Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well, from my previous post I guess you guys can see where my interests l lie. I am a senior biology major at Texas A&M- Corpus Christi and I will be graduating in August. So here is my question. Where do you think would be best for me to start out if I want a career in research or taking care of herps? My basic problem is that I have no experience other than my own personal collection of lizards and frogs and a little sporadic volunteering at the now defunct Corpus Christi Zoo. Up until the beginning of this semester I always thought that would go to med school, but I now have decided that I would be much happier dealing with the herps I love. I am thinking about continuing on either towards a vet degree or a masters and PhD, but I am looking into working for a year or so. Most of the jobs i have seen (mostly zoos and such) ask for years of experience. Any advice would be awesome. Thank you in advance,

Bryan

Congratulations regarding your pending graduation, Bryan,

If your interest is primarily research as an occupation, I would suggest you not delay grad school, as a higher level of education, along with the research experience such provides, will benefit you greatly in your quest for employment within that realm.
In the mean time, I'd suggest you begin looking into summer internships, the AZA website is a great place to start: http://www.aza.org/JobListings/
Unfortunately, most summer intern positions are filled early in the year, but there may be a few still available, as last minute funding is sometimes made available, though many such positions are unpaid.
You may be surprised by the number of zoological institutions which will hire you based on education and personal experience, one must gain that experience somewhere, so do not allow such requirements discourage you from applying. You may not start out within the herp department, but getting your foot into the door is always a good first step.

Best regards,

Jeff Snodgres
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947