Fancy Scientist: A Material Girl Living in a Sustainable World

Chances are, you've seen the headlines that the dire wolf is no longer extinct. The company Colossal Biosciences claims to have brought it back from extinction in the form of three living, breathing dire wolf pups.But my headlines have actually been flooded with scientists saying “not so fast…” so what is really going on here? Having studied African forest elephants using genetics during my Ph.D., a species related to the extinct woolly mammoth and a target of de-extinction efforts, this topic has long been on my mind to discuss on the podcast. Given the recent dire wolf news, I've been getting so many questions about this, that I thought it would be a great time to discuss this and prepared this episode as soon as I could (despite a myriad of technical difficulties). De-extinction is the concept of bringing back a fully extinct species back to life and as you've seen now as evidenced from the dire wolves, scientists are actively working on it. But should they be? And why? First, I break down the dire wolf headlines, offering insight into the scientific process of de-extinction as a whole, how the team at Colossal Biosciences approached de-extinction and why, and how most scientists feel about their result: Are these really dire wolves? I then open up to a larger conversation about de-extinction: why are scientists attempting to de-extinct species at all? Is there conservation merit in doing so? Which species are being considered? I address a plethora of topics as well as moral and ethical considerations. Specifically, I go over: What exactly is de-extinction and how it can be doneWhy de-extinction is so hard to actually doHow Colossal Biosciences resurrected what they are calling the dire wolfWhat scientists think of Colossal's dire wolves; are they really dire wolves? Why or why not?Insights on how scientists think about species in generalWhat else goes into a species being a species aside from geneticsWhat is the point of de-extinction? Why should scientists attempt it? Which kinds of species are being considered?My opinions on de-extinction: which species are okay to bring back and whyDoes de-extinction help conservation? How? How de-extinction can hurt conservation effortsHow the Trump administration is attempting to use de-extinction efforts to undermine the Endangered Species ActAnd more!Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?

Are you somebody who really cares about wildlife and conservation and you're trying to get people to change their behavior? Reduce their carbon footprint? Get them to not litter? Or keep their cats indoors to save birds? Whether it's getting people to switch to clean energy sources or eating less meat to help save the planet, all of these things all require human behavior change, and the foundation of such change is communication. A lot of people tend to think we just need to educate people more - that people have a deficiency in knowledge, and that if only we could get people to understand the data and studies like we do, then they would see the error in their ways. But as we've seen with well-researched topics with lots of supporting data and studies like climate change and vaccines, this is not true. There is more to it! We need effective communication, which requires dialogue. This week's podcast is inspired by two events: (1) the results of the 2024 election here in the United States where we saw the public vote for an administration that is anti-environment and science and (2) the aftermath of me reading an eye-opening, enlightening, and highly entertaining book on the subject of rethinking by social scientist Adam Grant: Think Again. In this episode I talk about how to be a more effective communicator, get people to rethink their opinions and values (including yourself!), and teach you how to have productive, engaging, and useful debates with people who think, at times, very differently than you. I am living proof it is possible!The lessons shared largely come from the book Think Again, but also my own personal experience engaging with and even being friends with people from “the other side.” You'll learn how to reframe your perspective on arguments so you don't feel exhausted, angry, or drained, how effective listening is critical in debate, and how providing nuance, multiple perspectives, and humility can make you more effective in changing minds. Often when we talk about working with wildlife, we think about it from the animal's perspective and studying the species, but in reality, almost all of the conservation solutions with declining biodiversity have to do with interventions on the human side. Want to save wolves? We need to reduce poaching. Want to save monarchs? We need to get people to plant more milk weed and reduce habitat loss. These things require interventions on the human side. So if you are someone who works in science or conservation, or are simply someone who wants to create more positive change in the world, then this episode is for you!Specifically I talk about: Why it's important to engage in debate and that it doesn't have to be hostile, exhausting, or heatedHow debate makes us stronger leaders and better scientistsHow spirited discussions helped Disney create Pixar's The Incredibles that went on to win two OscarsHow to reframe arguments into debates and learn how to dance rather than fightCommon “don'ts” and mistakes that many people make that close people off and cause them to dig more into their original beliefsHow to motivate someone to share information with youWhy facts alone don't work in changing mindsThat asking questions activates a rethinking cycle in your debate partner (and yourself!)Why listening is critical to getting people to open up and be receptiveHow the “vaccine whisperer” got people to vaccinate their children through non-judgemental empowerment and listeningThat binary or black and white thinking can actually cause people to move away from your causeHow uncertainty and humility can make you more effective in changing mindsAnd more!Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?

I'm not going to lie…things seem pretty dire here right now in the United States for the environment, conservation, and wildlife. Because of what the current administration is doing, people are worried and understandably so. Things are quite honestly in chaos right now and there have already been severe consequences for those who work in wildlife.Over the past couple of weeks, my social media feeds have been flooded with images of the thousands of federal workers who have unfairly lost their jobs in the name of government budget cuts. Funding for conservation, research, and protections is and will continue to be slashed, and even whole organizations within our federal government are under threat of being taken away.Although it's not quite clear yet what things are going to hold up legally in court, the results have already impacted people who work in wildlife. Entire livelihoods have been shattered from people losing their critical paychecks doing what they loved while serving and protecting our wildlife, land, and environment.In the previous episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast, I talked about what we can do as individuals to continue to stand up for what we believe in while bridging the gap to others who voted differently than us so that we can reclaim the necessary political power to enact pro-wildlife legislation. But when scrolling through my social media feeds and seeing the faces of those who lost their jobs, I realized people really needed help.One post on Instagram left a particularly strong impact on me. It was a post that offered some hope by someone who secured a wildlife job under the first Trump administration. And what I could see from this post was that it was really needed by people out there. Some said they read the post and left crying because they desperately needed some help and encouragement during these unprecedented times.This post really inspired me. If you are not new to this podcast, you'll know that a huge focus of mine is those in wildlife careers, so if this is you, then you'll definitely want to listen to the whole episode. Here I take the time to address the concerns of those who may have lost their job, are worried about losing their job, or are feeling anxiety about the increasing competition from fewer now being offered in our field.Honestly, no matter where you are in your career, the advice today is going to apply to you.So for those of you who are in wildlife, environmental, or conservation careers and are feeling panicked, maybe wondering, “How do I handle this new administration? How do I handle this new landscape?” This episode is for you!I know you don't want to give up your lifelong dream of having a wildlife career, but the reality is, I know some of you are thinking about it. As I read that Instagram post, I read numerous comments from people saying they felt like they had to give it all up considering what is going on. But you DON'T.In this episode, I give you hope, concrete tips on what you can do if you are in a wildlife profession, how you can navigate this new administration and landscape, and reassure you that there's going to be jobs for you, that you are needed, that your work is important and valuable.Specifically I go over:The illusion of a permanent jobHow the landscape of jobs has and is still changing, and how to handle itThe misconception that you have to work continuously in this field – gaps to take other jobs are okay!How to make things work for you in the long run if it feels like you need to take a pause from wildlife work (either wanted or unwanted)Past experiences and results of wildlife work during administrations unfavorable to wildlife and conservationThinking outside of the box and implementing creative solutions in wildlife workHow to start making yourself competitive as possible so that when the right job is available, you get itAnd more!Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?

We recently had an election here in the United States, and now have just started this new administration. For so many of us out there, especially in the conservation and environmental space, this one was and is going to be TOUGH. I normally don't talk about politics on the Fancy Scientist podcast because I want to be as inclusive as possible and that STILL stands for today's episode - you are welcome no matter how you voted. In fact, a big part of this week's episode is about how to keep connections and conversations going with others in spite of huge political differences. The reality is that wildlife research, science, and conservation are HEAVILY dependent on politics; they are innately intertwined.There are several goals I want to accomplish with this week's podcast. First, I want to help others, like myself, who were deeply affected by the results of this election. I discuss why this election is so different from others, even from the 2016 election, and why it has affected people in such a heavy way. Sharing my personal experience, I offer tips on how I'm dealing that you can apply to your own life. My next goal is to encourage, inspire, and hopefully motivate you to keep connections and the importance of doing so, as well as potentially having uncomfortable conversations. The core premise of this podcast and the mission of my brand is conservation and we can't do that with just the people who think like us. If we stay isolated and in our own bubble, we will keep repeating the results we got with this election.It is possible to maintain positive connections with people who vote differently than you and this is incredibly important for our conservation efforts to persist. I've created and maintained friendships with people who have very different opinions on topics that I care deeply about a lot. In fact, some of my biggest social media fans are Trump voters! In this episode, I share with you strategies and ways of thinking that you can use for talking to people that are not draining, antagonistic, or make you feel like you have to convince the other person.Finally, I've gotten the sense and actual feedback from people that they are afraid to speak out for the things that they believe in and before felt comfortable talking about. I was amazed to hear that some of my friends in science communication who are normally vocal about the issues that they care about, like climate change, were starting to feel uncomfortable discussing the same issues they regularly talked about before the election. Using the results of the election and a new perspective in looking at them, I hope to give you some inspiration that we can't give up, won't give up, and that there's more people than you may think right now supporting our goals for the environment. Before you listen to this episode, I want to acknowledge that not everyone may feel safe, be in the right mental space, or be in a safe environment to speak up or associate with certain people. If that is you, please take all precautions to put barriers in place, keep yourself safe, and healthy. I am in NO way saying that everyone needs to do the things I go over in this podcast. I also want to acknowledge that this election has huge consequences for many people and issues across the board, many of which are deeply important to me. This podcast episode will only focus on those related to conservation and the environment though, as this is the theme of the Fancy Scientist podcast, and I am in no way saying that other issues are not as important. So, if you feel like you are in a safe environment, like I do, want to connect, and are willing to have some potentially uncomfortable conversations to make a difference, then you're going to benefit from this episodeSpecifically I go over: Why this election feels different than any otherHow the results of this election will impact the environment in a way the country has never faced beforeHow I felt post election and using emotions to help propel me into actionPutting the results of this election into perspective; why people voted the way they did and what this means for conservationWhy I'm not giving up and you shouldn't eitherWhy keeping channels of communication open are so important for conservationWhy I don't de-friend people who vote differentlyWhy I am staying on Twitter despite tens of thousands of scientists leaving the platformConcrete things I am doing that you can do too and resources to help you move forward in this administrationAnd MORE!Full show notes:

