Masters in wildlife biology?

Question

I am beginning the process of going back to graduate school. I want to work in conservation, and specifically I want to study natural methods to eradicate invasive species. I am really nervous that I will spend the money to get a degree and then not be able to find a job. I am also worried that I may not get into graduate school. I graduated 2 years ago and have been working in biotech. I had just over a 3.0 in undergrad, but I have lost contact will all my former professors. Does anyone have any advice on how to get into school? Are there any wildlife biologists out there who can give me a real world perspective and where I can expect to go with a wildlife biology degree?

Answer 1

I think you will be able to find work with this degree.  You can apply for work with government agencies, non-profits, or environmental consultant firms.  I suggest that you get some hands on work experience while still in school, internships, volunteer work, or even if it means taking off a quarter or two to do some seasonal work in your field.  

Answer 2

As for getting into grad school, your GPA is fine.  The most important thing to remember is that you should be applying to work with a professor first.  Do some research and find some people who are doing the kind of work you're interested in.  Read their papers and contact them by e-mail.  In your e-mail mention your interests and how their work ties in with yours.  Ask them if they are accepting new graduate students.  If you find a professor who is taking new students and will work with you, then applying to the graduate school and getting in is easy.  If you just send your application to the graduate school without identifying a professor first, it just gets put in a box and circulated around the faculty and maybe someone will look at it.  (I've seen this happen so often.)

Having a former professor be a reference is helpful, but an employer who knows your work ethic and ability and willingness to learn is also great.  Professors aren't necessarily looking for the smartest for grad students, we're looking for potential students who can solve problems, come up with creative ideas, and are willing to work.

Getting an MS in wildlife biology with your particular focus on invasives is very marketable.  Your primary place to find a job is with the government.  The DEP, Dept. of Conservation, Fisheries & Wildlife all hire biologists.  There are also private, non-profit possibilities with agencies like The Nature Conservancy or land trusts.