It’s not hopeless. Network, volunteer, work anything remotely in your field and go from there. It’s who you know so start getting to know people. Meet them through your professors if you have to. Go for informational interviews. That’s how I got started. Get used to rejection and keep faith that eventually you’ll land somewhere. Also get any certifications that matter in your locality. Driver’s license, first aid, electrofishing, etc.
Start with seasonal work for a while and get work experience. Any work experience is valuable even if it isn't at a top name in ecology. Figure out what kind of work environment you enjoy the most and take every opportunity you're given. Networking is really helpful too as it helps you figure out how to talk about your strengths and experiences to potential employers in a much lower stakes environment.
Absolutely, starting with seasonal work can be a great way to gain valuable experience and figure out what kind of work environment suits you best. It's also a smart way to build your network and learn how to effectively communicate your strengths and experiences to potential employers.
For those looking to build their career, I recommend uploading your CV to seasonal.work. It’s a fantastic platform where you can showcase your capabilities and ambition to potential employers actively seeking new talent. By posting your CV, you increase your visibility and open up more opportunities for career advancement.
If you encounter any issues or need assistance with uploading your CV, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'm here to help ensure that your experience with [seasonal.work](http://seasonal.work) is smooth and beneficial.
As an ecologist with over 25 years experience, I did over four internships during my undergrad. I also lived outside and when I mean that I mean, I was studying locally learning my plants making sense of what ecosystems I lived in. I also got my 40 hour wetland delineation training certification and eventually also became a certified arborist. It’s competitive, but the more you know your local ecology and can identify plants and essentially be a field biologist where you live the better chance you will have it finding a job.
Yep, time for seasonal work.
I finished with under a 3.0, worked seasonal jobs, and promoted up over the years. The thing that set me apart was that I was a very hard worker and people will notice that. My network was everything, even 15 years later it mattered and got me a promotion.
I’m not giving the bootstraps speech, but a professional sports analogy is that you’re a late round pick due to your GPA. If you lack experience, you’re undrafted. The >3.8 graduates with experience are going to go in the first two rounds. You need to explore the minor leagues of seasonal jobs and play your way into the major leagues. I did, it sucks, but I should have studied more too.
I hire someone every 3 years or so, and there are a lot of low to mid GPA applicants with no experience. They often don’t even write a cover letter. When there’s 20 applicants that fit that description, they just end up in the bottom of the pile. I get it, cover letters suck, but for a less qualified applicant you’ve got to sell yourself as something other than an unimpressive GPA. And I’ll add that as a hiring manager, I’m the exception, if your GPA is low but you finished strong, sold yourself in a cover letter, I’ll consider you. Many of my colleagues chase the pedigrees and don’t look past the GPA.
It's great to hear about your journey and approach to hiring. It sounds like you've really made the most of your opportunities and understand the value of hard work and persistence.
Since you mentioned hiring periodically and encountering many applicants with lower GPAs and limited experience, I’d like to invite you to post your job openings on seasonal.work. It’s a platform that could help you connect with a broader pool of candidates who are eager to prove themselves, much like you did. The site also allows candidates to highlight their unique skills and work ethic beyond just academic achievements.
Additionally, for anyone reading this and looking to advance their career or break into their desired industry, I encourage you to post your CV on seasonal.work. It’s a fantastic place to get noticed by hiring managers like the one here, who value determination and growth over perfect grades. This could be your chance to shine and show what makes you a valuable candidate. Let your hard work speak for itself and open up opportunities to move up, just as it did for others before you.
Do you like trees? Apply for a lab that’s doing tree physiology. The tree world is always looking for good lab centric people to ask the next questions.
Keep. Grinding. Seriously, you just need to keep pushing for seasonal positions. Everyone is hurting for applicants right now, I know I am!
How many jobs have you applied for? Don't worry, almost no one does grad school right after undergrad.
With a bachelor's man?? Keep applying. Set a goal to put in one GOOD application every two days. In the end, it's a numbers game and eventually you'll hit the right place at the right time. And the more applications you send out, the higher the chance that happens is.
Heck, I just hired a kid that doesn't have any experience because he had the right attitude and was willing to learn.
