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Austin
Student
Texarkana, Texas
6
Questions
Asked
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How are some good ways to get into conservation internships in Northeast Texas?
Hello,
I am an undergrad biology student at TAMUT. I am pursuing a Bachelor's of Environmental Biology degree. My top goal is to try and land a job as a Wildlife or Fisheries Biologist for a state or federal agency.
Unfortunately, that requires a degree in conservation for most of those agencies, which then requires me to pursue a graduate degree since a BS Biology will not cut it for most agencies. These positions also requires job and internship experience. For about a year, I have been searching for internships from the agencies in the Texarkana region, but the very few internships or entry level jobs I find are always several hours away. I am a volunteer for Texas Parks and Wildlife, but that will not help me land a career later down the line I am told. Does anybody have advice or resources?
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1 answer
Iryna Tam
Writer, copywriter
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Hagerstown, Maryland
Updated
Iryna’s Answer
Hello!
Pursuing a conservation internship to enhance your career prospects as a wildlife or fisheries biologist is a great goal, especially as a biology major at Texas A&M University-Texarkana (TAMUT). Here are some effective strategies to help you find relevant internships in Northeast Texas:
1. Utilize University Resources
Career Services: Take advantage of TAMUT’s career services. They often have listings for internships and can connect you with local employers seeking interns in environmental biology.
Faculty Networks: Speak with your professors, especially those in the biology or environmental science departments. They may have connections with organizations, agencies, or alumni in the field.
2. Research Local and Regional Organizations
State and Federal Agencies: Look into internship programs offered by Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and other federal agencies. While you’ve mentioned limited opportunities, staying updated is essential as positions can open unpredictably.
Nonprofit Organizations: Seek out organizations focused on conservation, wildlife rehabilitation, and environmental protection. Examples include The Nature Conservancy, local wildlife refuges, or conservation nonprofits active in Northeast Texas.
3. Attend Networking Events
Conservation and Ecology Conferences: Attend local or regional conferences related to ecology, wildlife biology, or conservation. These events are excellent for networking with professionals in your field who might offer internship opportunities or guidance.
Workshops and Seminars: Participate in workshops or seminars hosted by environmental organizations or universities. These can provide exposure to current trends in conservation and help connect you with professionals in the field.
4. Online Job Boards and Resources
Internship Websites: Check platforms like InternMatch, Handshake, and Idealist. Focus on filters for conservation, wildlife biology, or environmental internships.
Professional Associations: Websites of professional organizations (like the Wildlife Society or American Fisheries Society) often list internship opportunities and job postings.
5. Volunteer and Gain Experience
Expand Volunteer Opportunities: While you’re currently volunteering with TPWD, consider seeking out additional volunteer roles with other environmental organizations or specific projects that can build your resume.
Research Projects: Engage with professors to assist on research projects, which can provide valuable experience and may lead to informal internships.
6. Leverage Social Media and Online Communities
LinkedIn: Create a LinkedIn profile highlighting your skills and interests in conservation biology. Connect with professionals in the field who may share internship opportunities.
Facebook Groups and Forums: Join groups focused on wildlife conservation or biology, where members often share internship opportunities and advice for aspiring professionals.
7. Cold Outreach
Email Local Agencies/Organizations: Consider reaching out directly to local conservation organizations, wildlife refuges, or research labs. Express your interest in internship opportunities and inquire about any upcoming projects or short-term internships.
8. Look Outside Traditional Channels
Government Internships: Explore opportunities through local government (county or city parks and wildlife departments) or conservation-focused non-profits in nearby regions that may offer remote work or flexible arrangements.
Finding conservation internships in Northeast Texas may require persistence and creativity, but there are numerous avenues to explore. Utilize university resources, engage with local organizations, network at events, and expand your volunteer experience to build relevant skills. Keep looking and applying for positions, as opportunities can emerge unexpectedly. Good luck with your career journey, and your dedication to gaining experience will pay off in your goal of becoming a wildlife or fisheries biologist!
Pursuing a conservation internship to enhance your career prospects as a wildlife or fisheries biologist is a great goal, especially as a biology major at Texas A&M University-Texarkana (TAMUT). Here are some effective strategies to help you find relevant internships in Northeast Texas:
1. Utilize University Resources
Career Services: Take advantage of TAMUT’s career services. They often have listings for internships and can connect you with local employers seeking interns in environmental biology.
Faculty Networks: Speak with your professors, especially those in the biology or environmental science departments. They may have connections with organizations, agencies, or alumni in the field.
2. Research Local and Regional Organizations
State and Federal Agencies: Look into internship programs offered by Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and other federal agencies. While you’ve mentioned limited opportunities, staying updated is essential as positions can open unpredictably.
Nonprofit Organizations: Seek out organizations focused on conservation, wildlife rehabilitation, and environmental protection. Examples include The Nature Conservancy, local wildlife refuges, or conservation nonprofits active in Northeast Texas.
3. Attend Networking Events
Conservation and Ecology Conferences: Attend local or regional conferences related to ecology, wildlife biology, or conservation. These events are excellent for networking with professionals in your field who might offer internship opportunities or guidance.
Workshops and Seminars: Participate in workshops or seminars hosted by environmental organizations or universities. These can provide exposure to current trends in conservation and help connect you with professionals in the field.
4. Online Job Boards and Resources
Internship Websites: Check platforms like InternMatch, Handshake, and Idealist. Focus on filters for conservation, wildlife biology, or environmental internships.
Professional Associations: Websites of professional organizations (like the Wildlife Society or American Fisheries Society) often list internship opportunities and job postings.
5. Volunteer and Gain Experience
Expand Volunteer Opportunities: While you’re currently volunteering with TPWD, consider seeking out additional volunteer roles with other environmental organizations or specific projects that can build your resume.
Research Projects: Engage with professors to assist on research projects, which can provide valuable experience and may lead to informal internships.
6. Leverage Social Media and Online Communities
LinkedIn: Create a LinkedIn profile highlighting your skills and interests in conservation biology. Connect with professionals in the field who may share internship opportunities.
Facebook Groups and Forums: Join groups focused on wildlife conservation or biology, where members often share internship opportunities and advice for aspiring professionals.
7. Cold Outreach
Email Local Agencies/Organizations: Consider reaching out directly to local conservation organizations, wildlife refuges, or research labs. Express your interest in internship opportunities and inquire about any upcoming projects or short-term internships.
8. Look Outside Traditional Channels
Government Internships: Explore opportunities through local government (county or city parks and wildlife departments) or conservation-focused non-profits in nearby regions that may offer remote work or flexible arrangements.
Finding conservation internships in Northeast Texas may require persistence and creativity, but there are numerous avenues to explore. Utilize university resources, engage with local organizations, network at events, and expand your volunteer experience to build relevant skills. Keep looking and applying for positions, as opportunities can emerge unexpectedly. Good luck with your career journey, and your dedication to gaining experience will pay off in your goal of becoming a wildlife or fisheries biologist!