Career Change

[Colarris]

I've decided I want a change in career and want something within the fields of conservation or the enviroment. I realize there are many different fields within these two areas but just wondered if anyone could point me in the right direction? I've got the impression though that alot of areas in conservation work involves education or lobbying and I'm more interested in 'being out in the field'. I've started reading up on Ecology and that seems more like the type or area I would like to head for but are there any other options?

[tom00_uk]

have you had a look through the posts on here? Outdoor Activities - Wildlife and Environment Jobs at wildaboutbritain.co.uk

[Colarris]

Many thanks for the reply
Seems a popular area! Guess I'll get to the back of the queue!!

[animartco]

Realistically Colarris there is not much you can do professionally without a degree in Ecology or similar. There are more graduates chasing them, than jobs in these areas. But what you could do is become a landscape gardener and really push the wildlife aspect as you work. If you have the equipment, a good handyman colleague, and a little business, and artistic flare, you can make a good living at this.

[Jaeviatrix]

Colarris, perhaps you could take a degree in a relevant field? There is lots of funding available for mature students who aren't already graduates, and some places allow you to study part time, I do Environmental Science at Birkbeck in London, which has all the teaching in the evening, I am in my late 20s and loving it.

Also, while it might not be paid work, volunteering is surely still a way to make a contribution, I imagine you have contacted your local wildlife trust and the RSPB to see if there is anywhere you can lend a hand with grunt work, or surveying, or teas or whatever, or come along on a work party, lots of places have them? I've been told it helps on a CV, which remains to be seen, but going along on a weekly work party, working up a sweat, meeting people and being close to wildlife certainly feels "good for the soul"

Jay

[inghamb87]

Originally Posted by animartco

Realistically Colarris there is not much you can do professionally without a degree in Ecology or similar. There are more graduates chasing them, than jobs in these areas. But what you could do is become a landscape gardener and really push the wildlife aspect as you work. If you have the equipment, a good handyman colleague, and a little business, and artistic flare, you can make a good living at this.

An excellent advice. In the field of environment and conservation, it really is hard to get in without a degree. But if you pick up on something as a hobby and push the wildlife aspect as suggested above, this might be the best idea. Might take a while for the career to blossom but definitely an easier and passionate route unless you want to go to school and spend years before the career change.