I've been seeing a ton of great PAID wildlife internships being posted so I thought it would be a great time to go over how to get an internship for wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, and conservation careers. So for this episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast, I am talking about everything to do with internships in wildlife careers. This includes ecology, conservation biology, zoology, and environmental sciences.In the first part of this podcast, I talk about what is an internship in wildlife biology and how it differs from other experiences such as temporary field assistant positions and volunteering because internships are supposed to be a more unique experience. Also, I get the impression from talking to literally hundreds, probably even thousands of struggling and aspiring wildlife biologists that internships are really coveted or desired. A lot of people actually think that you need internships to succeed. Why is this? Although they are unique and different from other experiences, is this true for wildlife careers?Next I talk about how to find internships. I go over the important wildlife job boards, but also discuss having to look elsewhere and why, including individual organization websites and maximizing your search by following organizations on LinkedIn and connecting with wildlife professionals there. In this ultra competitive field to make sure you're not missing opportunities, I go over the importance of cold networking and using social media to cast your net even wider.Lastly, I cover all the different types of wildlife internships: paid, unpaid, and those that you pay for (yes! This is a real thing in our field). Besides payment, what are the differences in those experiences in terms of the outcomes you get? Do they prepare you and give you the experience you need to get you on track for your wildlife dream job? Of course you want to get paid, and although those are becoming more common, they are more competitive, so this may not be possible for you at the moment. Is it worth it to take an unpaid internship? What about those that you pay for?Once you find internships to apply to, it's essential that your application stands out. As I mentioned above, this field is super competitive and wildlife internships, like almost all wildlife jobs, are not easy to get! You are going to be amongst dozens, and it's not uncommon to be amongst even hundreds of other applications. I talk about the key principles needed to ensure that your application gets put into the “yes” pile. For instance, you want to make sure that you qualify for the internship, have a wildlife resume – not a regular resume, and write a compelling cover letter. To increase your chances, you want to be networking – and you don't have to do this in person. Online is an extremely effective way to network!You might be surprised by what you learn. In fact, you might not even need an internship at all!Even if you are not looking for internships, but are interested in working in the wildlife field, what you're going to learn in this episode is definitely going to apply. Make sure you stay tuned and listen to this whole episode. And the most important part is I want to help you get those internships or whatever experiences you are applying for. So the tips you are going to learn today are going to raise your game.My goal is to equip you with the knowledge and tools to successfully navigate the internship landscape and ultimately secure your dream wildlife job wildlife.Specifically I go over:What is an internship and what makes it uniqueDo you really need an internship?How to find wildlife internshipsHow to make your job application stand out so that you get wildlife internshipsHow to get internships when your job applications aren't getting you interviews and resources to helpThe importance of networking to enhance your internship searchThe difference between paid, unpaid, and internships that you pay forIf unpaid and internships that you pay for are worth it to build experience in your wildlife careerAnd MORE!Full show notes:

As someone who has spent two decades in the wildlife field, published nearly 30 peer-reviewed papers, and worked across multiple continents in various wildlife roles, I know firsthand the challenges and opportunities in this field. And I'm here to help you navigate them!What started as a single webinar has evolved into something much more powerful - a robust 3-part training series packed with real-world insights and actionable strategies. Why? Because I realized there was so much valuable information that couldn't be condensed into just one session!Whether you're a:Career transitioner looking to break into wildlife biologyCollege student trying to navigate your career pathRecent graduate seeking your first positionMaster's or Ph.D. student/graduateHigh school student dreaming of working with wildlifeParent guiding a future wildlife biologistThis training is designed for YOU!I'm pulling back the curtain on the essential processes that nobody else is talking about. Drawing from my experience working in government, academia, museums, zoos, and alongside nonprofits worldwide, I'll share:The three critical pillars for securing a permanent wildlife position (When you nail these, you can't NOT get jobs!)What wildlife employers actually value most in candidates (and how to develop these qualities)How to craft a focused career path that leads to a permanent, well-paying positionCommon resume and networking mistakes to avoidReal success stories from people who've landed their dream jobs (even without Master's degrees!)A game-changing insight that's rarely discussed but essential for career successIn my 20 years in wildlife biology, I've seen countless passionate individuals struggle to break into the field - not because they weren't capable, but because they didn't have access to the right guidance. I've watched my own students transform their careers once they understood these key principles. Now, I'm sharing these insights with you, completely FREE.This isn't just another wildlife career webinar. It's a comprehensive training built on real experience, real results, and real strategies that work. This training will give you the clarity, direction, and practical steps you need to make your wildlife dreams a reality.Get your sneak peek now!I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/3-pillars-to-success/Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORWI'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/#wildlifebiology #wildlifebiologist #wildlife #conservation #wildlifemanagement #wildlifeconservation #zoology #zoologist #ecology #ecologist #scientist #animals #science #graduatestudent #graduateschool #wildliferesearch #animalcareers #animaljobs

In the fiercely competitive world of wildlife biology and conservation, insider knowledge isn't just an advantage—it's a game-changer. That's why this episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast, featuring Matt Howard, is an absolute must-listen for anyone dreaming of a career in this field.Interestingly, my connection with Matt began in an unexpected place: the comments section of one of my career posts. Matt was leaving insightful comments filled with great advice for aspiring wildlife professionals. His willingness to share knowledge immediately caught my attention, and I knew I had to invite him onto the podcast to share his wisdom with a wider audience.Matt Howard isn't just any wildlife professional. As a natural resource manager for Utah's Department of Transportation, he's at the forefront of road ecology—a fascinating niche where wildlife conservation meets infrastructure development. His work involves analyzing the impacts of roads on threatened and endangered species, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, and finding innovative solutions to minimize human-wildlife conflicts.But Matt's experience extends far beyond his current role. Having navigated through various facets of the wildlife field, including state agency jobs and environmental consulting, he brings a panoramic view of the industry. This diverse background allows him to offer nuanced advice on aligning personal values with professional goals—a crucial aspect often overlooked in career discussions.But that's just the tip of the iceberg! What makes Matt's advice so compelling is that it comes from years of hands-on experience. He's not just theorizing – he's sharing what has actually worked for him and others in the field. From his experience hiring countless professionals to build an impressive social media following of over 100,000 on Instagram, Matt shares golden nuggets of wisdom you won't find in any textbook or career guide.In this episode, we dive deep into:The ins and outs of working for state wildlife agencies, including the hidden challenges and unexpected rewardsA candid look at the world of environmental consulting—is it the right path for you?Practical, actionable advice to skyrocket your chances of landing that dream wildlife jobInnovative strategies for leveraging social media to build your professional network and showcase your expertiseThe art of successfully transitioning into a conservation or ecology career, even if you're starting from a different fieldAnd more!!!So, whether you're a student plotting your entry into the wildlife field, a professional looking to pivot into conservation, or simply someone fascinated by the inner workings of wildlife careers, this episode is your backstage pass to the industry. Tune in, take notes, and prepare to transform your approach to wildlife career planning. Your future self will thank you for it!I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/3-pillars-to-success/Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORWI'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/#wildlifebiology #wildlifebiologist #wildlife #conservation #wildlifemanagement #wildlifeconservation #zoology #zoologist #ecology #ecologist #scientist #animals #science #graduatestudent #graduateschool #wildliferesearch #animalcareers #animaljobs

This Fancy Scientist podcast episode is quite literally years in the making. I first got the idea when one of my students in the Successful Wildlife Professional, which is my signature wildlife career group mentoring program, asked me about dealing with the feelings of depression involved in her work. Alanna Street was conducting research on the Great Barrier Reef, which has lost some estimates, up to 50% of its coral cover and might even completely disappear within decades, Alanna asked me how to maintain hope and a positive outlook while working amidst such negativity.When I answered this question in the mentoring session, I realized my answer was long and complex. In fact, I even wrote it down first with bullet points of the things that I wanted to cover. Across the years of running the Successful Wildlife Professional, I realized other students had similar feelings and were suffering in the same way. Therefore, I thought this would be a great podcast episode for so many people too. Eco-anxiety, often described as a feeling of chronic fear of environmental doom, conservation depression, and/or hopelessness in the face of environmental challenges, is increasingly common in our field, not only in our field but amongst the general population, especially younger generations. Eco-anxiety is not just an academic concept; it affects people's daily lives. It's a distress caused by a perception of loss and destruction in nature. These emotions can be debilitating, but the good thing is that they're also a testament to how deeply many people care about this state of the planet and what's going on. Throughout this episode, I'll unpack some of these emotions and offer you tips and perspectives on how to take care of yourself, not let eco-anxiety weigh you down, but still care about the planet enough to take action and inspire others.   If you have been following me for some time, you know that I'm huge on mindset. Growing up in what I thought was a normal household, I later realized I had been programmed with a negative outlook. I've worked hard to reverse this programming and overcome depression. Having been diagnosed with depression and anxiety since my early 20s, I understand how debilitating these feelings can be in general - even independent of eco-anxiety. But I recently learned that it doesn't have to be this way. For the past seven years, I've worked intentionally on my mindset and worked hard to overcome my own negative thought patterns, and it works. I'm here to tell you that you have a choice in what you choose to focus on, that there's hope, and that there are ways to cope.Remember, your passion for nature and wildlife is a strength, not a burden. The Earth needs your passion, your dedication, and your hope. By addressing these emotions head-on and equipping yourself with coping strategies, you are not only taking care of yourself, but you are becoming an even more effective advocate for the planet. I encourage you to listen to this episode, reflect on your own experiences, and try out some of the strategies I discuss.Specifically, I go over:Understanding and defining eco-anxiety and conservation depressionThe power of perspective and finding the 'good' in challenging situationsLetting go of control and trusting in nature's resilienceHealthy ways to process emotions related to environmental concernsThe importance of building a supportive community in conservationPractical steps to take positive action and combat anxietyCultivating gratitude and joy through connection with natureAnd more!!!I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW#wildlifebiology #wildlifebiologist #wildlife #conservation #wildlifemanagement #wildlifeconservation #zoology #zoologist #ecology #ecologist #scientist #animals #science #graduatestudent #graduateschool #wildliferesearch #animalcareers #animaljob

