CAREER PLAN:

This position, “Animal Care Specialist” has a variety of more basic requirements that I currently possess as well as some that require more experience or education. This position requires me to have a valid driver’s license, varying physical capabilities, quick reflexes, the ability to speak/read/write English, as well as the capability to work on weekends/holidays and outdoors in varying weather conditions. At least a year’s worth of experience in animal care/training/husbandry is a desired and strongly recommended trait, but not mandatory. 

I already currently possess a valid driver’s license, the capability to carry out basic physical tasks, relatively quick reflexes, the ability to speak/read/write proficiently in English, and the capability to work in adverse weather conditions outdoors and indoors. I am also willing to work on weekends and/or holidays for a job that I am passionate about. Finally, I just need to gain about a year’s worth of experience within the animal care and training field in order to be more qualified and more likely to get a position like this one.

In order to be qualified for this job, I need to complete my bachelor’s degree in FFW. One of the more important recommendations is to have both experience and the skill set to be able to work in animal care and training. I plan to gain this through partaking in summer internships, gaining work experience, and completing my bachelors degree. I plan to participate in internships over the summer, following Autumn and Spring semesters. I will continue working as I live on campus and complete my course requirements for my degree, as well as make time for some different volunteer opportunities. Hopefully throughout the academic semesters I can find a research position or service opportunity to pursue, to continue gaining experiences and widening my skill set as I work through my classes. Over the summers, I will get a paid internship or job in order to gain experience for my future career. I have already looked into some nature and wildlife conservation centers that I can apply for, for future internships. I can also apply to other internships that may not be directly related to my career but provide valuable experience, such as internships with the EPA or ODNR. As I gain more work experience as I progress through college, I will gain the necessary skills and experience in order to be prepared for a full-time career.