#10. My Big Mistake in My Wildlife Biology Career and How You Can Learn From it

I have been applying for jobs in wildlife biology on and off since I graduated with my Ph.D. in 2012. While I knew jobs in academia were competitive, I didn’t realize until after I finished school, how competitive careers in wildlife biology were too. My biggest mistake in my wildlife biology career has been my source of inspiration for writing my upcoming book (available now).

This week, I have been writing up a storm trying to finish my book, so I thought it was the perfect opportunity to talk on my podcast about what what I’m writing about, who I’m writing for, and what you’ll get from my book that you won’t get from other books or even your professors.

The pathway to a wildlife biology career is nebulous, and the goal of my book is to help you figure out what job you want so you can make sure you get all of the skills and experience necessary to be competitive in that job. Learn what my biggest mistake was and how you can avoid making it.

In this episode, I share with you what that mistake is and some things you can get started on today to help you avoid making that mistake.

Resources and Sources Mentioned in My Big Mistake in My Wildlife Biology Career:

7 Beginner’s Tips for a Wildlife Biology Career

Plus…A Sunscreen/Coral Reef Debate?

After I posted my last podcast, I received some feedback from a marine scientist that sunscreen does not kill coral reef. In fact, he called it a lie! I summarize what’s going on in this debate.

But even if sunscreen is not killing coral reefs directly – or the research isn’t quite there yet in some experts’ opinions – it is still an endocrine disrupter and a no-no for me.

Is Your Sunscreen Harming Coral Reefs?

For more help in careers in wildlife biology, check out these podcast episodes:

Becoming a Wildlife Biologist: FAQs Answered by a Wildlife Biologist

#7. 3 Tips for Aspiring Wildlife Biologists Stuck at Home

Download the Job Tracker so that you can analyze the jobs you are interested in and make sure you get the skills and experiences you need in your career.

Schuttler Stephanie

Stephanie Schuttler is a wildlife biologist with 17 years of experience in mammal ecology and conservation, education, and outreach. Read her inspirational story, “My Unexpected Journey Into Science” to find out how she went from the daughter of a jeweler to a Ph.D. in wildlife biology. Feel free to contact Stephanie here.