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How will I know if I’m committing years and years of education to the right career? What if I learn it hate it?

I want to be a zoologist, and I’m starting high school next year.

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Daniel’s Answer

Hi Addison!

I would highly suggest volunteering at a local zoo. This would provide you insight into what the daily role of a zoologist is really like. By volunteering it should provide you better understanding whether or not you want to pursue a career as a zoologist.
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Alexis’s Answer

Highly recommend to find work in your preferred area of study before committing to a degree. Zoos are always looking for volunteers. I interned at a zoo myself one summer and learned so much: conservation efforts, animal enrichment, event planning, blog writing etc. But it also gave me insights to the career I never considered: the pay (they usually operate through nonprofits and city tax dollars), who you work with (the public-mostly kids), when you work (depending on which aspect of the zoo you’re with, it could be everyday-weekends and holidays included), the working environment (cold/heat/rain/shine).

Try out some different jobs, and see what you enjoy and what you’re good at! You don’t have to follow the crowd and go straight to college after high school. There are many entry level jobs if you’re interested in working with animals.
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T.J.’s Answer

Hello Addison!

I agree with Daniel's suggestion. Volunteer work is a helpful way to learn about the nature of interacting with animals. Another thing you can do is see if a zoo near you offer positions for high school students either part-time or full-time.

You can also volunteer, work, or ask questions at an animal shelter or animal control center! Here's some you can look into:
- https://www.benldadoptapet.org/
- http://wildlifeanimalcontrol.com/Litchfield-IL.html (Note: the professional doesn't offer training/jobs, but his website's contains useful info about the field).
- https://amclitchfield.com/ (Note: While I don't see volunteer info, you can ask on their contact form to see if they'll let you job shadow!)
- https://www.bondcohumane.org/index.html
- https://www.mehs.org/volunteer
- https://www.legendarymustangsanctuary.org/get-involved-with-mustang-sanctuary/

If you commit to being around animals for a year or so, you'll learn more about the career and if you can see if you fit within the field.

Sending you support with exploring zoology! :)
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