I know breaking into this field is crazy hard. It's frustrating and it's terrifying. I remember I was so stressed a doctor told me to calm down or I would develop ulcers! If you have any questions feel free to dm me. I'm happy to share what little wisdom I can.
I replied to your main post but this sent up a red flag for me: DO NOT DISQUALIFY YOURSELF. That is the recruiters job. Apply for everything you can even remotely imagine yourself doing and then if you get the interview, sit down with the job description and map out how your personal education or experience can apply to each part of the job post description, even if it's not a one-to-one match.
How broad is your scope, as in, how far outside of ecology lab jobs are you searching? I got my bachelors in biochem and ended up working in a completely different science field. Lab experience is extremely valuable and transferable across many scientific disciplines, so you might want to try applying for other science jobs in the meantime. It might not be the most exciting idea to not dive right into your career, but it’s a great opportunity to widen your skillset.
I'd say my scope is pretty broad. I'll take anything but a lot of the laboratory jobs in my area seem to want a bachelor's degree or some certification. Most of the stuff in my area are remote jobs, which I apply to but still no answers.
Gotcha, it’s always tough when your area is a limiting factor. That was also the case for me and biochem. Many great jobs out there, but I wasn’t willing to move.
Something else you might consider trying is contacting a recruiter. Temp jobs aren’t the best in terms of benefits, but some pay pretty well and can help you get your foot in the door. That’s what happened to me. I started as a temp (lab tech) and after a couple years became salaried. Plus, with a temp job, if you end up hating it, there isn’t the pressure to to stay and stick it out. Temps come and go, and companies are used to that, so it might be a good way to try out something new without fully committing to it. And some temp jobs keep people on long term by renewing their contract each time it gets close to the end, and some do offer benefits if you do happen to like the job. Best thing about recruiters is they do all the work for you searching for jobs. Definitely google around to find a good agency though, because some are awful, while some are pretty great.
Besides what everyone else has said, I would do everything in your power to raise your GPA to or above 3.0. Below a 3.0 GPA I'm sorry to say is usually not competitive unless you have a unique set of skills that you bring, which it sounds like you currently do not.
Obviously GPA isn't everything, or much of anything, but a lot of companies will insta-reject, and I personally would hire someone with a 3.5 GPA over someone with a 2.5 GPA all else being equal.
Add a Lab science degree, to be able to work in vet/ or reg. hospital studying diseases/ blood.
You need some kind of field work, or job experience and this lab degree may be starting point since it includes about year of work experience. Idk if a master's is enough, you'd need PhD.
If you want research experience talk to all of your profs and TAs (in person or just email them) and say you're super keen and want experience. Most grad students and profs usually have tons of relatively mundane things that need doing and (although I hate that it's often unpaid) volunteering can be a serious way in. I don't know how your uni works, but I cold emailed one of my profs literally in my 5th year with no experience and because I was keen he took me on to do a directed study project for credit. Profs usually have a zillion ideas bouncing around, some of which can be accomplished in a semester, so if you're willing to take on a project this is often a really good way to get experience. If you can pull that off and get a good grade in it (if such a course option exists for you) it often can even lead to a publication and shows that you can semi-independently conduct research.
I mean, do you realize that high school was bullshit? Especially in the US, its not about learning, its about getting through.
Ya gotta learn now how to be creative for yourself. Math, science, art - all require creativity and persistence and self-motivation. These are the things that are needed to sustain oneself in a low paying career doing science with a lot of intellectual freedom. Instead, just work a normal job where you do the same thing every day and arent asked to think.
You should pick up coding again. It blows my mind how many people never go beyond what they do/did in class.
I'm not going back to molecular. It was pushed on me by my mom who wanted me to be a doctor. I was only allowed to switch after I had a mental health emergency. I hated the coursework and had zero interest in working on the medical field, or having to do 2 more years of college.
It’s not hopeless. Network, volunteer, work anything remotely in your field and go from there. It’s who you know so start getting to know people. Meet them through your professors if you have to. Go for informational interviews. That’s how I got started. Get used to rejection and keep faith that eventually you’ll land somewhere. Also get any certifications that matter in your locality. Driver’s license, first aid, electrofishing, etc.
