What’s a piece of advice for Biology undergrads?

Ask a Biologist Monday 4/15/24

Answers from Biologists:

• Finding out what you’re interested in is as important as what you’re not interested in.

• Learn as much coding as possible. Same with R.

• If you are looking for permanent jobs, a master’s helps.

• Join a club or two on campus (and participate).

• Don’t hold yourself to impossible standards.

• Ask your TAs if they are looking for help on projects.

• If you have time, do undergraduate research. It helps make connections.

• Don’t wait for the perfect MS project, but do look for a good mentor. Transferrable skills is what it’s about.

• There will always be someone that has more knowledge or experience than you, so don’t feel intimidated.

• Get an in with the Nepo babies of the field. It will really help with connections/opportunities.

• Get experience with ArcGIS and other mapping software.

• Volunteering for a day or weekend is a great way to learn and meet people.

• Don’t just take the fun, animal focused classes. You need GIS, botany, and stats more than you know.

• Don’t be afraid to explore and learn beyond the classroom.

• Your classes might be hard at first but when you get to your “major” classes things might just click for you.

• Get experience.

• Any work experience matters more than marks when applying for jobs.

• Don’t be afraid to try jobs/fieldwork you’re not certain you will like.

• Show that you’re willing to do the less than fun work and not just the exciting stuff.

• Be confident in yourself when applying for jobs.

• Find interests and friends outside your major.

• You may need to apply to a lot of places and may only hear back from one or two. Don’t lose hope.

• Tailer USAJobs resume with relevant keywords for every single application.

• Apply to everything, even if you’re not sure you’re qualified or fully interested. Cast a wide net.

• Diversify studies, classes, fieldwork as much as possible.

• Read every single flyer and email. Most students don’t and miss opportunities.

• Check out the TAMU job board for seasonal fieldwork in the summer.

• Visit professors and ask if their lab has positions for undergrads.

• Take advantage of opportunities for students/new grads-internships, new grad funding, etc.

• Don’t be afraid of variety and chasing other dreams. Theater and rock climbing helped me.

• You interview for your next job every day. Everyone knows everyone and news travels fast.

• Make connections. Professors, professionals, classmates, etc.

• Go to conferences if you get the chance.

• Take a fish class and look at job opportunities in Alaska. So many jobs surrounding fish up there.

• Finding a great mentor or community is so important, especially for first generation/BIPOC students. You’ll feel less alone.

• Be willing to move to find a job, if you can. Looking in one place can limit you.

• Think long and hard if moving around a lot and working seasonally for possibly years is doable for you.

• Don’t pay for grad school. They should pay you.

• Take GIS, coding, and other technical skills classes.

• If you’re interested in federal jobs, take classes required for federal service.

• Try different sectors, varying species/ecosystems, etc. to figure out what you love the most.

• Learn GIS. It’s an applicable skill across a lot of fields both in biology and outside of it.

• NRCS-they have so many pathways positions that get you into the federal system.

• Diversify your courses. Having a background in Botany helps you as a Wildlife Biologist.

• Take statistics. Learn to love it. It’s so important and overlooked.

• Be active in your student chapter to The Wildlife Society.

• Don’t be afraid to do research outside of your field. All experience is good in undergrad.

• Be open-minded about your career interests. You might surprise yourself.

• Everyone starts out wanting to work with wolves or sea turtle or big cats. Be aware the there are very limited jobs with these animals.

• Do undergrad research if you want to do a Master’s. Work for grad students, do an undergrad research project.

• Look into the Research Education for Undergraduates program.

• Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone’s path is different and everyone’s goals are different.

• Dip your hands into research or field experience early on to gain skills and see what you like.

• Talk to folks a few years older than you to get a better idea of what life looks like for them.

• Travel if you can. Work in different ecosystems.

• It can actually be beneficial for some to stay in one place their whole career.