Working in the conservation field innately involves loss from which is often accompanied by feelings of sadness, grief, anger, and even depression. The whole point of our field is to save species and ecosystems that are facing, often massive, declines and even extinction! As conservationists, we are compelled to help out because we love nature, often stemming from personal experiences and connections. This love is so great that we are often willing to dedicate our precious time, money, and energy towards this cause.But we currently live in a time where we are going through a massive extinction event, and unlike others, it's all because of us - human beings. We are constantly being bombarded with negative news of our changing planet: deforestation, climate change, pollution, wildfires, drought, and the list goes on and on! No wonder this takes a toll on us. For a long time, conservation organizations have used “doom and gloom” to activate people to change and to some extent have been successful, but it can also cause people to turn away and tune out with feelings of helplessness or apathy. And for those of us working, it can simply be draining and just downright depressing to see these images and read these stories over and over again! One of my favorite things to ask when facing a seemingly insurmountable problem is to ask “what can I do?” So what can we do? Well, we can turn to optimism in conservation. It can make us feel better and work as a catalyst for change. I have long been saying this so when I saw the organization Conservation Optimism, I was hopeful and relieved to see others who felt the same way. Conservation Optimism is a movement that emerged from Oxford University in 2017, born out of the desire to shift the narrative in conservation from despair to hope. It came about as a response to the overwhelming "doom and gloom" messaging often associated with environmental crises, which can lead to feelings of helplessness and inaction. The movement aims to bridge the gap BETWEEN conservation science and public engagement by providing a message of hope and agency. It's not about downplaying the severity of our environmental challenges, but rather about empowering people to take action.I have been following Conservation Optimism for a long time as I have been drawn to their impactful work. Given the challenges we face in our field, I knew that doing this interview with their director, Jon Taylor, would be an invaluable resource for our community!Jon Taylor is a seasoned wildlife conservation leader with over 30 years of experience working on conservation and sustainable development projects across Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. His career has spanned a variety of roles, including managing projects focused on climate change at WWF, tigers and elephants at the Zoological Society of London, and coral reefs and cetaceans in different parts of the world. Before joining Conservation Optimism in 2024, Jon served as the Managing Director at Save the Rhino International. With a deep passion for wildlife sparked in childhood, Jon has become an expert in conceptualizing and leading conservation initiatives, and he's dedicated to guiding the next generation of conservationists. Despite his extensive experience, he remains in awe of the natural world and continues to be motivated by its beauty and wonder.Conservation Optimism aims to bridge this gap by providing a message of hope and agency. It's not about downplaying the severity of our environmental challenges, but rather about empowering people to take action. It's clear that while the challenges in conservation are significant, there's ample reason for hope. Jon's passion for his work and his belief in our collective ability to make a difference is truly inspiring. His message reminds us that every action counts and that we're all part of a global community working towards a healthier planet. Despite the challenges we face, he believes in our collective ability to address environmental issues. In our conversation, Jon emphasizes the need to articulate the value of nature in ways that resonate with people emotionally, not just intellectually.  He points out that while ecosystem services are important, we also need to tap into the spiritual, cultural, and emotional connections people have with nature. This approach can help make conservation efforts more relatable and meaningful to a broader audience.For those aspiring to work in conservation, Jon's career journey offers valuable lessons. He stressed the importance of perseverance and curiosity, sharing how his path took him from a poor part of North London to working on projects across Africa and Asia, and eventually to his current role at Oxford.In this episode, we discussed:The concept of Conservation Optimism and its importance in the fieldEffective messaging strategies for conservation communicationNavigating a career in conservation and the diverse skills neededDealing with eco-anxiety and finding personal sources of hopeThe importance of articulating the value of nature beyond just ecosystem servicesJon's experiences working with various species and organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund and Save the Rhino InternationalThe global impact of Conservation Optimism and its future goalsWhat you can do to help conservation and relieve eco-anxietyI'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW#wildlifebiology #wildlifebiologist #wildlife #conservation #wildlifemanagement #wildlifeconservation #zoology #zoologist #ecology #ecologist #scientist #animals #science #graduatestudent #graduateschool #wildliferesearch #animalcareers #animaljobs

I first came across Ana Yi Soto's work through a LinkedIn post she created on language justice that went viral and due to its importance, she later decided to repost in the Society for Conservation Biology forum. In her post, she shared a meme from the television show Modern Family, in which Gloria, a native Spanish-speaking character from Colombia (the actress playing Gloria, Sofia Vergara is also from Colombia) says, “Do you even know how smart I am in Spanish?”Her powerful message about what language you happened to grow up speaking and how it can affect your career in conservation resonated deeply with me, especially given my own experiences conducting fieldwork in Kenya and particularly Gabon, where the national language is French and almost no one speaks English. I remember not being able to fully express myself and feeling dumb. Currently, I, am learning Portuguese and when speaking in Brazil, I even feel like I take on a different personality due to language limitations. I knew immediately that I had to invite Ana to share her insights with our Fancy Scientist community on how conservation being dominated by the English language when it comes to published research affects those who did not grow up as native English speakers, but still want to have a career that can make an impact.In this episode, we dive into the critical issue of language barriers in conservation work. We explore how the dominance of English in scientific research and conservation efforts can inadvertently exclude vital voices and perspectives from local communities. This conversation is essential for anyone passionate about creating more equitable, effective, and inclusive conservation strategies worldwide.Language barriers in conservation go far beyond simple translation issues. They can significantly impact the effectiveness of conservation efforts, limit the participation of local experts, and lead to misunderstandings that can derail well-intentioned projects. There are some words that have no meaning in other languages or do not fully translate. Ana and I discuss the frustrations of not being able to fully express complex ideas in a non-native language and the importance of creating spaces where all voices can be heard and valued.Ana's journey from a communication specialist in Peru to a global conservation leader working in Madagascar is truly inspiring. She shares valuable advice on maintaining curiosity and humility in conservation work, emphasizing the need for co-creation rather than imposing solutions. We also delve into her current roles with the Global Landscape Forum and CREA Planeta, showcasing how she's putting language justice principles into action.This conversation with Ana Yi Soto highlights the urgent need for a shift in how we approach conservation work globally. By prioritizing language justice and inclusivity, we can tap into a wealth of local knowledge and create more sustainable, community-driven conservation solutions.I encourage all of you, whether you're a seasoned conservationist or just starting your journey, to reflect on how language impacts your work and interactions. How can we all contribute to creating a more inclusive environment in conservation?Specifically, we go over:The concept of language justice and its importance in conservationChallenges faced by non-native English speakers in scientific fields and conservation workThe need for humility and co-creation in conservation projectsHow the landscape is shifting and efforts to increase inclusivity in global conservation events and publicationsAna's work with the Global Landscape Forum and CREA PlanetaHow Ana started out working in conservation in Peru and how she was able to pursue work across the globeAdvice for aspiring conservationists looking to make a differenceAnd more!I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW#wildlifebiology #wildlifebiologist #wildlife #conservation #wildlifemanagement #wildlifeconservation #zoology #zoologist #ecology #ecologist #scientist #animals #science #graduatestudent #graduateschool #wildliferesearch #animalcareers #animaljobs

As early as the second episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast, I've been talking about the negative impacts  of "animal selfies.” This refers to when people post photos of themselves with an exotic animal. Although selfies are new in the digital age of photography, photos like these are not. For decades, private zoos and individuals have made money by keeping exotic animals often in horrific conditions and getting people to pose with them for photos. These are most often baby mammals (think tiger, lion, and bear cubs ala Tiger King), but can also be birds, reptiles, and fully adult mammals. While operations like these are clearly bad for animals and have nothing to do with conservation once you understand how they work (read Is Cub Petting Conservation for Big Cats?), what's less clear is when scientists pose with their study species for photos. I totally get it! Being with a wild animal is an amazing opportunity and you want to capture it in a photograph (I am guilty of this myself), but what happens when we share those images? We've all seen those images of researchers posing with their study subjects, and while it might seem harmless, research has shown that this can actually encourage people to engage in unethical or even illegal wildlife interactions. It's safe to say that this has been a pet peeve of mine for some time. Photos like those are pervasive throughout the scientific community, even when advertising our career to others and I've been trying to spread the word. .A couple of months ago, a story went viral on X (formerly Twitter) where people took wild bear cubs from a tree just for selfies. I tweeted not only about this, but about how scientists need to stop posting photos of themselves with wildlife so people don't get the misconception that it's ever okay to do something like this. I also emphasized that studies show that photos like those make people want to engage in animal selfies. This tweet gained considerable attention, one of which was from Dr. Cassie Freund, the director of science communication at the Frost Science Museum in Miami, who tweeted back that that was her research! . This fortuitous interaction led me to ask her  for an interview in this podcast  to talk about her research on scientists taking selfies with animals, especially primates, and how it has  been shown to negatively influence public behavior and perceptions, making people less likely to understand the endangered status of these animals. On this podcast, she discusses  the results of her and other studies, which found that even providing captions trying to explain the "proper permissions" obtained to handle animals with research permits and as a professional  don't mitigate the negative impact of those kinds of photos on the public. Additionally, Cassie has a fascinating background in primate behavioral research, and is a strong science writer and editor with over five years of experience telling engaging stories about the world around in outlets like Mongabay, Massive Science, and Hakai Magazine.Cassie's insights were so valuable, and I know this is a topic that many of you are passionate about as well. I encourage you to share this episode with your scientist friends and colleagues - let's all do our part to raise awareness and change the narrative around how we present wildlife on social media.Specifically, we go over:Cassie's background in orangutan conservation and rainforest researchThe surprising findings from her studies on how people perceive images of scientists with their study subjectsTips for effective science communication that prioritizes animal welfare and conservationChallenges of navigating social media as a scientist who wants to share their workReal-world examples of both positive and negative wildlife-related social media postsAnd more!I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW#wildlifebiology #wildlifebiologist #wildlife #conservation #wildlifemanagement #wildlifeconservation #zoology #zoologist #ecology #ecologist #scientist #animals #science #graduatestudent #graduateschool #wildliferesearch #animalcareers #animaljobs

As someone who's been in this field for 20 years, I know what it's like to be in your shoes - from struggling graduate students to successful wildlife professionals - I understand the rollercoaster of emotions and challenges you're facing in this competitive field. In this episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast, I'm tackling two of the biggest elephants in the room when it comes to getting a job, and even maintaining a job in wildlife careers: time and money – These are the two things most of us never seem to have enough of! I vividly remember the days of feeling overwhelmed, especially in graduate school, juggling all aspects of research - from understanding how to set up an entire project by myself, run it internationally, collect and analyze data, and write up the results to publish all while maintaining other responsibilities such as classes and attending seminars. There never seemed to be enough time! But the thing is, if you don't invest in yourself, through time and money or both when it comes to your career, you're likely going to struggle later on, costing you even more time and money. Let me give you an example. If I had taken the time to really study and even just look at jobs that I would have eventually been applying for, I would have been a lot more competitive for them because I would have known exactly what they wanted. For investing in your career, you may need to raise funds to support a volunteer opportunity you need to do to gain more experience or into professional development like the programs that I offer, attending conferences, or participating in societies.   So many people let these obstacles stop them and just throw their hands up - like I did (“I don't have time to look at the jobs - I am working on my dissertation!”) But I've learned through a lot of amazing mentors and mindset work that these are stories that we just tell ourselves and when we really want something, we can go after it and make it happen. I've learned that it's not about having more time or money - in fact, no one has more time. You and I have the same amount of hours in the day as Oprah Winfrey, Jane Goodall, and Beyoncé (and none of them started off wealthy either). It's about how you THINK about time and money, and maximizing what you have. That's exactly what I'm here to share with you today. I'll take you on a journey through my own experiences where I realized I was spending way too much time on the wrong things and how I  changed my approach to  time and money in my career. I'll offer you  practical strategies that have not only helped me but have also transformed the careers of many wildlife professionals I've had the privilege to coach. Whether you're an aspiring wildlife biologist still in school, an early-career professional feeling stuck in seasonal positions, or a seasoned expert looking to make a bigger impact, this episode has something for you. We'll challenge the scarcity mindset that's so common in our field and explore how to adopt an abundance perspective - even when resources seem limited. I'll share candid stories about my own financial journey, influenced by my family background, and how it shaped my approach to managing money in this field. We'll talk about creative ways to boost your income that you might not have considered before, and I'll give you a peek into some unconventional fundraising strategies that have worked wonders for conservation projects. By the end of this episode, I promise you'll have a toolkit of practical strategies to better manage your time and money. But more than that, I hope you'll feel inspired and empowered. Because here's the truth - you don't need to wait for more time or money to start making a difference. You have everything you need right now to take the next step in your wildlife career.Specifically, I go over:The importance of tracking your time and moneyStrategies for prioritizing tasks and identifying "big rocks"Shifting from a scarcity to an abundance mindsetCreative ways to earn extra income in the fieldTips for effective fundraising and grant writingOvercoming limiting beliefs and stories we tell ourselvesSo, are you ready to transform how you think about and use your most precious resources? Dive in and unlock your potential to make a real impact in the world of wildlife biology and conservation!I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW#wildlifebiology #wildlifebiologist #wildlife #conservation #wildlifemanagement #wildlifeconservation #zoology #zoologist #ecology #ecologist #scientist #animals #science #graduatestudent #graduateschool #wildliferesearch #animalcareers #animaljobs

