How to start a career in wildlife conservation

Volunteer work

Want to get your hands dirty and see what conservation work is all about? Volunteer work is a great way to gain experience and make connections in the field of wildlife conservation. Many organisations offer volunteer opportunities that allow you to work on projects such as habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and community education. These opportunities can provide valuable hands-on experience and can lead to paid positions within the organisation or elsewhere in the field.

Research and field work

Love being out in the field and collecting data? Research and field work are also excellent ways to gain experience and make connections in wildlife conservation. Many organisations offer paid positions or internships for individuals to assist with research projects or field work. These opportunities can provide valuable hands-on experience and can lead to paid positions within the organisation or elsewhere in the field. Some organisations that offer research and field work opportunities in wildlife conservation include the Jane Goodall Institute, and the Rainforest Alliance. Keep in mind that many of these positions require specific skills and qualifications, so it’s important to check the requirements before applying.

Education and credentials

Want to make a real impact in the conservation world? Education and credentials are important for those who want to pursue a career in wildlife conservation. Many careers in the field require advanced degrees or certifications. A degree in a related field such as biology, environmental science, or wildlife management can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities in wildlife conservation. Some universities in the US such as the University of Minnesota, the University of Maine, and the University of Washington offer specialised degrees in wildlife conservation. However, there are also many universities outside of the US that offer relevant degrees and certifications such as University of Oxford, University of Cambridge and University of Queensland. Consider researching different universities and programs, and think about what kind of career you want to have, before making a decision.

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GVI Wildlife Conservation Internships

Ready for an adventure of a lifetime? GVI offers a wide range of wildlife conservation internships for individuals interested in starting a career in wildlife conservation. These internships provide hands-on experience working on conservation projects in some of the most beautiful and remote regions of the world.

GVI offers internships in marine conservation, where you’ll have the opportunity to work on coral reef conservation, sea turtle conservation, and marine mammal research. You’ll learn to dive, use research equipment and survey techniques, and assist with data collection and analysis.

Another option is the wildlife research internships, where you’ll have the chance to work on projects such as large mammal monitoring, primate research, and bird monitoring. You’ll learn survey techniques, data analysis, and field research methods.

GVI internships are a great way to gain experience in the field, make connections, and gain valuable skills. You’ll learn about community engagement and sustainable development, as well as assist with project planning and implementation.

In addition to these specific internships, GVI also offers a wide range of conservation projects in different locations around the world, that allow you to gain experience in different areas of conservation and to get a sense of what area you want to specialise in.

It’s important to note that GVI internships are open to individuals of all skill levels, and they provide comprehensive training and support to ensure that you have a successful and safe experience. Additionally, GVI internships are a great way to gain experience in the field, make connections, and gain a better understanding of the different career opportunities available in wildlife conservation.

The world needs more conservationists and if you’re ready to join the movement, there are plenty of ways to get started. From volunteer work to research and field work, education and credentials, and internships, there’s something for everyone. GVI Wildlife Conservation Internships, research fellowships or professional apprenticeships offer a comprehensive experience, where you can gain hands-on experience, make connections, and learn from experts in the field. So don’t wait, start your adventure in wildlife conservation today!

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Posted: August 5, 2023

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