🚀 go-pugleaf

monca001@maroon.tc.umn.edu  writes:
> 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:
> 
> *EDUCATION*
> 
> -  National Merit Scholar from U of MN - Twin Cities with a B.S. in 
>    Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior with a minor in Physical Anthropology.
> -  Performed field research in Costa Rican cloud forest.
> 
> *EMPLOYMENT* (Since graduating, I have only found temporary/seasonal work.)
> 
> -  1993 (6 months)  Office Asst./Database Administration.
> -  1993/1994 (6 months)  Food Quality Control Lab Technician.
> -  1994 (6 months)  Research Asst. for Deer Tick Distribution Study.
> -  1995 (3 months)  Research Asst. evaluating software for paint co.
> 
> *VOLUNTEER*
> 
> -  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.
> 
> 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.  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?  Or should I just go into a different field?  
> What about going into Landscape Architecture or GIS Management (two 
> topics that interest me)?  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 

This advice is worth about what you have paid for it. But until
last August, when I retired, I was an undergrad advisor in the
Dept. of Environmental Sciences at the University of Virginia.
Over the years I saw several students with problems like yours.
Yet most of our graduates, who could call themselves
ecologists, got good jobs. 

What's the secret? Think of yourself not as a biologist, but as
someone with a broad education who can talk with engineers,
businessmen, and, of course, biologists. Look for jobs with
consulting firms. They may be advertising for an environmental
engineer. But what they really are looking for is someone with
the broad knowledge to write environmental impact statements
and to also talk with local, state, and federal beaurocrats. Or
look at federal agencies. The park service needs all sorts of
folks with broad educations. Or how about the world bank? They
have employed several of our graduates. They were looking for
environmental engineers, but when they realized that our
graduates could deal not only with sewage treatment plants, but
with the dynamics of wildlife populations, they hired our
people.

An ecologist is, in a sense, a jack of all trades and master of
none. In another sense he or she is a modern Leonardo da Vinci.
Emphasize your broad range of experience, your willingness and
ability to work with folks in a tremendous number of fields,
and I bet you'll find a darn good job. 
-- 
Associate Professor (Emeritus)
University of Virginia
mgk@darwin.clas.virginia.edu