What does it take to be successful in wildlife careers?You might be thinking: Lots of experience in far away placesHaving a strong network of top scientists and other wildlife professionalsKnowing GIS like a proCourses in wildlife handling, trapping, and trackingHaving a Master's or Ph.D.Some of those things *do* help (others don't even help much!), but they still are not getting at the core of what it REALLY takes to be successful in a wildlife career.You see, those things are the results of first having the mindset that this career is not just possible for you, but what you are destined and dedicated to do. In other words, even if you have the things listed above, but don't have the strong mindset, you won't have the wherewithal to keep going when things get hard. And this career is HARD. One thing I don't do is shy away from the realities of this career (but that also doesn't mean I don't think you can't do it!)I first started out wanting to become an actress, but was always uncomfortable with the high level of risk and rejection associated with acting careers. I was relieved to find wildlife biology, not only because I loved it, but I felt a huge weight lifted off of me knowing that I could get a “regular” job that paid a steady income instead of waiting tables by day and getting unpaid in community theater while trying to break through after an endless amounts of auditions.But it turns out, careers in wildlife are a lot like those in acting!Compared to how many people are out there, positions are few and competition is therefore high. Rejection from not only jobs, but also grants and publications is part of many careers. To gain experience, people work for years in unpaid or poorly paid temp work. To deal with all of those realities, your mindset, combined with other factors outlined in this podcast, is truly key for success in getting a permanent job that you love. When you have the right mindset in place to be able to handle all of the competition and rejection, you will succeed no matter what because you will find a way.   In this episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast, I dive deep into the core attitudes and mindsets that separate those who thrive in wildlife careers from those who struggle and never secure permanent jobs or are unhappy with the jobs that they have. I talk about developing an unstoppable mindset, being willing to invest in yourself, and how to creatively overcome obstacles. I share personal stories - like my experiences at Disney World and working with elephants - to illustrate these points.Specifically, I go over:The importance of developing an "ensure your own success" mindsetCreative ways to fund your professional developmentWays to overcome ego and embrace all aspects of the jobHow necessary making sacrifices is for your goalsUsing community science as a way to gain volunteer experience when official opportunities are scarcePractices to maximize every opportunity to learnHow to take 100% responsibility for your resultsAnd MORE!!Remember, success in wildlife careers isn't just about technical skills - it's about who you BECOME in the process.I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW#wildlifebiology #wildlifebiologist #wildlife #conservation #wildlifemanagement #wildlifeconservation #zoology #zoologist #ecology #ecologist #scientist #animals #science #graduatestudent #graduateschool #wildliferesearch #animalcareers #animaljobs

If you're like most people pursuing a wildlife career, at some point, you've felt like you're giving it your all, but going nowhere. Like a field vehicle stuck in the mud, you're pressing the gas pedal as hard as you can, but the wheels are just spinning, flinging mud (maybe even in your face - I've been there!) and you're in the exact same spot. Or maybe you've felt like you're furiously treading water, moving your body as fast as you can, you're exhausted just trying to keep up, but no matter what, despite all of this effort, you're still in the same place - or even worse, sinking. Maybe things seem so bad for you that you feel like you've reached a dead end in the road with no way out…Maybe you're ready to scream or cry or both. Or have already cried all of your tears and just don't know what to do. Chances are you feel helpless, bitter, upset, disappointed, and just plain sad. The rejections seem to be piling up, but you don't know where you went wrong. When you're feeling like this, it's so easy to point to all of the reasons why this is happening to you. It's so easy to find all of the reasons why you can't and why it won't work out. Maybe you're telling yourself: It's too competitive - you're applying to jobs that literally hundreds of other people are applying to…You're competing against people who have years of experience on you…School never gave you project management, stakeholder, R software, or (fill in the blank) experience…That it isn't your fault (it isn't!)And more…But the thing is, this kind of thinking won't get you to where you want to go. It won't get you your permanent dream job in a wildlife career. And in fact, it will actually keep you stuck. How do I know this? In the eight years of being on and off the job market after my PhD, I found out first hand how competitive it was. In my nearly seven years of graduate school, no one told me this. As long as I didn't do academia, which I knew was super competitive, I thought I would be all right and easily get a permanent job. I did everything right and was even getting interviews, however, I was still watching others with more experience (in one case 10 years!) get the job over me, even though I had already had 12-17 years of experience myself (depending at what point I applied for jobs). I was caught in a cycle of job rejections, grew bitter, blamed the system, and felt like I was never going to break through. It was so easy to fall into this helplessness mentality, And it felt good - because it wasn't my fault - I could blame someone or something else. Every time someone would ask me about how it's going when applying for jobs and what my next job would be, I would have this big story and gigantic disclaimer about my situation and the state of wildlife careers. And even though it wasn't my fault, I realized that there were things I could do and looking back, things I should have done. We can't change the past, but like the Maya Angelou quote goes, “when we know better, we do better.” In this episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast, I'm getting deep and vulnerable with the experiences that I've gone through and sharing with you what I've learned from thinking this way, as well as showing you that there's a much better way to think that will actually get you results. It might get a little uncomfy here (but it will be worth it!): I'm asking you to go deep and be truly honest with yourself. Are you commiting to the story of why things aren't possible for you? Why they are difficult and hard? Why you can't do it or why things aren't working out for you? Or are you willing to commit yourself to the equally possible story that you can do this and that things are possible for you, you just need to find the way? I'll share some real talk about money (because let's face it, this career doesn't pay well, especially in the beginning, and you'll probably have to make sacrifices)), dealing with imposter syndrome, and how to keep pushing forward when it feels like everything's against you. And for those of you thinking, "But Stephanie, you don't understand my situation," - I hear you. We'll talk about overcoming all sorts of obstacles, whether you're a person who's been historically excluded from wildlife careers, dealing with a chronic illness, or feeling like you're too old to begin your wildlife career.The best part? You'll hear stories about real people who've made it work despite everything that was working against them. Trust me, if they can do it, so can you.Specifically, here's what I cover in this episode:How and why the helplessness attitude is holding you back (and how to kick it to the curb!)The secret to making the most of free resources (even when you're broke)Why and how treating your career like a science experiment can be a game-changerHow to build an unstoppable mindset (even when you feel like completely giving up)Practical steps to take control of your career starting today!And if you're feeling fired up after this episode and want more support, I've got your back. Check out my free job tracker and my course on Winning Wildlife Job Applications. These are the exact tools I wish I had when I was struggling. Remember, you're not alone in this. I'm here to help you strategize the path to your dream career to make a better world for wildlife and yourself. So take a deep breath, let go of the bitterness and disappointment, start believing again that you can do this, and start making things happen. You've got this, and I'm here to help every step of the way.I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW#wildlifebiology #wildlifebiologist #wildlife #conservation #wildlifemanagement #wildlifeconservation #zoology #zoologist #ecology #ecologist #scientist #animals #science #graduatestudent #graduateschool #wildliferesearch #animalcareers #animaljobs

On the surface, it seems like careers in wildlife are pretty financially solid. If you search online for how much wildlife biologists make, you'll discover it's about $70K here in the US. In fact, when I discovered wildlife biology as a career option, I was incredibly relieved to see a solid salary posted! I was previously pursuing a career in acting, which is notorious for having low salaries, lots of unpaid work, uncertainty, and risk. But after 20 years of being in this field working in internships, going to graduate school, postdocing, and then applying for permanent jobs, I realized there are many parallels to theater and wildlife careers, and there's more to that $70K salary than it seems. In fact, when I was applying to jobs, most of the jobs I was competitive for had salaries around the $50-$55K range even with having a Ph.D. and having been in the field for 15 years. So what gives? Why is there such a disparity? In this episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast, I talk about just that: what goes into getting that $70K salary and what jobs are most likely to lead you there. I'm pulling back the curtain on what it REALLY takes to make it in wildlife careers, and trust me, it's not what your college career counselor told you or what you read on the Internet. I talk about how it's incredibly difficult to generalize careers in wildlife and that you have to be careful of the images you see and the information you read - as it often doesn't apply to most wildlife careers!Remember that shiny $70,600 median salary figure from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics? Well, I hate to break it to you, but it's about as realistic as expecting to cuddle pandas on your first day on the job.If you're someone who's been applying for wildlife job after wildlife job, but hearing nothing back, you're about to GET the truth about our field that no one else is talking about. But don't worry, I'm not here to crush your dreams. I 100% believe that you can do this! And to make that happen, you need a realistic understanding of what these careers in wildlife are like so that you can prepare. I'm here to arm you with the knowledge you need to beat the system and thrive in this amazing field. Using my own experiences and those of colleagues, I paint a realistic picture of what aspiring wildlife biologists can expect in this competitive field.By the time you finish this episode, you'll understand the hidden factors that go into getting a $70K salary, what kinds of jobs are more likely to be lucrative, and how some jobs may never pay that much. So, if you're ready to start taking charge of your career and become the successful wildlife professional that you know you are deep down inside, this episode is for you. Specifically, I go over:Why the $70,600 median salary figure from the US Bureau of Statistics is misleading and what goes into making that figureThe experience paradox: why you can't get a job without experience, and can't get experience without a jobThe truth about temporary and seasonal positions in wildlife biologyHow your education level impacts your job prospects and salary potentialCommon misconceptions about wildlife biology work (spoiler alert: it's way more than fieldwork and cute animals!)The crucial importance of data analysis skills in modern wildlife careersPractical tips for preparing for a successful career in wildlife biologyThe realities of fieldwork vs. lab work in wildlife biology careersAnd more!!!I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW#wildlifebiology #wildlifebiologist #wildlife #conservation #wildlifemanagement #wildlifeconservation #zoology #zoologist #ecology #ecologist #scientist #animals #science #graduatestudent #graduateschool #wildliferesearch #animalcareers #animaljobs

Networking is super important. As someone who has been in the wildlife field for over 20 years and has attended countless scientific conferences since 2006, I know firsthand how networking can influence your career success. Experience is most important, but at times, who you know can even trump this. Networking can lead to jobs you didn't know about, or maybe didn't even exist in addition to other helpful career-building impacts like publication and volunteer opportunities. And if you want to study charismatic species like big cats, marine mammals, or carnivores, you simply have to network. But I also know for a lot of us, networking can feel daunting and intimidating, so we avoid it. In fear of making a mistake, we don't do anything or only limit networking to opportunities where others take the lead - such as our boss or advisor introducing you to their colleagues. But in this era of incredibly high competition for wildlife jobs, this is unfortunately, not enough.  In this episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast, I delve into the networking mistakes often made by aspiring and early career wildlife professionals. I know these because I myself have made many of these and see a lot of the same things happening in my students and members of my Facebook community group Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology. Drawing from my extensive experience, I emphasize how perspective and hindsight has allowed me to now see what I should have been doing, now what others are doing when they reach out to me, and how these actions are perceived from as a mid-level wildlife career professional. The discussion also includes real-life success stories from my students, highlighting the transformative power of active engagement, specific intentions, and preparation. I outline nine key mistakes to avoid common pitfalls, such as being too casual or coming off as self-centered, so you can improve your networking skills and boost your career!Lastly, platforms like LinkedIn can be incredibly powerful, even if you can't attend in-person events. So, I'll also underscore the value of online networking. You'll learn about the importance of proactive follow-up and building genuine relationships, expand your professional network, and open doors to exciting career opportunities.Specifically, I go over:The importance of networking The 9 biggest and common networking mistakes to avoidHow to network intentionally with a purposeTips for making genuine connections without being self-centeredThe art of following up and maintaining relationshipsNavigating networking as an introvertRemember, in wildlife careers, networking isn't just a tool—it's a vital strategy for advancement.I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW#wildlifebiology #wildlifebiologist #wildlife #conservation #wildlifemanagement #wildlifeconservation #zoology #zoologist #ecology #ecologist #scientist #animals #science #graduatestudent #graduateschool #wildliferesearch #animalcareers #animaljobs

