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First, some facts. Of the Wildlife 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 84 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 60%, Wildlife Biology graduates have a lower likelihood (-7%) 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 34% 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 Wildlife Biology graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 60% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2022 from Keystone College with a Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Biology. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONVisitor Services Maryland Department of Natural Resources Mar 2022 - Nov 2022 Field Technician  Maryland Department of Agriculture Jun 2024 - Present ABOUTI am a recent wildlife biology graduate, I have roughly six years of animal care and interpretative programing experience. I have worked with various different species of snakes, turtles, and lizards in captivity. I have also volunteered in research projects involving song birds, owls, and wood turtles. Recently I have been working to develop my own interpretive programs. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the career paths of individuals who have graduated with a degree in Wildlife Biology, you can see a bit of a mixed bag in terms of job relevance to their studies. Many of these graduates have ventured into roles that do make use of their wildlife biology knowledge, while others have strayed far from their field of study, finding jobs that do not require an understanding of wildlife or ecology. This situation raises questions about how effectively their educational background has translated into their career trajectories.
Common job types among these graduates include scientific roles like Wildlife Technicians, Biologists, and Field Technicians. These positions are directly related to wildlife biology as they often involve hands-on work with ecosystems, animal care, and conservation efforts. For example, graduates working as a Wildlife Technician or Biologist typically engage in field research, monitoring wildlife populations, and implementing conservation strategies. On the other hand, roles like Customer Service Representatives, Sales Coordinators, or even Kitchen Staff do not utilize wildlife biology skills in a meaningful way. These positions seem to suggest that graduates sometimes have to take what they can get, even if it means accepting jobs that don’t align with their degree.
In essence, it seems that those who stick closer to scientific or conservation-focused positions are leveraging their degrees more effectively. Roles like Research Assistants, conservationists, and educators in wildlife biology-related fields are generally much more relevant and fulfilling compared to jobs in retail or unrelated industries. However, the breadth of professions that wildlife biology graduates find themselves in showcases both the versatility of their skills and the challenges they face in aligning their jobs with their passion for wildlife conservation. Ultimately, while many graduates find satisfying roles within their field, others navigate a landscape filled with positions that make little to no use of their hard-earned knowledge in wildlife biology.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Wildlife Biology graduates:
When it comes to analyzing the career trajectories of Wildlife Biology graduates, the data from various LinkedIn profiles tells a mixed but insightful story. Many graduates tend to find their footing in jobs that are related to wildlife conservation and management soon after graduation. A lot of them land roles as technicians or assistants in research settings, wildlife management, or conservation practices. These initial positions follow closely to their degree focus, like being wildlife technicians, research assistants, or outreach coordinators, which aligns well with their academic backgrounds. For example, a graduate from the University of New Hampshire became an Outreach Coordinator at the National Wildlife Federation soon after their degree, which showcases how well these graduates can find relevant roles initially.
However, as you look at the trajectories over 5 to 10 years later, the picture starts to reflect some challenges for a portion of these professionals. While some remain in jobs closely related to wildlife biology, others have clearly shifted paths into various sectors, often unrelated to their degrees. For instance, one graduate from Colorado State University who began as a chemist in R&D is now working in a completely different field from wildlife biology. This trend raises questions about job sustainability and growth within conservation fields, which sometimes struggle for funding and positions. In contrast, a significant number of individuals who remain within wildlife biology do gain experiences that can lead to more advanced roles, like becoming wildlife biologists, educators, or Environmental Protection Specialists. Take the graduate from Eastern Kentucky University, who after years of work, transitioned from a wildlife technician to a Subject Matter Expert in a tech-related role for wildlife management.
It's clear that while there are paths leading to fulfilling careers in wildlife biology, many individuals face career shifts that could underscore the volatility in job security within conservation and biology roles. On one side, many have found solid starting points in related fields; however, there’s also a pattern of graduates veering off into roles that stray significantly from their training. This creates a bifurcated view of success—while some find rewarding careers directly tied to wildlife, others may have to adapt to an ever-changing job market, highlighting both the resilience required and the challenges faced by Wildlife Biology graduates.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology can be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty. If you're passionate about animals and the environment, that interest can make the coursework a lot more enjoyable and maybe even easier for you. However, expect a good amount of science classes—think biology, chemistry, and ecology—which can be challenging if you're not super into those subjects. There's also fieldwork involved, which can be physically demanding and might require some serious dedication. Overall, it’s not the easiest degree you can pick, but if you’ve got that enthusiasm and a willingness to tackle some tough material, it can be a rewarding experience!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Wildlife Biology.
When checking out these Wildlife Biology graduates, it seems that they've had a mixed bag of salary experiences. Some of them, like the graduate from Colorado State University in 2014, transitioned into roles in research and R&D that likely pay pretty well, especially with a company like Hach. But others, such as the University of Vermont grads or recent graduates entering internships and entry-level technician positions, might not be hitting the jackpot. Wildlife biology often leans towards non-profit or government roles, which can have decent benefits but might not pay top dollar. Overall, it really varies by path, and some definitely seem to be earning more than others.
Also, it’s important to note that many of these roles seem to be focused on building experience rather than immediate financial gain. For some, especially those in academic or conservation fields, the primary reward can come from job satisfaction and passion for the environment, rather than just chasing a higher paycheck right away. It can be a bit of a slow burn in terms of financial returns, but passion drives a lot of these career choices. So, while some may not be rolling in money, they probably find value in their roles as wildlife advocates and researchers.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Wildlife Biology. This may or may not be useful:
