife. what would i need to do for schooling and what type of jobs would be available for me and were would i need to move to, currently i live in redding. im slower at learning but after i get it is memorized also if i dont do things like for example car and i dont do them for a long time i dont remember certain things. with this disability would i still be able to find me a job in zoology with wildlife? but im willing to put in the hard work for this just not sure where to go for it or how to start it. sorry for the length have to be honest knowing what im capable of and my weakness is part of the hard work. thank you and your opinion would be greatly appreciated thank you for your time:)
ryan madsen Hey, Ryan, Thanks for the great note. With your good heart and hard work I believe you can find a career working with animals. I think the advice shared in this video is really the best I can offer you from afar; many of the career opportunities they mention would be available to you I believe. I think you need to contact a counselor at Shasta and ask them these questions as I think they will be much better equipped to offer you specific advice. As to not killing animals for the sake of science, I believe most schools now allow for students to learn from computer-based interactives but I'm not associated with a college so I can't say for sure. Best of luck to you!!
What is the best masters degree for someone who loves evolution and behaviour of animals and working in nature? Thanks
Not sure on that one. Do you have an advisor you can go to?
Thank you!!!