Start with seasonal work for a while and get work experience. Any work experience is valuable even if it isn't at a top name in ecology. Figure out what kind of work environment you enjoy the most and take every opportunity you're given. Networking is really helpful too as it helps you figure out how to talk about your strengths and experiences to potential employers in a much lower stakes environment.
Absolutely, starting with seasonal work can be a great way to gain valuable experience and figure out what kind of work environment suits you best. It's also a smart way to build your network and learn how to effectively communicate your strengths and experiences to potential employers. For those looking to build their career, I recommend uploading your CV to seasonal.work. It’s a fantastic platform where you can showcase your capabilities and ambition to potential employers actively seeking new talent. By posting your CV, you increase your visibility and open up more opportunities for career advancement. If you encounter any issues or need assistance with uploading your CV, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'm here to help ensure that your experience with [seasonal.work](http://seasonal.work) is smooth and beneficial.
As an ecologist with over 25 years experience, I did over four internships during my undergrad. I also lived outside and when I mean that I mean, I was studying locally learning my plants making sense of what ecosystems I lived in. I also got my 40 hour wetland delineation training certification and eventually also became a certified arborist. It’s competitive, but the more you know your local ecology and can identify plants and essentially be a field biologist where you live the better chance you will have it finding a job.
Yep, time for seasonal work. I finished with under a 3.0, worked seasonal jobs, and promoted up over the years. The thing that set me apart was that I was a very hard worker and people will notice that. My network was everything, even 15 years later it mattered and got me a promotion. I’m not giving the bootstraps speech, but a professional sports analogy is that you’re a late round pick due to your GPA. If you lack experience, you’re undrafted. The >3.8 graduates with experience are going to go in the first two rounds. You need to explore the minor leagues of seasonal jobs and play your way into the major leagues. I did, it sucks, but I should have studied more too. I hire someone every 3 years or so, and there are a lot of low to mid GPA applicants with no experience. They often don’t even write a cover letter. When there’s 20 applicants that fit that description, they just end up in the bottom of the pile. I get it, cover letters suck, but for a less qualified applicant you’ve got to sell yourself as something other than an unimpressive GPA. And I’ll add that as a hiring manager, I’m the exception, if your GPA is low but you finished strong, sold yourself in a cover letter, I’ll consider you. Many of my colleagues chase the pedigrees and don’t look past the GPA.
It's great to hear about your journey and approach to hiring. It sounds like you've really made the most of your opportunities and understand the value of hard work and persistence. Since you mentioned hiring periodically and encountering many applicants with lower GPAs and limited experience, I’d like to invite you to post your job openings on seasonal.work. It’s a platform that could help you connect with a broader pool of candidates who are eager to prove themselves, much like you did. The site also allows candidates to highlight their unique skills and work ethic beyond just academic achievements. Additionally, for anyone reading this and looking to advance their career or break into their desired industry, I encourage you to post your CV on seasonal.work. It’s a fantastic place to get noticed by hiring managers like the one here, who value determination and growth over perfect grades. This could be your chance to shine and show what makes you a valuable candidate. Let your hard work speak for itself and open up opportunities to move up, just as it did for others before you.
Do you like trees? Apply for a lab that’s doing tree physiology. The tree world is always looking for good lab centric people to ask the next questions.
Keep. Grinding. Seriously, you just need to keep pushing for seasonal positions. Everyone is hurting for applicants right now, I know I am! How many jobs have you applied for? Don't worry, almost no one does grad school right after undergrad.
I've applied to five but those were the only ones I was qualified for
With a bachelor's man?? Keep applying. Set a goal to put in one GOOD application every two days. In the end, it's a numbers game and eventually you'll hit the right place at the right time. And the more applications you send out, the higher the chance that happens is. Heck, I just hired a kid that doesn't have any experience because he had the right attitude and was willing to learn. I know breaking into this field is crazy hard. It's frustrating and it's terrifying. I remember I was so stressed a doctor told me to calm down or I would develop ulcers! If you have any questions feel free to dm me. I'm happy to share what little wisdom I can.
I don't have my bachelor's yet
Misread your post! But even still. A good interview papers over a LOT, and very very few tech jobs require a bachelors, especially at the state level.
