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First, some facts. Of the Conservation Biology graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 52 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 64%, Conservation Biology graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-3%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 28% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Conservation Biology graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 55% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2023 from State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry with a Bachelor's degree in Conservation Biology. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONFORCES Hemlock Conservation Steward FORCES NYS Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Jan 2023 - Apr 2023 Habitat Protection Steward; Bureau of Ecosystem Health NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Feb 2023 - May 2023 Forest Health Surveyor NYS Department of Environmental Conservation May 2023 - Aug 2023 Landscaper  DANNY CLAPP LANDSCAPING INC Sep 2023 - Nov 2023 Cleaning Specialist  Comfort Zone Cleaning Service Dec 2023 - Dec 2023 Engineering Technician Town of Clarkstown Jan 2024 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After analyzing the LinkedIn profiles of individuals with a degree in Conservation Biology, it’s clear that the types of jobs they have taken vary widely, showing both relevant and less relevant career paths. Many of these individuals have pursued roles that directly connect to conservation efforts, ecological research, and environmental education. For instance, jobs like Field Science Interns, Natural Resource Specialists, and various positions involving wildlife biologist roles strongly align with the principles taught during their degree programs. These positions typically utilize scientific knowledge for managing ecosystems, protecting species, or educating the public about conservation practices.
However, not every job listed showcases a direct application of the skills learned in a Conservation Biology curriculum. Positions such as waitstaff, medical technologists, or customer service roles often drift away from the intended field of study, focusing instead on tasks unrelated to ecology or biological conservation. It’s notable that some graduates have ventured into jobs that, while not strictly within conservation, utilize interpersonal or organizational skills. Examples of such roles include sales positions, teaching, or even administrative tasks, but these often lack the close ties to conservation biology principles. Overall, while there is a significant number of relevant roles connected to environmental conservation, a noticeable portion of graduates have drifted into unrelated fields, highlighting a mixed landscape of career outcomes for those with a Conservation Biology degree.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Conservation Biology graduates:
When we look at the career trajectories of graduates with a degree in Conservation Biology, it’s pretty evident that these paths can be quite varied. Some graduates find themselves stepping into roles directly related to their field right out of school, while others seem to drift into unrelated jobs for a considerable time. For instance, those who graduated from specialized programs, like the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, often kick off with internships or entry-level positions in roles like Field Science Intern or Natural Resources Specialist. They often land jobs that give them practical experience quickly, reflecting a more aligned start in their field.
Conversely, there are glaring examples of graduates who end up in jobs far removed from Conservation Biology. For instance, someone who graduated from Missouri Valley College in 2014 continues working as a waitress, which, though a respectable job, isn’t exactly what you’d envision for a Conservation Biology degree. Similarly, some graduates have taken a winding path, like various University of Minnesota alums moving through roles in fitness and healthcare before settling into environmental positions much later in their careers. While this shows a flexible skill set, it also highlights the difficulty some face in landing relevant positions promptly after graduation.
Fast forward five or ten years, and we can see the divide continues. Many graduates from institutions like SUNY ESF who initially began their careers in internships or on-the-ground roles often progress into more specialized positions, such as Fish & Wildlife Biologists or project managers in conservation organizations. However, a significant number of graduates might still be in jobs that don’t seem connected to their conservation aspirations. For instance, others pivot entirely away from environmental work into non-related fields, landing jobs in management, sales, or technical roles that don’t utilize their biology training whatsoever. This collective data paints a picture that while there are individuals excelling and progressing in conservation-related careers, there’s a notable cohort struggling to find their niche or having to create a path outside traditional Conservation Biology roles.
A Bachelor’s degree in Conservation Biology can be a bit on the challenging side, especially if you’re not super into science or the outdoors. You’ll be diving into topics like ecology, genetics, and environmental science, which can get pretty complex, but if you’re passionate about nature and are okay with some heavy reading and fieldwork, it can be really rewarding. Expect a mix of lectures and hands-on labs, so it’s not just sitting in a classroom all day. Overall, it’s probably a little harder than your average degree, but if you find the subject matter interesting, it can make the tough parts easier to handle.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Conservation Biology.
Looking at the job trajectories of these graduates, it seems like there are varying degrees of financial success. Many of the Conservation Biology graduates have started in lower-paying internships or entry-level positions, which is pretty common in the conservation field. Roles like environmental educator or natualists, while fulfilling, often don’t pay high salaries initially. For instance, the graduate from SUNY ESF in 2021 who has held mostly intern and entry-level jobs might still be on the lower end of the pay scale.
On the flip side, some graduates have moved into more promising roles or have had more stable job progressions, such as the Senior Bat Biologist or those who’ve landed positions at environmental consulting firms. These roles likely come with a better salary, reflecting more expertise and experience. Ultimately, while some individuals may be struggling financially in the early stages of their careers, others are clearly on paths that could lead to decent incomes in the future. So, it really depends on the specific career path and field of specialization.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Conservation Biology. This may or may not be useful:
