A question for Zoology students

[Jesse_H]

wow thanks for all the quick replies everyone!

Ok first of all just to straighten out a few things: 1) I'm a bloke! 2) As eventually deduced, no I do not want to work in a zoo - If I enjoyed working with faeces and monkeys that much I would have stayed working as a Registered Nurse!!

I think I am willing to put in the years. I love researching and learning about herps, so a masters or PhD doesn't deter me, but I don't really have a career or ultimate job in mind as yet - I just want to learn more about herps and invertebrates formally, and hopefully along the way I'll find something of interest that I can make a quid from one day. At present I already have 2 degrees and a diploma, I'm a Nurse, Podiatrist and have a diploma in Paramedic Science. I am in Melbourne so I'll be looking at studying at Latrobe University (where I did my Podiatry degree). They have a wetlands area on campus but it's a bit too cold for any interesting herps here though

Any and all comments and thoughts are really appreciated - thanks everyone!

 

[Daz_McC]

If you're interested in La Trobe then try getting in touch with Richard Peters. He's a herpetologist specialising in lizard behaviour and an all round good bloke.

 

[Jesse_H]

I emailed him yesterday! Also his colleague in the other lab, his colleague replied but he's retiring next year sadly. I'm so keen to get into Dr Peter's lab though, his work sounds so amazing!

 

[Renenet]

Hi Jess,

I'm not a zoology student yet but I'm in just about the same boat as you. I'm looking to change careers at the ripe old age of 34 and will probably start studying zoology part time next year. Check out this thread I started a few months ago when I was much less sure of my future path. It has a lot of information I think you'll find useful.

A couple of things to keep in mind. The UNE course you've mentioned is by correspondence but I believe you need to attend for intensive pracs. As for employment, I've heard that jobs in zoology are thin on the ground and that you really need to do Honours to have any kind of chance. Even then it's difficult. But don't let that daunt you if studying animals is your passion. And for any course you're interested in, check out the employment prospects of the graduates.

I've decided on James Cook Uni in Far North Queensland. I'd be curious to know what you choose to do, so please keep us informed.