What classes/skills do you recommend undergrads take/get?
Ask a Biologist Monday 2/7/22
Answers from Biologists:
Science communications
It’s so important to be able to explain your research and work clearly with others.
Basic coding
Wetland delineations
ArcGIS
It’s a huge advantage to be competent in GIS when applying for jobs.
Evolutionary biology
to understand why things are how they are
Business/leadership courses
Helpful to learn how to work in groups and manage budgets
Not enough people know how to work in groups
Research methods
Education classes
Really underrated in our field.
Mechanical/technical skills
chainsaw, pesticide applications, boating, etc.
Basic organization
for equipment and data
Communicating via email
Any field technique courses that give you hands on experience
Human dimensions of Natural Resources Management
Any certifications you can get
Look for things outside of class/school like tracking or Master Naturalist
Try to diversify
Landscape/Map reading
learn to see what the system is saying
Data management/analysis
Technical/scientific writing
Honing these skills helps you be a better communicator, get grants, and saves you tons of time down the road wen writing in grad school or on the job.
Research projects
Wildlife/Environmental policy/law/permittingWi
know the laws and regulations regarding what your work is based on
Botany/Plants
Most federal jobs require 9 hours botany/plant ID to qualify
Statistics/Coding
beyond school stats classes, Datacamp has R courses that teach syntax
Drone flying/remote sensing
Wildlife disease
It’s becoming more and more important
Wilderness First Aid/CPr
these can save a life in the field
Gun safety
Lab experience
Flesh out your electives to meet the requirements for federal jobs and certifications from your respective professional society
Field techniques/surveys
hands on experience
Habitat assessments
DEIJ courses
not everyone experiences fieldwork the same way due to identity
Rural sociology/Human dimensions
Understand why some communities resist conservation efforts
