Are good zoology careers too competitive?

Question

I know I would love to study zoology. My ideal job would be travelling around the world researching animals-- I don't mind if I'm not earning a high salary as long as I love my job. However everyone tells me that the good jobs out there which involve working with animals are far too competitive so don't even bother.

Would it make much of a difference if I got all As in A levels and As and A*s in GCSEs? Or if I got into Cambridge?

So do I follow my dream and try to get the ideal job, probably not earning much at all... or do I go for something I'm not as interested in but come out of uni with a job and competitive salary?

Answer 1

I have a degree in zoology and yes, the jobs can be very competitive.  Your degree will only be the start of what will get you a job.  Experience is key to get a good full time permanent job.  If you want to do seasonal work, traveling from place to place...these are a lot easier to get, but they pay almost nothing.  Most do supply housing though, so you will never be homeless!  I would not tell you to give up..if this is your dream..go for it.  Any career has it's struggles..why settle for something you are not even interested in. If you want it bad enough, you can earn it.  While in school earning your degree, make sure and take a few quarters/semesters off to get some hands-on experience doing short term/seasonal work.  Check out volunteer and internships working with wildlife that you may be able do while in school as well. You can definitely make a decent living studying animals...but don't count on getting rich doing it.  

Answer 2

I think it is a little unfair of people to tell you to forget it, especially since most of them would have no clue about the job market in that field and how competitive it actually is, or the different job variations in that field.

I have just graduated and the jobs I want to get into are extremely competitive. However, I have done a lot of research into it and have decided where I want to be headed. I think that you should do the same. Go to www.ucas.ac.uk - they will have a listing of every undergraduate course there is available in the UK. Why not contact some of the departments and see what they think about the job market? Get some advice. Are there any websites you could look at or those that specifically advertise jobs in zoology? Why not spend your summers (money permitting) volunteering with different animal groups as there are plenty that do research. There are a number of different options. My advice, on top of this, is to get experience under your belt. When you graduate, you will be in the same boat as other graduates - a degree but no experience. By volunteering or working locally or abroad, you will have experience which would give you the edge over other graduates.

Good luck with your career and future - and do your best to follow your dreams! If you try and do not succeed for whatever reason, at least you know you tried and you can rest easily without thoughts of 'what if'. All the best in your future :-)