Have you heard of scientific conferences, but are not sure what they are? Do you think you should be attending, but aren't sure exactly why? Or are you attending scientific conferences, but not getting as much out of them as you think you should? Whether you are a scientific conference newbie or a seasoned attendee, as we head into the summer conference season, I wanted to get you the inside scoop on what these events are all about and why they're an important component to becoming a successful wildlife professional.Over the years, I've attended countless conferences, starting from my very first one in 2005 right before I started graduate school. Until 2020, I've been attending at least one per year on average, and some years multiple! I've been to the biggest conferences and smaller more intimate ones, but even though I had all of this experience, . It wasn't until pretty recently that I truly understood the deeper significance of these events for career progression, especially how higher level professionals leverage these conferences to maximize opportunities for themselves beyond the obvious conference activities . In this episode, I dive deep into the world of scientific conferences for wildlife, ecology, zoology, and conservation biology professionals, covering everything from the different types of sessions and presentations to the unspoken reasons why attending these events is so crucial for your career growth. I share my personal experiences, insights, and some behind-the-scenes perspectives that will help you navigate these events like a pro. Don't fall into the trap of thinking you're not ready or not good enough to attend conferences! Attending conferences allows you to network with other scientists and professionals, learn about the latest developments in your field, in addition to sharing and elevating your research if you have any. Remember, it's important to actively make networking happen rather than just hoping for it and not rely solely on your advisor or boss to introduce you to people.Specifically, I go over:What scientific conferences are and why they existThe structure and format of scientific conferencesThe major conferences in the wildlife, ecology, zoology, and conservation fields: What to expect and what they are The kinds of events that happen at scientific conferencesThe importance of networking and opportunities for collaboration at these eventsHow to make the most out of your conference experience as an early-career scientistAnd MORE!I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW

When I was working as a postdoctoral researcher studying wildlife using camera traps, I had the pleasure of working alongside Dr. Liz Kalies who was integral in modeling the results of our large-scale projects. Back then, we were both passionate young(er) scientists trying to figure out our role in conservation biology. While my path eventually led me here to science communication and career mentoring, Liz took her to a seemingly unexpected, but exciting path - she's now the lead renewable energy scientist for the North American region at The Nature Conservancy.Being a lead scientist at one of the world's top environmental organizations is no small feat, and given her background is in wildlife, we both didn't expect her to go into renewable energy. But as you'll find out in this interview, it all comes back to wildlife. Renewable energy is definitely a pro-environmental choice, but that doesn't mean it's without any impacts to wildlife. So how can we develop wind and solar power responsibly without disrupting vulnerable habitats and species? Liz is at the forefront of finding solutions for such challenges that balance the needs of clean energy with wildlife conservation. In this week's episode of the Fancy Scientist's podcast, Liz pulls back the curtain on what it's really like driving conservation strategies using solid science at an influential nonprofit. She also shares her real perspective on building a meaningful career in science, juggling her work while raising three kids, and how following her passion led to career success.Specifically, we discussed:The critical role of science at The Nature ConservancyHow renewable energy can impact wildlifeChallenges in mitigating conflicts between renewable energy and wildlifeLiz's journey into wildlife research and her transition to the renewable energy science spaceWhat it's like to work at The Nature Conservancy and nonprofits as a wholeFinding the right work-life balance as a mother and scientistTips for students pursuing environmental science careersThe importance of taking initiative and being a self-starterAnd MORE!I'm so grateful to have had this insightful chat with my former colleague. Liz is living proof that with dedication, adaptability, and a genuine desire to protect nature, your career can take you amazing places!I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW

As someone who deeply values the importance of connecting people with nature, I was thrilled to have John Muir Laws as a guest on the latest episode of The Fancy Scientist podcast. Ever since completing my PhD and working with kids, I've recognized that fostering an emotional attachment to nature, especially during childhood, is a central solution to all conservation problems. Because when people aren't emotionally attached to nature, they won't know how to care about its decline and loss. These attachments are formed from experiences in nature. And what better way to cultivate that connection than through the beautiful practice of nature journaling?Nature journaling is the simple, yet profound act of using a notebook to record and draw your observations, questions, and reflections about the natural world around you. By slowing down and paying close attention to details, you not only deepen your appreciation for nature but also enhance your ability to remember and learn.John Muir Laws is a champion of this transformative practice. With a background in wildlife biology and a lifelong passion for nature exploration, he has dedicated himself to spreading the joy and wisdom of nature journaling across the globe. In an era where technology often disconnects us from the great outdoors, his mission to reconnect people with the natural world is more relevant than ever.In our conversation, John shared fascinating insights and practical tips for embracing nature journaling. We explored the benefits it offers for both children and adults, discussed strategies for overcoming the initial hesitancy (especially for us grown-ups!), and celebrated the sheer magic that unfolds when we immerse ourselves in the present moment, pen and notebook in hand.Specifically, we discussed:What exactly is nature journaling and how to get startedThe benefits of nature journaling and being out in natureThe power of nature journaling in fostering deep observation, curiosity, and wonderPractical techniques for engaging kids in nature journaling, including prompts and scaffoldingOvercoming the fear of "not being good enough" at drawing or writing, and embracing the journeyThe importance of role-modeling present, nature-connected behavior for childrenStrategies for making nature accessible and welcoming to people of all backgroundsAnd MORE!!Whether you're a seasoned nature lover or someone seeking to reignite your connection with the great outdoors, this episode is a delightful invitation to slow down, observe, and capture the beauty that surrounds us. So grab your notebook, sharpen those pencils, and get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and appreciation through the art of nature journaling.Happy journaling, my fellow nature enthusiasts!I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW

This week, I'm continuing to turn the tables on conservation podcasters by interviewing them. I had the great pleasure of sitting down with one of the Earth to Humans podcast hosts, Hannah Mulvany. Earth to Humans explores humankind's relationship with planet Earth, covering topics within the environmental and conservation space through the diverse perspectives of its three hosts—including this episode's guest, Hannah Mulvany.In addition to being a host and a part-time field biologist, Hannah created her own science communication career. As the director and founder of Song and Dance Communications, she has carved out a unique career, blending her expertise in communications with her love for nature. She amplifies voices for conservation and environmental stewardship by serving as a communications manager and social media strategist for various nonprofits and organizations worldwide.With a diverse portfolio spanning graphic design, copywriting, content creation, nature storytelling, and social media management, Hannah is a true self-starter and go-getter. Her role as a science communicator is pivotal in translating scientific concepts into engaging and accessible narratives that resonate with diverse audiences and fostering a deeper communication of environmental issues among the general public. Hannah's journey is bound to inspire you to take action, stop waiting around, and start making things happen for yourself and the planet.In this episode, Hannah shares invaluable insights into her approach to conservation action and the power of leveraging your skills and talents to effect change. From knocking on doors to creating her own opportunities to speaking up for the environment in everyday life, Hannah's journey exemplifies the spirit of empowerment and resilience. You'll walk away from this podcast feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to make a difference in your own life and the world around you.Specifically, we discussed:How Hannah went from a traditional start in fieldwork to creating her own science communication careerHannah's unique journey from the world of communications to the heart of conservation and environmental advocacyHow her passion for storytelling and love for nature intersect to drive positive changeThe secrets to her success in creating opportunities where none existed beforeHow Hannah used LinkedIn to get herself workHannah's advocacy work and her commitment to amplifying voices for environmental and wildlife conservationWhat it's like to work as a science communicator and social media managerHow Hannah balances fieldwork with her work behind the desk as a science communicatorAnd MORE!!I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW

I was instantly captivated when I first discovered Crystal DiMicelli's podcast, Forces for Nature. You know that feeling when you find someone who shares your passion and vibe on a level that just feels right? Well, that's exactly what I felt when I tuned in!You see, Crystal and I share a deep love for conservation and wildlife issues, and like me, Crystal understands that the “doom and gloom” narrative is not the most effective when inspiring change. Instead, on her podcast, she spotlights conservation success stories, expert insights, and even provides listeners with concrete action steps they can take,  leaving them feeling energized and empowered instead of hopeless and helpless. In this episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast, I dive into the world of wildlife wins, environmental victories, and effective conservation communication through my interview with Crystal. With her 20 years of experience in wildlife conservation and environmental education, Crystal brings a unique perspective on why staying positive is a game-changer in creating meaningful change.Since launching her podcast to highlight stories of individuals working to protect animals and habitats, Crystal has inspired countless listeners with her message of optimism and empowerment. From this episode, you'll come away feeling refreshed and ready to take positive action, just as Crystal encourages. Learn simple, everyday choices you can make to shrink your environmental footprint, gain insight into how Crystal overcomes introversion to spread her greater call to action, and get plugged into awesome resources to create change in your community!Specifically, we discussed:Crystal's journey to becoming a professional science communicator including fieldwork with the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Smithsonian Tropical Research InstituteThe vision behind Forces for Nature and why she created itHer successful collaborations with various conservation organizationsThe importance of highlighting success stories in the environmental realmThe impactful climate change education program for K-12 and university students she's created  Her favorite podcast episodes that she's done thus farAnd MORE!!Make sure to download Crystal's free guide: Becoming a Force for Nature so that you don't become overwhelmed by all the doom and gloom you hear and start taking practical actions today!https://forcesfornature.com/fancyscientist/ I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW

