I love all of these points, so accurate. As a zookeeper, people assume that my job is cuddling animals - the reality if very very different! You also definitely don't need to be young to start a career in conservation, I switched careers. And in fact it means you bring different experiences and transferable skills!
Georgina Smart thanks so much for your comment! Ha yes I can imagine you get people thinking that a lot!! I totally agree about your last point - I think it can be a real strength! People think too much about the academic side and not ‘real world’ experience which is what employers are actually looking for - they want someone who can do a job and someone who has demonstrated success elsewhere is really attractive!!
These are great! Hit the nail on the head. I would also add that the idea that If you work in conservation you don’t have to be a “people person”. So many people seem to think it’s all about the one on one with the animals and that you won’t ever have to work closely with other people. This is so not true! Such a large part of my day (pre covid 😬) was taken up making sure that the volunteers were engaged and that every thing was the best learning experience it could be. And then on top of that you have all the regular HR stuff that you mentioned. Plus the fact that often conservation jobs are not going to be in your home country and you end up leaning heavily on your co workers to be that in country support network that gets you through the day
Victoria Curr Smith 100% agree with this! The people person is an excellent one, I wish I had thought to include that. It is so so true. I’m my experience the people who have struggled the most working in conservation are those people that “love animals and hate people” and like you say don’t realise how much you have to deal with people, and a WIDE range of people!
So sorry for missing this at the time - I blame baby brain! :D As for specific roles I am not sure, but data scientists are playing a huge role in conservation, so I am sure there would be dedicated roles if not now, then soon. I will let you know if I hear/see anything relevant!
I love all of these points, so accurate. As a zookeeper, people assume that my job is cuddling animals - the reality if very very different!
You also definitely don't need to be young to start a career in conservation, I switched careers. And in fact it means you bring different experiences and transferable skills!
Georgina Smart thanks so much for your comment! Ha yes I can imagine you get people thinking that a lot!! I totally agree about your last point - I think it can be a real strength! People think too much about the academic side and not ‘real world’ experience which is what employers are actually looking for - they want someone who can do a job and someone who has demonstrated success elsewhere is really attractive!!
These are great! Hit the nail on the head. I would also add that the idea that If you work in conservation you don’t have to be a “people person”. So many people seem to think it’s all about the one on one with the animals and that you won’t ever have to work closely with other people. This is so not true! Such a large part of my day (pre covid 😬) was taken up making sure that the volunteers were engaged and that every thing was the best learning experience it could be. And then on top of that you have all the regular HR stuff that you mentioned. Plus the fact that often conservation jobs are not going to be in your home country and you end up leaning heavily on your co workers to be that in country support network that gets you through the day
Victoria Curr Smith 100% agree with this! The people person is an excellent one, I wish I had thought to include that. It is so so true. I’m my experience the people who have struggled the most working in conservation are those people that “love animals and hate people” and like you say don’t realise how much you have to deal with people, and a WIDE range of people!
Yesss 100x! Especially your comment about paying a living wage!
Kristina Lynn Hi! I love your channel!!! Thanks for the comment - pay is always such an awkward one to talk about as well!
Do wildlife conservation organizations hire data scientists??
So sorry for missing this at the time - I blame baby brain! :D As for specific roles I am not sure, but data scientists are playing a huge role in conservation, so I am sure there would be dedicated roles if not now, then soon. I will let you know if I hear/see anything relevant!
@@DiaryofaTentwife Thanks a lot! Great to know this!
Let me know if I have missed any??