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Originally Posted by gardnerbr  Iits a common mistake that you have to work for free/volunteer to break into the ecology industry, perserverance is the key. Send your cv to companies, follow up with a telephone call a week later to check its recieved and show your enthusiasm for working for them, |
My experience is more in the practical conservation field but in my opinion it is not a mistake to volunteer at all - you can tout your CV arround as much as you like but if you dont have the minimum required experience (which is often a year or so) then you will get nothing except letters of rejection
you must get the experience and if you cant get a job then the only route open to you is to volunteer - incidentally volunteering with a good organisation is not about "working for nothing" it should be a mutually beneficial experience where in return for your work you get valuable skills , experience , training and a reference when you apply for your first paid job. It is also a valuable networking opportunity that not only helps you get a job but helps you make contacts which will advance your career later too
I am at work at present but when I get home tonight I will send amy some a more comprehensive answer to her orgininal question.