How did you find your focus/specialty?
Ask a Biologist Monday 1/17/22
Answers from Biologists:
As a generalist, I struggle a lot with not having a specialty. But I know my strengths and fell into those.
I took a carnivore tech job in undergrad and knew that was what I wanted.
Accidentally, after a series of oddly fishy coincidences (salmon habitat restoration).
Tried to make my resume well rounded by keeping an open mind. Goal was to find stability.
Undergrad research led me to study birds in grad school. Met the right people at the right time.
Finding mentors that helped me narrow my focus. Now I love what I do!
Taking a class in undergrad led me to birds and the more I learned, the more I loved.
Random decision to take ornithology during undergrad and I fell in love.
Blended my prior skills in customer service with ecology/biology and became a private lands bio.
Worked a variety of seasonal jobs.
I actually got my job (heritage data specialist) because I was a Jack of all trades.
Took a chance and applied for a position in undergrad, it happened to be a great fit.
Was going to do Chem, then realized I should follow my passion (Wildlife).
I assisted on an urban bat monitoring project. I got hooked on acoustic research as a result.
Took a random disease course in undergrad and became fascinated with tick borne diseases.
I followed which ecological questions I found were exciting, interesting, and important.
I had planned on focusing on different species but this opportunity appeared first and grew.
Went from early childhood education to bats thanks to a community college mentor.
Volunteered at a wild bird rehab center and realized I loved working with birds.
One of my required courses was taught by a waterfowl professor and he made me love it!
Growing up in the woods set me up to be an ecologist because I love all ecosystem components.
Volunteering and working various field jobs throughout undergrad.
Took a risk on an invertebrate job.
Being a generalist (wildlife and botany) has really helped me in environmental consulting.
Interned at a reptile sanctuary, was handed a snake and something clicked!
From an early age, I was compelled to hold fish.
I didn’t specialize. I always loved to diversify my work.
My university hired an ornithologist and once I met her that started my bird path.
Volunteering with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game during grad school.
State job postings. I needed a stable income and benefits.
More of a generalist. I didn’t want to pigeonhole myself and also wanted to be well rounded. I sought stability.