When it comes to careers in wildlife, one of the things you'll hear me say over and over again is that you need to go after what you want - you can't just sit back and wait for things to happen. YOU have to make them happen. But what happens if you don't know how to go after what you want? You aren't sure exactly what to do? That was the case for Chitra Rekha Basyal, one of my students in the Successful Wildlife Professional program.  In  this episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast, I want to share with you how Chitra overcame barriers to career goals by going after what she wanted - even when she didn't know how - and finding mentorship. Chitra found her calling in wanting to protect threatened and endangered  turtles in her home country of Nepal. But as a forestry student hungry for research opportunities, she hit barrier after barrier that threatened her dream career like lack of funding, lack of connections in the field, and uncertainty about career pathways. After attending a virtual conference on turtle conservation needs in Nepal, she boldly reached out to the organizers to find a way to get involved. This led to opportunities to design her own baseline research project studying threatened Nepalese turtle species. Chitra successfully secured grant funding and collaborated with regional experts, gaining invaluable hands-on research experience. Although Chitra developed some great research experience, she hit a wall and knew she had to get a Master's and wanted one in the US, but had no idea how to go about this. She found me on LinkedIn and reached out. I was so impressed by Chitra's dedication and passion to turtle conservation and knew that I could help her dream of getting a Master's degree come true. I thought she would be a perfect fit for my Successful Wildlife Professional Program and encouraged her to apply. Chitra came into the program with that one goal in mind: to get a Master's degree in the United States. She diligently attended all of the webinar training and showed up to mentoring sessions with questions to ask and her resume to work on. With mentorship and clarity on the pathway to getting a Master's degree, Chitra put in the work and networked with people who could be an advisor to her.  Her dedication and hard work have paid off, as she was invited to apply for a Master's program. She once again put in the work during mentoring sessions; we went over her personal statements back and forth making revisions, and now she just started her Master's program  in Illinois.Chitra's success is one of my proudest moments in guiding passionate students to achieve their wildlife conservation dreams. Through persistence and unconventional approaches, her story is one of seeking creative solutions when traditional paths are blocked.This podcast is a must-listen for any student or professional struggling with how to break into a competitive field like wildlife biology. Chitra's passion and resourcefulness demonstrate that we can break through limitations. Her success proves that anyone with grit and vision can manifest their goals despite real and perceived obstacles.Specifically, we discussed:Chitra's journey from attending a conference on turtle conservation to launching her own research project in NepalThe barriers Chitra faced as an international student trying to access information and opportunitiesHow enrolling in the Successful Wildlife Professional  gave Chitra the custom strategic support she neededChitra's ultimate success in securing her dream master's position researching turtles in the United States And MORE!!I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW

This week's episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast was inspired by an extremely honest and vulnerable article by Georgina Mayhew called The Conservation Career Trap. When I posted this in my Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook group, it sparked an overwhelming response from others sharing similar sentiments or fears that the same would happen to them. One reader said “It is so incredibly important to address this! Many people will find it comforting to know that they aren't alone in their struggles and that others are feeling the same frustration and disappointment that they do. I have had many times recently where I have held back the urge to email a complaint to an organization advertising a job position with a measly salary, but expecting the world from their candidates. Everyone I speak to in the industry is frustrated, feels taken advantage of because they feel the job is seen as ‘a passion, not a skill' and the only way up is filling a dead man's shoes. This doesn't create the drive we want for those in the industry and it won't help to create a better world in the process. The whole thing needs a reboot and fast! Thank you for sharing this Georgina,” while another said “Thank you for sharing this. I'm just about to finish a PhD and want to go into work for a conservation charity but the pay is really hard. I've been living off a stipend for the past 4 years (which is hard enough), I don't want to keep living on a low wage. I saw a dream job, which was around £17k after tax full time, and I couldn't bring myself to apply for it. We need to be able to afford to live, and pay is a huge barrier to diversity.”Georgina's post highlights the struggles many face - from the romanticized vision of working with charismatic creatures in exotic locations to the realities of day-to-day life in working in conservation, and the harsh truths of rejection, debt, and unpaid volunteering. In this podcast, I explore the topics brought up by the Conservation Career Trap and validate some of the hidden struggles that many conservationists face. I also explore the emotional toll that this career path can take and the importance of maintaining a healthy sense of self-worth separate from job success.But here's the twist: being aware of these very real challenges  doesn't mean you should abandon your dreams. Instead, it's about empowering you with knowledge of what it looks like on the other side and strategies to navigate these obstacles when they arise.This episode is a MUST-listen for anyone considering a career in wildlife conservation. You'll gain valuable insights into the challenges you will face and learn strategies for overcoming them. By the end of this podcast, you'll be better prepared to navigate the Conservation Career Trap and pursue your passion with realistic expectations and a solid plan.Specifically, we discussed:The reality of the Conservation Career Trap and its implications for aspiring conservationistsUnderstanding expectations vs. reality when it comes to this fieldThe importance of awareness and open discussion about the challenges in the conservation fieldPractical tips and strategies for overcoming barriers and advancing in your conservation careerThe power of MINDSET, mentorship,  and support in navigating the path to a successful careerAnd MORE!!I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW

The wisdom of Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer's book Braiding Sweetgrass has lingered in my mind and heart for quite some time. This episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast is pretty different from past ones, and I'm excited to explore with you the bridge between science and spirituality I hope you'll have an open mind to explore with me.Robin's book inspired this podcast, leaving me with lots of thoughts and wisdom from her lessons on indigenous knowledge, nature connections, and science. I made this podcast to share this book's profound impact on me and the lessons that we as scientists can learn from not only acknowledging and incorporating indigenous wisdom into science but also tapping into the spiritual connection. I am going to argue that all of us have a relationship with nature, but we are taught to ignore and forget about it. Braiding Sweetgrass goes beyond the typical scientific discourse. It taps into aspects we, as scientists, often shy away from—spirituality and the profound connection between humans and nature. As I share my own journey of self-discovery and reconnection with spirituality, I want to challenge the stigma that often surrounds these topics within the scientific community.In this episode, I explore the often ignored intersection of indigenous wisdom, conservation, and the forgotten spiritual connection that we, as scientists, have with nature. The conservation story has evolved and improved, but there's still work to be done. We must recognize and respect indigenous knowledge, learn from it, and integrate it into conservation not only because it's the right thing to do and nature benefits from it but also because doing so teaches us lessons about ourselves, ultimately making the world a better place for everyone and everything. .I appreciate you listening with curiosity and compassion as we explore new dimensions of the conservation story.Specifically, I talked about:My personal journey rediscovering spirituality and its impact in my lifeHow scientists have become overly analytical and ignored important intuitive ways of knowingThe conflict between Western science and spirituality and the stigma around discussing faithIndigenous communities' sustainable coexistence with nature before colonial disruptionProblems with past Western conservation approaches that excluded local peoples and the consequences for wildlifeThe importance of respecting indigenous wisdom and traditional ecological knowledgeRobin Wall Kimmerer's perspectives from "Braiding Sweetgrass" on weaving indigenous worldviews with Western scienceSteps all of us, scientists included, can take to reconnect spiritually with the natural worldWhy opening our minds to different belief systems allows for more inclusive, ethical conservation And MORE!!I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ Get a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW

I have so many followers interested in careers in wildlife rehabilitation so I am especially excited about this week's episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast. I sat down with veterinarian nurse and wildlife rehabilitator, Joey Solimine AKA Joey of the Jungle. Joey is not your average adventurer - she travels all over Central and South America volunteering at different wildlife rehabilitation centers taking care of animals that have been injured, trafficked, and rescued with the hopes that they can be released back into the wild. She's the founder of Jungle Rescue Reform, an initiative dedicated to bringing attention and support to smaller rehabilitation centers throughout Central and South America so that they can more effectively take care of wildlife.  In this episode, Joey and I discuss everything from the day-to-day life at wildlife facilities to the nitty-gritty details of vet tech/nurse work. We dive into Joey's extensive background, exploring her experiences in veterinary medicine and wildlife rehabilitation and the incredible stories she's gathered from her travels. Throughout our conversation, you'll gain valuable insights about the industry, learn about different aspects of the job, and be inspired by Joey's commitment to making a difference. If you've ever wondered what it's like to embark on a career in wildlife rehabilitation, this episode is your backstage pass. Specifically, we discussed:Joey's background leading to becoming a vet nurse and wildlife rehab volunteerWhat the day-to-day life of a wildlife rehabilitation volunteer is likeWhat it's like to work as a vet nurseThe wildlife trafficking problem and how animals end up in rehab centersThe problems wildlife rehabilitation centers can faceTips for finding ethical wildlife rehabilitation organizationsThe mission of Joey's organization Jungle Rescue ReformAmazing rescue stories about animals like tapirsOpportunities to contribute with Joey and learn more about rehabilitation centers in Central and South America And MORE!!I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ Get a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW

Around the world, carnivores have been and still are heavily persecuted. Although the percentages are low, they do kill livestock, pets, and even people. The most common knee-jerk reaction for people is to do something about it, which almost always means killing the animal. For conservationists and wildlife lovers, this is a tough pill to swallow; it seems unfair to punish an animal for doing what it does and predators play important roles in the ecosystem. But even more fundamental than that - killing them doesn't work and chances are, there will be another one back to do it again. So what can one do to protect themselves, their pets, and the domestic livestock that they own? In this episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast, I chatted with Petros Chrysafis, an expert in human-carnivore conflict resolution and founder of Predator Detection and Deterrence, an organization dedicated to helping people address carnivore-related issues using non-lethal methods about using science, research, technology, and even some simple interventions to prevent carnivores from taking the occasional chicken, sheep, or goat. The inspiration for this episode came from a couple of recent events that reignited my interest in solving the problems between humans and carnivores living together in the landscape. In a recent episode of "The Proof is Out There" on the History Channel, we explored animal attacks, I discussed what happened when  Utah runner and hiker Kyle Burgess was charged for several minutes by an angry female mountain lion. I interviewed Kyle in a previous podcast, and revisiting his experience led me to a fascinating podcast interview featuring Petros, where his insights and approaches to mitigating mountain lion and other carnivores conflicts captured my attention.Additionally, a seemingly unrelated Instagram post about a dead red fox caught my eye in the worst way. The caption talked about how this was a wonderful lesson for children on being connected to the land and the close association they can have with life and death. At first glance, I agreed, but then I looked at the fox, who appeared to be robust and not looking like it was on its deathbed, and realized it was probably shot. It was, simply because it did something foxes do - predate on other animals. It ate their chickens. I commented about how the death was unnecessary and that in the end, it wouldn't work as a means to protect chickens, but my comment advocating for non-lethal solutions was met with a block, prompting me even more to reach out to Petros. Our conversation today is both eye-opening and wide-ranging, touching on various aspects of human-carnivore conflict, but especially focusing on mountain lions and coyotes out west. I'm confident you'll gain valuable insights and perspectives from Petros whether you're interested in wildlife conservation, coexistence strategies, or simply curious about the intricate dynamics between humans and carnivores, this episode has something for everyone! Finally, you'll learn about how Petros decided to take a unique path amongst wildlife professionals - starting his own business - and how he uses it to truly make a difference in the lives of carnivores. Specifically, we discussed:How scientists study carnivores in relation to human-wildlife conflictHow to use camera traps to identify carnivores  and assess the situationDeveloping short and long-term sustainable deterrence plans for landownersHow letting resident carnivores  be can protect your land from unknown newcomersHow understanding carnivore  behavior can lead to non-lethal, humane solutionsHow Petros went from wanting to be a marine biologist to studying carnivores out westHow Petros started his own business in human-wildlife conflict solutionsAnd MORE!!I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ Get a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW

