Advice needed

[Spyro]

Hi There!

I am a second year zoology student at Glasgow University and i am looking for help and advice about what i might need to get a job afterward. The main problem seems to be that anyone who has their degree has told me to change course as they find it impossible to get a job.

I don't drive so when the oppertunity for voulenteer work arrives i often can't make it, however this summer i'll have my student loan stowed away safely for travel expenses - much more rewarding than blowing my money on a 2 week holiday.

If anyone knows of any voulenteer oppertunities etc etc that could help me out i would be really greatful

[almostnormal]

hi. depending on whether you want to travel to do your volunteering you could check out the following - they usually have lots of volunteer positions to choose from

Environmental Jobs and Volunteering in the UK
EnvironmentJobs.co.uk
Countryside Jobs Service - welcome.

the only downside with the third one is that quite often the best volunteer positions are advertised in the weekly subscribers only segment, but there are some good ones in the voluntary segment as well.

hope this helps.

[JonSadler]

Hi

I teach environmental science at Birmingham University. Don't listen to what you are being told - make the best of a good old zoology degree - if you are interested there is nothing better. In the end a degree is a degree and you will have one that arms you with a range of transferable skills including numeracy (unlike arts degrees) - a much underrated skill! There are lots of options open to graduates (with any sort of degree) but if you wish to stay in ecology then:
1. Get as much (practical field and taxonomy) experience as you can. Use the bus, taxi and beg lifts to do it. There is a dearth of good field scientists.
2. Find a target group and make it your own (e.g. invertebrates - leps, beetles). Bats are a great choice as they are protected and feared by all developers - they are a mainstay of ecological appraisals.
3. Be prepared to be poor...environmental jobs are not characterised by terrific pay.
4. Or do really well, get a PhD and then teach at University - it's great fun.

A masters degree might also be a sensible halfway house but go for one that maximises field science.

Best of luck and enjoy your three years as it zooms by before you know it.

Regards
Jon

[eeyore]

i agree with everything that has been said

would add only - get a driving licence ! - not being able to drive is a big disadvantage when doing feildwork as there are many locations which are not easily accesible in any other way

[thunder]

Originally Posted by eeyore

i agree with everything that has been said

would add only - get a driving licence ! - not being able to drive is a big disadvantage when doing feildwork as there are many locations which are not easily accesible in any other way

And there is a limit to the amount of equipment you can carry on a bicycle!

henrya

[zan]

Hello!
I graduated from glasgow uni last year as an aquatic, and I'm still here working away as a researcher Most of the people from my course are now employed in relevant jobs as well, so I'm not the only one! You need to be dedicated, and keen to learn\work. Take any job you can get while you're at uni - it all adds up on the CV. Talk to lecturers for contacts in local groups, email people for summer\weekend work (e.g local river trusts or the scottish assoc. for marine science take summer students each year near Oban for research projects)... Voluntary work can get you a basic skill set to set you up for future jobs.

At the end of the day though, it's down to how much you want to be a zoologist and the effort you're willing to put in. If you start now, you'll be in a much better position when you graduate.

Hope this is some help

[coasty]

Originally Posted by eeyore

i agree with everything that has been said

would add only - get a driving licence ! - not being able to drive is a big disadvantage when doing feildwork as there are many locations which are not easily accesible in any other way

Dont listen to people who arent successful,,, If you work hard and are keen and commited you will succeed , There are opportiunities everywhere, I share and office with two Eco Warriors,,,,,They make a decent living at it,,,

But I do echo what the others say,,, GET A DRIVING LICENCE,,,,,,

You will find it is an absolute essential to getting a job.....

[maccyd82]

Yes im afraid theres no way around it, most ecology jobs will stipulate a driving licence as an essential requirement. Id use your holiday cash to go on an intensive course or get some lessons. Then youll be fully mobile and the volunteering world will be your oyster.

You could also think about volunteering with the RSPBs residential warden scheme. I did this and then managed to get a 6 month paid contract with them, and have since built things from there. Also if you volunteer long term on one of the RSPB projects theyll give you a lot of free training - first aid, chainsaw licence etc.

If youre interested in consultancy id definitely start by joining the local bat/reptile/amphib group.

You can also do temp work for consultancies during the great crested newt season, which can lead to permenant jobs.

So dont believe the people who tell you a Zoology degree is limiting!