What Next

Overview

Over the last few weeks I have attended eight different lectures/webinars/discussions on varying topics so that I might obtain greater knowledge on different topics and career paths.

 

The aim was to give me more insight into what I want to do, or don't want to do, so I am not left floundering after university.

[Credit: Vecteezy]

The eight blogs produced are: 

[Credit: Erzebet S]

1. Climate change and its impact on ectotherms - I enjoyed this talk but I am still unsure about how it will impact career choice. There is an unfortunate stigma amongst the public and some politicians that its not true, despite it being a growing concern. Climate change is a very large conservation issue, however I may not choose that path because it will likely negatively impact my mental health. 
   
   
2. Conservation of sea turtles - I enjoyed this talk and I like sea turtles but I believe my primary interest are in terrestrial organisms. 
   
   
3. Afforestation and the cultivation of soil - I did not enjoy this talk as much as some others. The science of soil and methods of afforestation are not something that are of particular interest to me. They are certainly important and necessary for conservation but it is unlikely I will progress down that route.
   
   
4. Conservation and research of the Southern Ground Hornbill - I enjoyed this talk more than I thought I would. However, I have worked with birds before and I know that I do not wish to specialise in birds. The reason I enjoyed it more than expected may be due to the positive conservation efforts discussed. It is nice to hear positive news for a change. 
   
   
5. Gaps in insect research - I liked this talk as I think its good to objectively look at how research is being done, however, it seemed to focus a bit more on the social aspect than preferred. I do not have a particular interest in insects or social sciences, I believe biological and conservation research is more suited to my preferences. 
   
   
6. Chimpanzee personality - I enjoyed this talk, however, the research aspect seemed quite weak. I would love to see more, and better, research being conducted for conservation. 
   
   
7. Career guide on becoming an ecological consultant - I can't say that I enjoyed or didn't enjoy this talk as it was mostly just information on how to enter that profession. I liked how informative it was, but this is not my desired career path.
   
   
8. Restoration ecology - I liked this talk, however, it tended to focus more on the botany side of it. Botany is very important for ecological restoration and I would like to learn more about plants, but I do not think I will specialise in plants or restoration ecology. 

After attending all of the talks, I believe it has helped me by process of elimination. Currently, I am thinking the career best suited towards my preferences is biological/conservation research in primates, specifically strepsirrhines.  

[Credit: Aston School]

Plan for the future

I have applied for a masters degree in Zoology and the projects applied for are biological and conservation research in primates. I am hoping that this will open a door to conservation or research job targeted towards primates, preferably for Madagascar species. It is unclear if I will progress onto a PhD after a completing my masters.  

Disclaimer: All views expressed are my own. Images and videos used on this blog are not my own and all rights go to the original owners. This blog and contents are for educational purposes. If you have a copyright issue please contact me via email on author profile.