I am going to school for biology with 2 years to go and want to become a zoo keeper/zoologist. I am a 28 year old male and i have been in banking for the last 5 years or so. It's something that i kind of fell into and never thought i would be doing that. I've loved animal science forever. I was wondering how to go about swinging my profession to the direction that i want to go to? I've already applied for volunteer work at Brookfield zoo in Chicago to start. Is it too late to try? Any information would help and thank you in advance.
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Its never too late...
You are on the right path however you still have a ways to go. Today most zoos require a 4 year degree in a biological science as well as experience. Since you said that you are currently going to school and still have two years left I am going to assume that you are on the path towards a 4 year.
The other part is that experience which it also sounds like you are working towards. I am not exactly sure how Brookfield operates but what you might want to look for are seasonal or part time keeper jobs and NOT volunteer work. Those seasonal spots are usually taken by people in college or just out of and working towards a full time job. Volunteer positions at most zoos do not carry the proper experience you will need to get a full time job.
Overall I would say your tricky part will be getting a full time job. Not so much because of your age, but because it can be hard to get in because there are so many people applying for only a few spots. Again though that is why that experience is key. Zoos LOVE people who have prior keeper experience with exotics. It will also help you to get to know people who can help you get a job or keep you in the loop when other positions open up.
Good luck and if you have other questions let me know.
You are on the right path however you still have a ways to go. Today most zoos require a 4 year degree in a biological science as well as experience. Since you said that you are currently going to school and still have two years left I am going to assume that you are on the path towards a 4 year.
The other part is that experience which it also sounds like you are working towards. I am not exactly sure how Brookfield operates but what you might want to look for are seasonal or part time keeper jobs and NOT volunteer work. Those seasonal spots are usually taken by people in college or just out of and working towards a full time job. Volunteer positions at most zoos do not carry the proper experience you will need to get a full time job.
Overall I would say your tricky part will be getting a full time job. Not so much because of your age, but because it can be hard to get in because there are so many people applying for only a few spots. Again though that is why that experience is key. Zoos LOVE people who have prior keeper experience with exotics. It will also help you to get to know people who can help you get a job or keep you in the loop when other positions open up.
Good luck and if you have other questions let me know.
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Discuss this with the administrative staff at the Zoo.
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