Alanna Street Alum Profile: With Nothing to Lose, She Gained It All

A big part of my mission as a wildlife biologist is to empower and prepare aspiring and entry-level wildlife professionals so that they can secure good jobs in this competitive career and carry out their life’s purpose. As a result, I offer a variety of programs for those who want to work with me and take charge of their career. Here, you’ll learn about the successes of my students so that you can be inspired and see what is truly possible for you when you have clarity, strategy, and a competitive job application.

Alanna was my third student to ever enroll in my Successful Wildlife Professional program when I first started it in 2021 and I was so excited that she took a chance on me! I put out a call to gather some background research on people who were going into wildlife careers to talk to me about their struggles and Alanna was one of those who took me up on that request.

I was building this epic program week by week when Alanna enrolled and both of us didn’t 100% know what to expect, but one thing was for sure, I knew I could help Alanna. Alanna joined because like so many of us (myself included), she wasn’t confident in exactly what she wanted to pursue in a wildlife career. My number one tip to those wanting to go into wildlife is to identify what it is they want to do, so that they can become as competitive as possible by getting the right experience, skills, and network perfectly suited for that job.

She also came from an engineering background and in addition to shifting a career in conservation, was strongly considering getting a Master’s degree, but didn’t know how to go about any of this and had doubts if she was ready to get that degree.

One of the biggest hesitations Alanna had about joining was that she thought that because I give away so much content in terms of podcasts, YouTube videos, and more, that she could learn it on her own. But what she quickly realized once she joined the Successful Wildlife Professional is that there is still so much to learn! And that when you invest in yourself, you super speed your success by learning it all step-by-step and with mentoring along the way to answer any and all of the questions that come up.

Her ultimate goal was to figure out what career she would like to pursue, find the path to take, and gain the confidence to take it. Here’s to her success!

Meet Alanna:

Hey there! I am an Australian and grew up in Sydney, New South Wales. I completed my double Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering and Science (with a major in marine science).

I then worked as an engineer for 3 years before deciding to pursue a career in science. My favorite fish is the Maori Wrasse, and my favorite bird is the King Parrot, both for their charismatic personalities.

I enjoy CrossFit, scuba diving and swimming, to name a few sports and wildlife photography. In the last few years, I have taken up knitting, embroidery and cross-stitching and hope to complete an embroidered reef scene.

Where are you currently in your wildlife career?

I am currently working in government, helping to deliver projects that improve water quality in the Great Barrier Reef. These projects rehabilitate streambanks and gullies inland of the reef and support farmers in implementing farming practices that reduce sediment, nutrient and pesticide runoff.

What's your dream job?

I have a couple, and I’m happy to report that the Successful Wildlife Professional has helped me figure it out. I realized that, for me, the people I work with are equally important to the type of work I do. It is my dream to work on exciting scientific research alongside fun and smart people. My second goal is to work as a tour guide, as I love teaching people about wildlife.

What is a hardship you have overcome in your career?

My own self-doubts.

What kind of impact do you want to have in your career?

I would like to contribute to the preservation of the Great Barrier Reef and to change society’s view about wildlife and the environment—to help us live in better harmony with wildlife and nature.

"I would like to contribute to the preservation of the Great Barrier Reef and to change society's view about wildlife and the environment—to help us live in better harmony with wildlife and nature."

How did you know you wanted to go into this field?

When I found myself obsessed with watching nature documentaries as a young child, I knew I needed to work somewhere in this field.

What's a moment of success you've had in this career?

Being accepted into the government’s graduate program!

What is the biggest takeaway or most important lesson you have learned so far from the Successful Wildlife Professional?

When you think you are “not good enough” for a job in wildlife science – think of what wildlife science, animals and the environment will lose out on if you never pursue that career.

"When you think you are 'not good enough' for a job in wildlife science - think of what wildlife science, animals and the environment will lose out on if you never pursue that career."

What was your life/career like before the Successful Wildlife Professional? What was it like after?

I doubted myself and avoided learning about or pursuing wildlife jobs because I feared rejection. I was confused about what I wanted. After the course, I have a much clearer idea of what I want and how to go about it. I know how to find experience and have fewer doubts about my own ability. I also know how to think and plan more strategically about my career and jobs.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about joining the Successful Wildlife Professional, but is on the fence?

I was also on the fence but ultimately decided to take the plunge. The payment plan helped keep the cost of the course manageable for me. I think the course is highly advantageous for anyone looking for a career in this field – what do you have to lose?

(*Note: There is a 100% guarantee on the program! As long as you do the work, you will be refunded if you are not satisfied for any reason. See programs page for more details.)

"I was also on the fence but ultimately decided to take the plunge. The payment plan helped keep the cost of the course manageable for me. I think the course is highly advantageous for anyone looking for a career in this field - what do you have to lose?"

Programs Alanna enrolled in:

The Successful Wildlife Professional

If you’re ready to get results like these and go after your dream career in wildlife, then I’d love to meet you! Check out my programs page to see how can work together.

Stephanie Manka

Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. is a wildlife biologist with 20 years of experience in mammal ecology and conservation, education, and outreach. Read her story to find out how she went from the daughter of a jeweler to a Ph.D. in wildlife biology.

Alanna Street Alum Profile: With Nothing to Lose, She Gained It All

Meet Alanna: