Degrees
Colleges
About
First, some facts. Of the Zoology 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 256 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 64%, Zoology 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, 41% 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 you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Zoology graduate.
See the details:
|
Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2018 from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor's degree in Zoology. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONZookeeper El Paso Zoo Nov 2018 - Jul 2021 Intern - Shark Department Georgia Aquarium Aug 2021 - Oct 2021 Aquarist 1 - Acquisitions and Quarantine Georgia Aquarium Nov 2021 - May 2022 Biologist 1 - Fish and Invertebrates The Florida Aquarium Jun 2022 - Feb 2024 Biologist 2 - Fish and Invertebrates The Florida Aquarium Feb 2024 - Present ABOUTReceived a Bachelors degree in Zoology from Texas A&M University and currently working at The Florida Aquarium as a Biologist 2. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When it comes to careers for those who have earned a degree in Zoology, it’s evident that there are a wide variety of job paths taken by graduates. Many of these roles, unsurprisingly, align closely with their academic background in animal sciences, biology, and ecology, allowing them to leverage the specialized knowledge they gained throughout their studies. However, this isn’t to say that all job placements are directly relevant; in fact, there are quite a few positions that don’t utilize their zoological training to any significant extent.
One major trend among Zoology graduates is pursuing jobs in veterinary medicine as Veterinary Assistants or Technicians. Here, individuals apply their knowledge of animal biology and care on a daily basis, making this path highly relevant. Additionally, positions at zoos or wildlife conservation organizations, such as Animal Care Technicians or Conservation Associates, similarly utilize their Zoology training extensively. For example, roles that involve hands-on care of animals or educational roles in zoos allow these graduates to engage directly with their passion for wildlife and conservation. Research positions, such as Laboratory Technicians or field research roles, also highlight the application of zoological concepts, showing a strong correlation between education and career.
On the flip side, many Zoology graduates find themselves in roles that offer little relevance to their degree. Positions like sales associates, administrative roles, and various management positions in unrelated industries indicate a departure from the fundamental skills and knowledge associated with their Zoology studies. This is particularly true for those who shift into fields like retail or customer service. While they may have the potential for broader influence in animal welfare or environmental sectors through these jobs, the direct application of zoological knowledge is minimal.
In conclusion, the career landscape for Zoology graduates is greatly diverse. Many individuals successfully translate their education into relevant and fulfilling roles in veterinary, wildlife, and research sectors, while others find themselves in less relevant positions that do not fully harness their academic background. This suggests that while there are strong opportunities aligned directly with their studies, the path after graduation can be unpredictable, with many graduates veering towards professions where zoological expertise plays a minimal role.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Zoology graduates:
When you look at the career trajectories of Zoology graduates from various universities, it's pretty interesting to see the paths they've taken over the years. Right after graduation, many of them seem to land jobs that are directly related to animal care, research, or education. Common first jobs involve being veterinary assistants, animal caretakers, or interns at places like zoos or veterinary clinics. This suggests that right out of college, new graduates aim to gain practical experience in their field of study. For instance, you can see graduates taking roles like “Veterinary Assistant” or “Animal Care Intern,” and these positions are often stepping stones for more advanced roles later on.
As we look 5 to 10 years down the line, the outcomes vary significantly. Some graduates stick with animal-related careers and work their way up to more specialized positions like veterinarians, wildlife biologists, or animal care managers. For example, many graduates end up with titles like “Associate Veterinarian” or “Wildlife Biologist,” showing that they have successfully transitioned into careers that closely relate to their Zoology degree. However, there are also numerous individuals who branch out into careers that seem less linked to their studies. Some go into fields like education, sales, or even roles completely unrelated to zoology, like health care or business management. Though they started off in the animal realm, the job market has clearly pushed some of them in different directions.
Overall, while it’s encouraging to see many graduates using their Zoology degrees in relevant fields, it’s also a bit concerning that some end up in jobs that seem disconnected from their studies. For those who are passionate about animals and the natural world, it can be a mixed bag after graduation. Those who manage to stay in animal care or related areas often report feeling fulfilled, but there’s a noticeable number who drift into unrelated fields, which can sometimes feel like a waste of their education and enthusiasm for zoology. In short, while some graduates find stable, rewarding careers in zoology-related fields, others might feel disenchanted as they navigate through less relevant job markets.
A Bachelor degree in Zoology can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your interests and strengths. If you're passionate about animals and biology, it might feel more exciting than tough. You'll dive into subjects like anatomy, ecology, and genetics, which can be a lot to handle, especially if you’re not a whiz with science or math. There are practical components too, like lab work and field studies, that require both effort and some hands-on skills. Overall, it’s not necessarily harder than average, but be prepared for a good amount of study time and engagement if you want to rock it!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Zoology.
Looking at the career paths of these Zoology grads, you can really see some differences in income potential and job stability. For example, graduates like the ones who became veterinarians or researchers at renowned institutions seem to have a more solid income, especially those in positions linked to medical or scientific research. On the other hand, there are folks in more educational or seasonal roles, such as those working as animal caretakers or teaching assistants, who might not be pulling in as much money. Overall, while some are thriving in their fields, others might still be working towards that financial security and stability, especially in the competitive job market of zoology and environmental sciences.
In short, if you're thinking about a career in zoology, know that while there are definitely high-paying roles out there (like veterinarians and researchers), a lot of positions may not offer the same financial rewards, especially when you're starting out. Considering what you want to do and how much you want to earn can help steer your choices as you move forward into your career!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Zoology. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Zoology (ordered by the average relevance score of their Zoology graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 North Carolina State University
|
74 | 11 |
 Miami University
|
72 | 13 |
 Colorado State University
|
67 | 10 |
 Michigan State University
|
56 | 19 |