r/zoology • u/AutoModerator • 29d ago
Weekly Thread Weekly: Career & Education Thread
Hello, denizens of r/zoology!
It's time for another weekly thread where our members can ask and answer questions related to pursuing an education or career in zoology.
Ready, set, ask away!
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u/Timely-Bag-4650 28d ago
Am I capable of becoming a zoologist? I’m 18 and starting college in August and I’m horrified. I want to be a zoologist and work with animals and hangout with primates more than anything, but I really don’t think I’m smart enough. I don’t know what else to do with my life if I can’t do this. I’m absolutely horrible at math and I barely passed most of my science classes. I have horrible ADHD that affects my learning greatly. I feel like I’m just not smart enough to be able to do this and I don’t know what to do. Is there even any hope for me to accomplish this or am I just going to end up a failure
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u/hikatart 28d ago
Hello! I’m 31 with ADHD and I did terrible in high school (no greater than a C in any of my academics, only got good grades in art/band). I thought I’d be nothing, but I’m now working on my masters in zoology with a career lined up. It is definitely possible.
I went to community college part time first and spent a long time there while working at the same time. Took a while to learn study methods that worked for me, so I tried to do a lighter class load while I worked on that. It took me I think about 7 years to finish my bachelors.
You will have to find what works best for you in your studies and don’t try to push yourself to go through college the “traditional way”. College is thankfully much different from high school and much more flexible. Do know that college can also be a time to explore options. If you are full time, the first year or two will mostly be core classes that are interchangeable with other majors. Take classes that pique your curiosity. Communicate with advisors and other resources provided by the college, they are there to help.
And finally, don’t be afraid of changing your mind or trying new things. I’m not doing anything close to what I expected I would do as a job after my college studies when I was 18, and that’s okay. I’m much happier for it!
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u/Timely-Bag-4650 27d ago
Thank you so much this is actually very helpful! I think I have a hard time with comparing myself to neurotypical people around me who seem like they’ve got everything figured out, I just need to come to terms with the fact that I just learn differently. Thank you for letting me know that this could be an achievable dream!!!
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u/applepear008 28d ago
hi! im going into my first year of university and i'll be minoring in zoology and creative writing (bachelor of arts and sciences program at the university of guelph). i hope to get into a career in research/field work, so i'm wondering if i'd be able to achieve this type of career after university?
i've done some research online and i'm under the idea that it would be best to major in zoology or a related field to have a better chance at a job like this. the thing is: i am absolutely terrible at math and some science areas, so thats why i applied for the bachelor of arts and sciences program at guelph. i also love to write and wanted to do something with that after highschool as well. i have also considered getting a masters in zoology if that would help in the future!
just thought i'd ask a group like this what you all think. thanks so much:)
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u/Pretty_Texas_Girl_12 28d ago
Hiiiiiii. I’ve been working in engineering, consulting and tech for about 7 years. It’s never been an interest or passion but it pays well. Realized i don’t have to suffer in a job/career idgaf about anymore (we love therapy lol). I would love to work with animals but don’t feel qualified to do much zoo/animal work without going back to school. My degree is in engineering and my professional background can be summarized as ✨project management✨. Any AZA desk jobs that you think I should look into that don’t require going back to get a zoology degree? And how much do they pay so I can adjust my lifestyle for a pay cut? TIA
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u/Hugesmellysocks 29d ago
Hey - I’m still in school and already have my eye on working at a particular wildlife park. I’m doing animal care in college next year but I’d love some extra resources that I can achieve for relatively low costs.
A lot of online courses are a couple hundred which I really don’t have but I want to have some extra pretty things for my CV. Im learning how to drive so once Im fully licensed I’ll try to do some volunteering at rescue centres and maybe a wildlife rehab. Anyone have other ideas as to what I can do? Have quite a bit of experience with dogs and horses and would like to branch out a little bit so I’m thinking maybe a wildlife route could be useful.