Matt, It is quite possible, particularly in conservation-focused environmental fields, to pick up experience *outside* of school that may substitute for some of what you are unable to get *in* school.
While not specifically research-focused, the Student Conservation Association places many, many students in stipended internships ranging from 10 weeks to a year or so. Many of these also qualify for Americorps service, which comes with monetary awards usable to pay tuition and education loans. (Just as an added incentive!) It can take some effort to find SCA positions that include opportunities for what one might call research, but with a little creativity even physical labor internships might offer opportunities to write up a report or article. "Improvements in trail construction speed: a comparison of novice- and apprentice-level trail staff" or "The efficacy of three herbicides on Japanese Stiltgrass in southern Indiana" or "Trends in small mammal populations in Northeastern flood inundation areas" are a few hypothetical titles I can think of from my own experiences with SCA. The bottom line? Be creative, be inquisitive, and you'll go far. Best of luck! Chris ---- Chris Scheiner GIS & Technical Analyst On Thu, Apr 9, 2015 at 12:37 AM, Mitch Cruzan <cru...@pdx.edu> wrote: > The bottom line is that a degree in biology will provide you with the best > training and the broadest base from which to advance your career. > Specializing too early (environmental science or wildlife biology) will > limit your options. I suggest you stick with biology - hopefully in a > program that is strong in ecology. This is a mistake that many students > make because they cannot see how the basic science they are learning can be > applied to topics that are relevant to applications in the real world. > This is your challenge - some professors will help you with it but many > will not. Yes, some day you will discover that even the chemistry and > physics courses that might be required for your bio degree are useful as > they deepen and broaden your understanding of science and nature in > general. Be a biologist first, and then focus on the more specialized > fields later - you will never regret it. > Mitch Cruzan > > > On 4/7/2015 3:36 PM, Matt Smetana wrote: > >> 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 >> > > -- > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Mitch Cruzan > Professor of Biology > Portland State University > Department of Biology, SRTC rm 246, PO Box 751 > Portland, OR 97207 USA > http://web.pdx.edu/~cruzan/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ >
