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Working with reptiles without years of college?
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by TheFifthDay on December 4, 2008
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I talked to the Curator of Reptiles at the Tulsa Zoo today, and he said that I need at least a 2 year Associates Degree to be a zookeeper, but that I had a better chance of getting hired if I had a 4 year Bachelors Degree.
I don't really want to do 4 years of college, but I want to work with reptiles as a career. I also want this job to be able to pay bills and all that "good" stuff.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Jon Short
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RE: Working with reptiles without years of college
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by Rob_Carmichael on December 4, 2008
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There's no substitute w/out a good education - it will open doors you could only dream about. I wouldn't be what I'm doing today w/out a college degree - in fact, I really wouldn't have the opportunities I currently have w/out my master's degree and slowly eeking my way through a PhD. Don't sell yourself short - plan on going to college if you want the opportunities that will allow you to have a career in herpetology. It doesn't mean you can't succeed in the field - you can but it will be a much tougher road.
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RE: Working with reptiles without years of college
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by yoyoing on December 4, 2008
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Listen to the Curator. If you really don't want 4 years of college (education) you may not be as committed as you think. You can always work with the reptiles at the local pet store to pay the bills.
If you are serious, get over yourself and go to college.
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RE: Working with reptiles without years of college
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by TheFifthDay on December 4, 2008
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Rob, do you happen to know if online college is as good as regular college? No one get mad because I brought up this subject, I just want to know Rob's opinion.
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RE: Working with reptiles without years of college
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by Rob_Carmichael on December 4, 2008
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Nope, not even close. On line colleges are kind of a joke and you won't have the credentials to really open the doors that you need. You want that close relationship with your professors, access to reseach facilities, networking with students and faculty, etc. Your college years will be the best years of your life if you give it a chance.
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RE: Working with reptiles without years of college
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by Cro on December 4, 2008
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Jon, do like the others have suggested. Go for a full degree at a minimum.
Long, long ago, in a land far, far away, you could get a job as a zoo keeper with a High School education, and even advance over many years to Curator or Zoo Director.
That does not work anymore.
A basic 4 year college degree is the bare minimum, and more advanced degrees are even better. Actually, once you are there, and get that minimum degree, going on to advanced degrees is not all that bad, as you will working with very interesting topics concerning the animals you love.
There are no short cuts now days. Put in the time, and it will pay off many times over for your future.
Best Regards John Z
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RE: Working with reptiles without years of college
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by ChuckHurd on December 4, 2008
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Jon, i am currently the curator of reptiles at the lookout mtn wild animal park and i am a former curator of reptiles at the chattanooga nature center. i have a BS degree, but it did not get me either job. when you are 18, sign up as a volunteer at your local zoo. most will let you work with the harmless animals. you can get your foot in the door that way. but bare in mind, without a degree, you are probably not gona make enough earn a living. i am also a teacher, and often its hard to make ends meet on both incomes. if you are certain you want to earn your living in a zoo, getting a degree is gona be your best bet.
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RE: Working with reptiles without years of college
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by TheFifthDay on December 4, 2008
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I am already volunteering for the zoo. I am planning on getting the 2 year Associates Degree, but once I get that far I may decide to get the 4 year Bachelors.
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RE: Working with reptiles without years of college
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by Tuotatis on December 5, 2008
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Hi!
You are lucky. In Hungary we have to study 3,5 or 5 years, if you want to be a zookeeper. Sometimes that's not enough. Where would you like to work in the zoo?
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