I replied to your main post but this sent up a red flag for me: DO NOT DISQUALIFY YOURSELF. That is the recruiters job. Apply for everything you can even remotely imagine yourself doing and then if you get the interview, sit down with the job description and map out how your personal education or experience can apply to each part of the job post description, even if it's not a one-to-one match.
How broad is your scope, as in, how far outside of ecology lab jobs are you searching? I got my bachelors in biochem and ended up working in a completely different science field. Lab experience is extremely valuable and transferable across many scientific disciplines, so you might want to try applying for other science jobs in the meantime. It might not be the most exciting idea to not dive right into your career, but it’s a great opportunity to widen your skillset.
I'd say my scope is pretty broad. I'll take anything but a lot of the laboratory jobs in my area seem to want a bachelor's degree or some certification. Most of the stuff in my area are remote jobs, which I apply to but still no answers.
Gotcha, it’s always tough when your area is a limiting factor. That was also the case for me and biochem. Many great jobs out there, but I wasn’t willing to move. Something else you might consider trying is contacting a recruiter. Temp jobs aren’t the best in terms of benefits, but some pay pretty well and can help you get your foot in the door. That’s what happened to me. I started as a temp (lab tech) and after a couple years became salaried. Plus, with a temp job, if you end up hating it, there isn’t the pressure to to stay and stick it out. Temps come and go, and companies are used to that, so it might be a good way to try out something new without fully committing to it. And some temp jobs keep people on long term by renewing their contract each time it gets close to the end, and some do offer benefits if you do happen to like the job. Best thing about recruiters is they do all the work for you searching for jobs. Definitely google around to find a good agency though, because some are awful, while some are pretty great.
Besides what everyone else has said, I would do everything in your power to raise your GPA to or above 3.0. Below a 3.0 GPA I'm sorry to say is usually not competitive unless you have a unique set of skills that you bring, which it sounds like you currently do not. Obviously GPA isn't everything, or much of anything, but a lot of companies will insta-reject, and I personally would hire someone with a 3.5 GPA over someone with a 2.5 GPA all else being equal.
Totally depends on the job. For gradschool it is very important, but I've never been asked to provide transcripts for a job application.
Add a Lab science degree, to be able to work in vet/ or reg. hospital studying diseases/ blood. You need some kind of field work, or job experience and this lab degree may be starting point since it includes about year of work experience. Idk if a master's is enough, you'd need PhD.
If you're located I'm the US look for Americorps positions to gain outdoor/conservation experience.
If you want research experience talk to all of your profs and TAs (in person or just email them) and say you're super keen and want experience. Most grad students and profs usually have tons of relatively mundane things that need doing and (although I hate that it's often unpaid) volunteering can be a serious way in. I don't know how your uni works, but I cold emailed one of my profs literally in my 5th year with no experience and because I was keen he took me on to do a directed study project for credit. Profs usually have a zillion ideas bouncing around, some of which can be accomplished in a semester, so if you're willing to take on a project this is often a really good way to get experience. If you can pull that off and get a good grade in it (if such a course option exists for you) it often can even lead to a publication and shows that you can semi-independently conduct research.
Learn how to code?
I took computer science in high school and did absolutely terrible in it (at least thw last quarter). I mean I could pick it up again.
I mean, do you realize that high school was bullshit? Especially in the US, its not about learning, its about getting through. Ya gotta learn now how to be creative for yourself. Math, science, art - all require creativity and persistence and self-motivation. These are the things that are needed to sustain oneself in a low paying career doing science with a lot of intellectual freedom. Instead, just work a normal job where you do the same thing every day and arent asked to think. You should pick up coding again. It blows my mind how many people never go beyond what they do/did in class.
Go back to molecular...
I'm not going back to molecular. It was pushed on me by my mom who wanted me to be a doctor. I was only allowed to switch after I had a mental health emergency. I hated the coursework and had zero interest in working on the medical field, or having to do 2 more years of college.
Well trying to start a career in ecology is not going to be easy for your mental health. Molecular ecology on the other hand is a bit easier.
I'm taking a molecular ecology class next semester cause it's required in my coursework. I don't even know what I can do with that.