I'm thrilled to bring you another exciting episode this week on the Fancy Scientist podcast with National Geographic explorer and science writer Jon Waterman. Jon is not only an author of an impressive 15 books, but a modern-day explorer who's ventured into many remote and wild spaces. In his latest book, "Atlas of Wild America," published by National Geographic, he takes you to North America's wild areas in a visual masterpiece packed with stunning photographs and intricate maps.In our discussion, we dove deep into what wilderness means in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and explored the concept of wild spaces. Jon's incredible experiences as a former national park ranger and his captivating tales, including a thrilling encounter face-on with a polar bear, make this episode a must-listen! Additionally, we also talk about Jon's experiences working as a writer. For example, how and why did he start writing his first book on hiking Denali in Alaska, how he come up with ideas for his books, and what is his process for getting the resources to explore faraway places and then get paid to write about them. This episode with Jon Waterman is an eye-opening exploration of our untamed landscapes, a journey that highlights the importance of preserving our wild spaces, and the incredible stories that can be found within them. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an explorer at heart, or simply curious about the wonders of the natural world, this episode will leave you with a new appreciation for the untamed beauty of North America.Specifically, we discussed:What it's like pursuing an unconventional career path and passion for wilderness areasWhat it's like to be a national park ranger and some of their rolesThe writing process for successfully publishing booksThe value of following your interests in your wildlife careersHow to go about getting funding for professional explorationsAnd more!!I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ Get a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW

This week's podcast is a little different - instead of interviewing a guest or even doing a solo episode, it's an excerpt from a professional development session in my Successful Wildlife Professional program. I had my students watch a podcast interview of Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. Chances are, you're probably thinking, what in the world does slimming undergarments have to do with wildlife careers? Well not a lot, but the lessons from Sara Blakely's experiences are pure gold and 100% applicable to wildlife careers. Life has an uncanny way of leading us down paths we never thought we would go down. Growing up, I had watched my father, a dedicated business owner, tirelessly work to grow his business and support us. Despite his role as an incredible and present father, the store was a constant presence in our lives and he was always thinking about it. Even when he was “off,” he was never really off. Seeing this, I never wanted to own my own business, but now 20 years after I started my career in wildlife biology, I find myself as a small business owner.I also realized that when I was a scientist, there were SO many similarities between being an entrepreneur and being in research. Even if you're officially employed by an organization, you are, in a way, an entrepreneur of your own research. You manage your own lab and therefore are in charge of others, you develop your own products (your research), and you sell them to others (writing grants). But most similar to what I observed from my dad, you can always be working and advancing your career by writing more grants, publications, doing outreach, etc. You can always be doing more. Moreover, both business and scientific research share the common thread of rejection. In the business world, you've likely heard that most startups fail, a statistic not too far from the realities of scientific research. There are a myriad of challenges, setbacks, and disappointments that can permeate one's journey. Be it grant applications, paper submissions, or manuscript rejections, the path is fraught with hurdles.I introduced this podcast to my students because Sara Blakely's mindset exemplifies what you need to thrive in the fields of wildlife biology and conservation. It's a mindset anchored in resilience, self-belief, and the willingness to explore uncharted territories to initiate change. This message is so important that I knew I needed to share it with you too.The original podcast, "Sara Blakely on writing your billion-dollar story with Lewis Howes," is a gold mine of wisdom, creativity, and resilience. In this episode, I distill the essence of that podcast, drawing parallels and emphasizing the necessity of adopting such a mindset in our field. If you don't harbor a deep, unwavering belief that you can succeed, that very lack of faith will be the stumbling block that holds you back. But with a mindset focused on certainty of success and a strong belief in yourself, you'll discover a way forward no matter what happens.Sara's journey took time, approximately seven years, but her unwavering resolve and self-belief carried her through. These are the exact attitudes required for a successful career in wildlife. This episode is not only unconventional but essential. I invite you to be open-minded, take away insights that will enrich your career, and share your thoughts with us.Specifically, we discussed:How Sara's resilient and creative mindset can be applied to wildlife conservation and scientific researchThe commonality of rejection in both entrepreneurship and science and how to approach itNot willing to take no for an answerGoing after your dream no matter whatHow being an outsider can actually help youThe need for innovative thinking and the willingness to venture beyond traditional boundariesAnd MORE!!I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ Get a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW

A big lesson that I learned from studying abroad in Kenya is that  the key to understanding a place's wildlife and conservation issues is to connect with the people living there. When my travels led me to Brazil, I knew I had to seize the opportunity to learn about its unique conservation challenges and the incredible research being done there through the passionate scientists who working on the ground.Our guest on this week's Fancy Scientist podcast, Dr. Fernanda Teixeira, is not only a biologist, but action-oriented in the world of conservation. She's a road ecologist, urban ecology enthusiast, and a champion of community-driven conservation initiatives. What sets Fernanda apart is her ability to transform research into action, creating tangible results that benefit both wildlife and the communities that share their space. We know that animals get killed by cars on roads, and here in the US we often think about super abundant species like white-tailed deer being the most affected. But there are so many species impacted by road mortality, including lots we don't think of like salamanders, lizards, turtles, and snakes, and in Brazil it can be animals like monkeys and even jaguars. We discussed her groundbreaking work in establishing canopy bridges, some of the first ever designed in the world, to facilitate wildlife movement across roads and reduce mortality. Fernanda also shared insights into her collaboration with government agencies to create effective conservation action plans that truly make a difference. Her passion for preserving Brazil's incredible biodiversity is palpable, and I can't wait for you to hear our conversation!As you listen to Dr. Fernanda Teixeira speak, think about how you can contribute to conservation efforts in your own way. It could be as simple as supporting organizations working on the ground to reduce road mortality in your area, attending local meetings on city planning, or raising awareness about the importance of slowing down and being more watchful in areas with lots of wildlife and/or sensitive species. Remember, small actions can lead to significant change, and together, we can make a difference.Specifically, we discussed:Fernanda's insightful work in urban environments and how it intersects with conservation effortsStudying howler monkeys and the vital role these primates play in their ecosystemsInvolving local communities in conservation initiatives and the positive impact it has on both people and wildlifeCreating effective action plans for the preservation of natureHow to go about establishing canopy bridges and new conservation initiativesThe significance of applied conservation research and its real-world implications for saving species and ecosystemsHow to go about a career in conservationAnd MORE!!I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ Get a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW

Lots of people think that the only way you can work in conservation and make a difference is by studying threatened animals to learn more about them so that we can save them. But there are a million ways to make a difference and drive impact in this field, especially when you follow your heart, pursue your passion, and open yourself up to creative possibilities.In today's Fancy Scientist podcast episode, we have a guest like none other before, author, keynote speaker, and facilitator Julie C. Henry, who's using lessons from wildlife to teach and inspire others about leadership. We dive deep into this unique and captivating topic—connecting leadership to wildlife.Julie's journey is far from typical. After realizing that the traditional path of being a scientist wasn't her calling, she embarked on a career as a senior leader in zoos and aquariums. But here's where it gets particularly interesting - Julie has since become the founder and president of Finish Line Leadership, a strategic facilitation and panel moderation services company, and has worked with over fifty-five organizations across corporate, nonprofit, government, association, and community sectors. She's also written the book, Wisdom from the Wild, on the same topic for anyone to learn. In our conversation, we uncover how she carved this unconventional career path for herself, transitioning from a zoologist to a keynote speaker. If you're curious about non-traditional careers, or if you've ever dreamed of stepping onto the stage as a speaker, this episode is especially for you.I thoroughly enjoyed this discussion, especially the part where we delved into public speaking, something I'm personally passionate about. Remember, there's more than one way to make an impact, and Julie's journey exemplifies just that.As you listen, I encourage you to reflect on your own journey. Are you on the path that truly resonates with your passions and values? Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to making a difference in the world. Embrace your uniqueness and explore unconventional ways to create a positive impact on our planet.Specifically, we discussed:The importance of listening to yourself and pursuing your passionThat it's okay to leave research or science careers and how to switch out of itHow to think creatively about your careerThe significance of fostering a deep connection with natureWhat careers are like as a public speakerWhat zoo and aquarium careers are likeAnd MORE!!I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ Get a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW

After recently moving to the Chicago area, I have been captivated by the urban wildlife in the area, particularly the coyotes. Seeing them in broad daylight, not just at dusk or from afar, has been a remarkable experience! (I've only seen a coyote once in my life and it was in Yellowstone National Park before) I wanted to learn more about the work being done to understand and appreciate urban species like these coyotes.In today's Fancy Scientist podcast episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Seth Magle, whose work at the Lincoln Park Zoo focuses on studying urban wildlife. As he shares insights from his research and experiences, we explore the unique challenges and opportunities that come with studying urban wildlife. Despite being some of the most common species we encounter, our understanding of their behavior and ecology remains remarkably limited!Throughout the conversation, we dive into the specifics of urban wildlife research in the Chicago area. From the abundance of common coyotes and red foxes to the largest colony of endangered Black Crown Night herons in the state, we explore Dr. Seth's research, and gain valuable insights into zoo careers. He provides a glimpse into his role at the Lincoln Park Zoo and offers a broader understanding of zoo jobs as a whole in the field. In this conversation, networking emerges as a crucial aspect of building a successful career in wildlife, and Seth shares practical advice to help both introverts and extroverts navigate this process. We discuss the importance of networking and provide tips to overcome any fears or hesitations you may have. Remember, networking opens doors and presents exciting opportunities for career growth!Whether you have an interest in wildlife careers or want to learn about the incredible wildlife that has adapted to and is thriving in urban areas, this interview is a must-listen. Join me as I chat with Dr. Seth Magle, and prepare to be inspired by the wonders of urban wildlife and the possibilities they hold for research and conservation.Stay tuned until the end, where Seth shares valuable advice that compliments my own insights. Specifically, we discussed:The significance of studying urban wildlife and its link to conservationThe limitations of our knowledge, why there is a lack of information about urban wildlifes, and the need for further researchThe diverse opportunities available within zoo settingsThe power of networking in wildlife careersWhat zoo jobs are like and how to get started in themAnd MORE!I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ Get a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW

Navigating career paths can be a daunting challenge. We pour our time and effort into applications, only to be met with rejection after rejection. Many aspiring wildlife professionals can relate to the frustration and self-doubt that arise from these setbacks.In the pursuit of our dreams and career goals, we often find ourselves facing moments of self-doubt and uncertainty. Thoughts of inadequacy and imposter syndrome can quietly seep in, casting doubts on our abilities and leaving us feeling hopeless when we don't get the outcomes we want. But in the face of these challenges, one of the most valuable lessons we can learn is the importance of not giving up. Today on the Fancy Scientist Podcast, I interviewed Nicole Blankertz, park ranger with Michigan State Parks, and alumni of my Successful Wildlife Professional. Nicole didn't expect to become a park ranger, in fact, she was determined to become a wildlife researcher, but she struggled to get positions when the pandemic changed her plans. Nicole's path was far from smooth sailing - it included setbacks and self-doubt that would have caused many to throw in the towel. Nicole graduated in 2020 and had an internship lined up, which got canceled because of COVID. She applied to other jobs but didn't get any. Just rejection after rejection. All of these rejections led to some imposter syndrome and frustration and she knew things had to change. She made a big decision and enrolled in the The Successful Wildlife Professional program so that we could work together to get her interviews.  Through learning from the program and personal mentoring from me, we improved Nicole's job application and things changed dramatically. We focused only on her job application without adding a single new experience, skill, certification, etc. We just emphasized and demonstrated the experience she already had. Nicole also decided to apply for some jobs outside of the realm of wildlife research. The outcome of all of this? A life-changing position with the parks department, proving that a strategy and persistent mindset can unlock unexpected possibilities.In this episode, we talk about what it's like to work as a park ranger and how Nicole is keeping the possibility of working in wildlife research again open. So, if you're wrestling with imposter syndrome or feel like giving up, this episode is for you! Get ready to be inspired, motivated, and armed with the tools to conquer your own self-doubt. When you believe in yourself, refuse to give up, and take action, there's no limit to what you can achieve. Specifically, we discussed:How to revamp your job application and enhance your chances of getting hiredThe unwavering importance of persistence in the face of rejectionThe significance of non-wildlife jobs and transferable skills in attaining your dream wildlife careerWhat it's like to work as a park ranger and in the park serviceKey considerations to understand when contemplating a career changeAnd much more, including invaluable GREEN FLAGS to guide you in pursuing your dream career in wildlife biology!I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ Get a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW

