🚀 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:
> 
<snip>

> I am not the only one having problems, as I have met other biology-majors 
> with difficulties like mine.  

The problem is not restricted to people with Bachelor's degrees - 
there are a fair number of "professional postdocs" out there who 
cannot find permanent employment.  This is not a particularly good
time to be a scientist, especially with the current Congress.


>I am considering going back to school, but 
> I don't see many indications that a Master's in Ecology will solve my 
> dilemna. 

I agree.

> I want a job in science that utilizes my background and offers 
> opportunities for advancement.  Should I get some type of environmentally- 
> related Associate's Degree?

By Associate's degree I assume you are referring to a 2-year degree.
IMHO, that would be worthless in a practical sense.

>  Or should I just go into a different field?  
> What about going into Landscape Architecture or GIS Management (two 
> topics that interest me)? 

GIS and its related applications are really hot right now.  In my 
field (Wildlife Biology) more and more job announcements include 
"knowledge of GIS software (e.g., ArcInfo)" listed under the 
"preferred experience" category.  Furthermore, a lot of currently
classified, high-resolution imagery taken by military satellites is 
slated to be de-classified within the next year; hence, there will be 
a huge input of raw data to be used for GIS-related applications by
natural resource managers etc., which could translate into more job
opportunities.  If you are interested in GIS, I encourage you to post 
questions regarding GIS opportunities (and possible graduate programs) 
in the GIS newsgroup at the following address:

news:comp.infosystems.gis



> Where are the jobs?  I would like to hear any 
> advice and about other people's experiences.  Thanks for any help.
> 
> 				Kristine M. Moncada
> 
> Post reply or e-mail me at monca001@maroon.tc.umn.edu 

Best of luck to you.

Regards,

Bill