Hey Everyone! My name is Matt Smetana, and I’m a current sophomore at Brandeis University out near Boston. I have been subscribed to this listserve for a few months and have been applying to various summer internships within the ecological/biological field. I am certain this is the career path I want to take but am unclear of the skill set required to be successful in this field.
My current degree is Environmental Studies, but I am also highly interested in Ecology, Wildlife Biology, and Forestry. I am most drawn to internships and jobs pertaining to the biological field but enjoy my course work and have a real passion for the environment. My question is, can I become a successful ecologist or wildlife biologist with a degree in environmental studies or must I switch my major in order to obtain the necessary skills for the career that I want. My main concern with choosing biology is that it inhibits me from taking many desired courses, studying abroad at a School for Field Studies programs, participating in independent research opportunities, and possessing an internship this summer (I would need to enroll in Chemistry this summer). I will have already taken all of the requirements for the biology degree such as the introductory courses, biology lab, one semester of general chemistry and lab, and all required electives. But I have not finished general chemistry, organic chemistry, or physics. As ecologists, do you think it is more important to go for the biology degree or stay with environmental studies and gain experience through research, study abroad, and internships? Any input would be very helpful and could potentially change the course of my future! Best, Matt Smetana
