🚀 go-pugleaf

monca001@maroon.tc.umn.edu (Kristine M Moncada) wrote:
>Hi, I am currently engaged in a frustrating job search.  I would like 
>advice from professional biologists about what steps I should take to 
>find employment.  Here is my history:
[snipped ]


>-  1994 to present  I volunteer with the MN Dept. of Natural Resources 
>   assisting with forest and prairie restoration.
>
>Here are some of the steps I've taken to find work:
>
>1.  I've applied to the few ads in the newspaper, in the state job 
>    newsletter, and in an ecology job newsletter.
>2.  I am registered at the resume services at my college career office
>    and at the state Job Service.
>3.  I call several joblines in the Twin Cities area.
>4.  I've researched companies and sent out resumes.
>5.  I've posted my resume on some newsgroups.
>6.  I've bought reference books for job seekers.

Looks like you've done it all! (BUt I'm no expert)

>I am not the only one having problems, as I have met other biology-majors 
>with difficulties like mine.  I am considering going back to school, but 
>I don't see many indications that a Master's in Ecology will solve my 
>dilemna. 

It won't.Indeed any graduate work in the same field you are having  trouble inn
(getting a job) is likely to just dig you in deeper. If you choose to ignore my 
advice on this, at least talk to some Master's (or PhDs) in Ecology, before you 
commit yourself. But it sounds like you know the score already.

>I want a job in science that utilizes my background and offers 
>opportunities for advancement.  

Warning; don't make the same mistake I did.  I  too  had a Bacholor's in  Biology withh
an emphasis in Ecology. When  I  realized, soon after graduation that  there were no jobs 
in the field (excuse the pun). I decided to hop into the lab and get in on the Biotech stuff.
Just think of it! Endangered species gentics and reproduction, Fornesic game managemnet, the 
mind boggles at the opportunities for some one dedicated to Ecology yet with  the experience
to use the high tech toys to address environmmental isssues. At least that's what I thought.
It doesn't work that way. All that  is  out there is part-time and short-term workk
(which, I'm sure you'll agree is better than nothin, but it isn't a career.)
And my plan B ; to go fully into Biotech if Ecology  isn't viable, is a  mistake too.
EVERYBODY is becoming a "biotechnologist" (Molecular bilogist, Biochemist, etc). 
Frankly, science is in a bad state.

>Should I get some type of environmentally- 
>related Associate's Degree?  Or should I just go into a different field?  
>What about going into Landscape Architecture or GIS Management (two 
>topics that interest me)? 

Don't know. However, if you are thinking about  more  school, you would be  smart  to 
forget the "more science option".
If I were to do it all over agian (got my Bacholors' in 1978!) I would look into  furtherr
education in LAw or Business (Ugh, yech! You've got to be  kidding.)  Either of these might s
set you up for work in environmental consulantcy (BUT I  don't  know the job market, 
It would have been a good idea in the eightys. Find out what they are doing  now))

>Where are the jobs?  

Mars?

Dr Love (PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, MBA in progress)