Careers & Hobbies

Req 7a — Nature Careers

7a.
Identify three career opportunities that would use skills and knowledge in Nature. Pick one and research the training, education, certification requirements, experience, and expenses associated with entering the field. Research the prospects for employment, starting salary, advancement opportunities and career goals associated with this career. Discuss what you learned with your counselor and whether you might be interested in this career.

This requirement asks you to think like both a naturalist and a planner. Nature knowledge can lead to work in science, education, conservation, outdoor leadership, parks, land management, agriculture, environmental policy, and more.

Start with three different career types

Choose three careers that are genuinely different from one another. For example:

That variety helps you compare what each path requires.

What to research for your chosen career

Look for the training level, degrees or certificates, early experience, licenses if any, and costs. Some jobs require college degrees. Others begin with seasonal work, technical training, internships, or certifications.

Also look at the day-to-day work. Does the person spend time outdoors? In labs? Writing reports? Teaching the public? The more concrete your research is, the stronger your discussion will be.

Career research checklist

Topics to cover for your counselor
  • What the job actually does
  • Training or education needed
  • Certifications or licenses if any
  • Typical starting pay and employment outlook
  • Advancement possibilities over time
  • Why this path does or does not fit your interests

🎬 Video: 10+ Wildlife biology careers (video) — https://youtu.be/AK2Onqx-ctM?si=OS1LiXEGCczteH1X

10+ Wildlife biology careers (video)

🎬 Video: 12 Environmental Career Paths for Non-Scientists (video) — https://youtu.be/GfpULQZL3tk?si=byWfIgDnVLy-xAPY

12 Environmental Career Paths for Non-Scientists (video)

🎬 Video: 10+ Outdoor & Nature Job Ideas With NO Degree! (video) — https://youtu.be/Q-3KseGxoOw?si=qn8G2GE_wnzwTI6B

10+ Outdoor & Nature Job Ideas With NO Degree! (video)

🎬 Video: Ecological Succession (video) — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrIvMt6HWlA

Ecological Succession (video)

🎬 Video: Ecological Succession: Change Is Good (video) — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZKIHe2LDP8

Ecological Succession: Change Is Good (video)

Turn information into a judgment

The requirement does not stop at research. You also need to discuss whether you might be interested in the field. That means comparing the real demands of the job with your own strengths.

Maybe you love field work but not long report writing. Maybe you like teaching others outdoors. Maybe you want a job that mixes science with public service. Those are the kinds of thoughts worth sharing.

A career is one way nature can shape your life. The other path is keeping nature as a hobby you return to for enjoyment, challenge, and growth.