subject: 3 Tips To A Career Working With Animals [print this page] In today's market, getting that first job working with animals is becoming increasingly difficult. More and more people are applying for fewer positions, and the number of job hunters with university degrees is at an all time high. However, though it may seem like the odds are stacked against you, there are many ways to make you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just leaving school, studying veterinary science at college, or looking to change careers, there are many ways to gain unique and professional experience which will give you an edge when making your way into your first wildlife conservation or veterinary career.
Tip 1: Study Abroad in a Specialist Program
If you're already in a university or college program working towards a qualification in conservation or veterinary science, a great way to expand your knowledge is to spend a semester or a summer abroad gaining experience in a different setting. Not only does this give you exposure working with animals in various settings and with new techniques, but it increases your pool of references for future applications and impresses future employers. Also, if you're studying veterinary science, some programs actually offer credit towards your Extra Mural Studies (EMS) a requirement for any veterinary degree in the UK. There are a few quality programs offering work experience for course credit with opportunities for hands-on experience - which ranges from traditional veterinary work to managing a breeding centre. With tailored summer courses, you can work towards completing your EMS requirements without missing any of the academic term.
Tip 2: Diversify your Experience
Sometimes it's difficult to know where your career will take you ; whether you're still in college or want to try a career change, varying your experience as much as possible will both give you insight into potential career pathways and make you appear a more valuable future employee. When thinking about working with animals in the UK, it's easy to image that it's limited to zoo work or veterinary medicine for domestic pets; however, some of the UK's largest animal-work employers deal primarily with wildlife the RSPB, and the Wildlife Trusts to name a few. Having experience in wild animal conservation will help you be one step ahead of the game when going into the job market.
Tip 3: Lead a Project (Even a small one)
If you're hoping to find a job in veterinary work or in wildlife conservation, it is a good idea to develop your management and team-working skills. Even though you might think you'll be mainly working with animals, many positions need to be filled by project managers and team leaders who have experience in problem solving and in organising a group of people to work towards a goal. Even a relatively simple task such as getting a group of fellow conservation students or volunteers together to clear rubbish from high branches near nesting birds - can be a lesson in collaboration and project managment. Dealing with animals (either wild or domestic) can at times be a high-stress occupation, and employers will want to know that you can keep a level head when things don't go to plan. Rarely does a project ever go exactly to plan, and having a chance to overcome any issues that might arise means that you can demonstrate problem-solving skills and leadership.