Experience is critical to build your career in wildlife, ecology, or conservation biology. When you're just starting out though, this can be hard to get. Even unpaid volunteer positions can be treated like jobs where you apply and can get rejected.Some of these volunteer positions are through organizations abroad, especially Africa, where they tell aspiring wildlife professionals that they can get experience by volunteering in their organization doing things like tracking and surveying animals. But these experiences end up costing money, not only through the lost income from volunteering when you could be working, but also paying for the flight and program fees to cover room and board. This leaves a lot of aspiring wildlife biologists confused. Spending all of that money for an experience can be risky, but it could be rewarding if it pays off in the end. In fact, a lot of the students I talk to think they have to volunteer abroad to be successful at building a career in wildlife. But there's more to the story…Some organizations market their volunteering opportunities towards younger people not necessarily interested in wildlife careers, but animal lovers who want to have an experience helping out cheetahs or elephants where they think they are having an impact on conservation. This is called voluntourism because it's combining travel with volunteering and the emphasis is more on having an experience rather than building skills for your resume. And to make things even MORE confusing, there's a large range of impact that these conservation organizations have. Some have a very direct and important impact on conservation efforts, while others prioritize user experience and volunteer satisfaction over conservation. The type of organization you work with will impact your experience with the former more likely to set you up with quality experience for wildlife careers, and the later more likely to just be fun.In this episode, I invited an expert to help us navigate all of these complicated volunteering opportunities. Abroad. I chatted with Matt Snider, PhD student at North Carolina State University, and my former lab mate about his experiences voluntouring, volunteering, and working in several countries throughout Africa. He shares his insights and advice on what his experiences were like, what to look for when looking at program, how to make decisions in choosing opportunities, and how to make the most of them once you start. Specifically, we discussed:What are volunteering opportunities like abroadWhat is the difference between volunteering and voluntourism and how they overlapIs volunteering worth the investment? Does it pay off?Should everyone volunteer abroad? Is it necessary for a successful career? How volunteering can lead to a jobImportant considerations to take into account when choosing a programHow to choose an ethical voluntourism opportunityPlanning for a successful voluntourism experienceThe pros and cons of being a voluntouristAnd MORE exclusive tips and tricks to build your career as a wildlife biologist!I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ Get a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW

As a wildlife professional, I understand the struggles that many professionals in this field face when trying to secure a job. It's easy to become overwhelmed by the larger goals and overlook the smaller, yet crucial, steps needed to succeed. Pursuing a wildlife career can be a challenging endeavor that demands significant effort and perseverance.Perhaps you're currently wondering what the secret ingredient is to achieving a thriving career in wildlife. I myself have pondered the same thing in the past. There is no one secret – through my own experiences, I've come to realize that success begins from within and at your identity level. It's about making small, consistent changes to your behavior driven from your identity that will eventually lead to significant improvements over time. Of course, this applies to pursuing your dream job in wildlife.In this podcast episode, I talk about a book that exemplifies this: Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear, and how it can help aspiring wildlife professionals and scientists let go of large, sudden changes and instead embrace small incremental shifts to secure their dream job and pursue their career goals. I share the Four Laws of Behavior Change from Atomic Habits and how they are the key to good habits.This book is a very valuable resource for anyone looking to make positive changes in their career. At first, I thought this was just another habit book, but I highly recommend this particular book as Clear presents a clear (no pun intended! haha) and an actionable framework for developing better habits backed by scientific research and real-life examples.I personally explored how to apply these principles to specific areas in my life such as fitness, productivity, relationships, and landing a wildlife professional career. Moreover, I share how Atomic Habits can help each of you break the process down into manageable steps and create a more positive and rewarding experience. By focusing on small, consistent improvements, you can build lasting habits that lead to success in finding the right wildlife job!Specifically, I explained these frameworks for success:The importance of understanding your values, interests, and strengthsHow to make finding the right career path process more appealingEstablishing a routine that makes it easy to take actionMaintaining motivation and momentum throughout the career search processAnd MORE nuggets of wisdom!I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ Get a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW

I love hearing success stories from people who have finally landed their dream jobs, especially after challenging and twisty career paths. I always like to say, your current situation is not your final destination, so I believe to strive toward your dream relentlessly.Additionally, most professors do not know how to advise for non-academic jobs. Have you been frustrated that your university has no experts in the field you wish to pursue and you feel lost? Most aspiring wildlife professionals look forward to landing that dream job after graduating college, but especially from graduate school they expect little difficulty in getting one. But in reality, that's not always the case. How do you cope when you haven't reached the wildlife career you've been working towards so hard?In this episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast, I interviewed Francisco Llauger, someone who had these kinds of struggles (similar to mine after graduate school), but is now finally working with herpetofauna at the Houston Zoo— his dream job. From talking to lots of you on Zoom, I know that many of you have experienced or are currently experiencing what Francisco has been through. But after some detours, with the right mindset and attitude through the help of the Successful Wildlife Professional program, Francisco has finally landed the career he worked so hard for! Specifically, we talked about:The importance of mindset! How to equip yourself with the skills and mindset you NEED for the career you want that is not being taught in academia;Going from graduate school to a job outside of his field and making the transition back;The challenges and turning point he experienced while pursuing a job; andWhat made him decide to join the Successful Wildlife Professional Program, what it's like to be in the program, and the positive impacts it brought himAnd MORE!I'm Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life's purpose and make a difference in this world.Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ Get a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology

When I give advice to young wildlife professionals or those aspiring to go into this career, I always tell them to reverse engineer it. To “start with the end in mind,” (a quote from Stephen Covey), but what if you don't know what the end looks like?Or what happens if you thought you wanted something and you went after it, but then you realized maybe you want something else. And if you decide to pursue that other thing, what does that mean about you?How do you know who you really are and what you really want? If you are on the right track? I have some free tools to help you – I have the Job Tracker, but you may still be confused on what want or what the end looks like. I've talked to SO many students who are interested in multiple options and directions and don't know how to choose. And who are we really when it comes to our careers?These are some big questions that I am going to explore today. Really finding out who you are and what you really want, how to know if you're on the right track, and maybe this episode will give you some permission to really go after what you.If this is the first episode you've ever watched or listened to, this one is going to be a little bit different. It's an episode that is definitely relevant for those who are interested in wildlife careers, but if you are not, there are still many lessons that will help you.It's a very personal episode for me as I have gone through a lot of major professional and life changes this year. I'm experiencing a reset in many areas of my life and these are some of the questions that I have really been thinking about lately. Who am I professionally? What do I want?What does it mean about me if I change what I decide to go after? This podcast will definitely give you some perspective. It will give you lots of unconventional advice, but it's great advice. This is an episode all about figuring out who you really are and giving you permission to go after what it really is that you want.Full show notes here: https://stephanieschuttler.com/91-identity/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology

Have you ever thought about starting an environmental career, but instead chose a more “safe” and “secure” route? Or maybe you are currently tempted by it or you simply didn't know how to go about a wildlife career and took a path that was more easily laid out? Is there a part of you that still wonders “what if?” but worries it might be too late or are too scared to step out of your comfort zone?We only get one life to live and so much of our lives are dedicated to our work – simply by the hours put in. What if I told you it isn't too late. If you feel at all pulled to make a change then I'm here to tell you that you can. But maybe you don't know how…In this episode of the Fancy Scientist Podcast, I interview web developer Melina Shack about her experience transforming from computer scientist into a career in wildlife, ecology, and the environment. Perhaps just like you, Melina didn't know how to start the transition or even if it was possible. But it is and she is currently starting an environmental career.Melina is a student in my Successful Wildlife Professional program and had no idea about how to go about changing careers, but she felt a pull that that was the right move for her. She had always been interested in careers in the environment and ecology, but she didn't know how to get there, and she took computer science because it was a lucrative, safe, and secure route. In this interview we talk about how she is making that transition through the help of my mentorship and being in the Successful Wildlife Professional program.Melina has just started this transition after being accepted into graduate school (with a scholarship!) several months ago. We talk about the steps she has taken to make this transition and what it's like her first semester in graduate school. Specifically, we chat about:What it's like for her to start graduate school and experience her first semesterWhat got her to finally make the transition into a career in the environmentWhat it's like for her to start graduate school and experience her first semester in a different fieldHow to go to graduate school as a working professional – having a full-time job and enrolling in a Master's programThe difference between thesis and non-thesis Master's programsand MORE!Get a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology

It's no secret that the wildlife or conservation field can be competitive, and many of you have always asked me, “How do I get my foot in the door?” or “Is there any chance that I will get a permanent job in the future?” And my answer is always yes. If this is what you truly want, you can get it, but it will require strategy. Gone are the days of just getting a degree and a job quickly, which will require other things you might not know about and even thinking outside the box. Scott Putnam loves to give this kind of advice to students and entry-level job seekers. Scott has worked as a Regional Fisheries Biologist with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game for over thirty years. He spearheads monitoring anadromous fish in freshwater and their migration to and from saltwater, which requires remarkable fieldwork like snorkeling in beautiful rivers for hours. And you may have heard Scott's name before. If you listened to podcast episode #86: Getting a Wildlife Career with NO Wildlife Experience: Interview with Ron Lewis, you'll recognize that Scot is the person who hired Ron. Ron spoke so highly of Scott and knew he had so much great advice to give that he connected us both for this interview to help all of you out. In this podcast, I interview Scott about his career as a fisheries biologist, from volunteering to working his way up. You might think Scott had his fisheries career set from the beginning, but that wasn't the case; he took a side trip as an enforcement officer in conservation and a business management position along the way.So how did Scott build his career as a regional fisheries biologist, and what tips does he have for aspiring biologists? Trust me - this podcast is GOLD. Scott reveals many great career tips - many that you have likely never heard - and stories of his fun adventures in fieldwork.Specifically, we discussed:What does Scott Putnam do as a Regional Biologist in the Department of Fish and Game, and how did he get where he is today?What it's like to work in the US governmentWhat it's like to work as a fisheries biologistWhat it's like to work in conservation lawIs there a difference between fisheries and terrestrial wildlife? Can one easily transition between the two? How the field has changed over three decadesHow does someone navigate the hiring process, especially for government jobsHow to advance in your careerHow do you quit a position without burning their bridges?What kind of education do you need to get jobs - is a master's necessary? How to get your first permanent positionHow to stand apart from everyone else in job applications and thinking outside the boxWhat skills to have that they won't teach you in schoolAnd MORE!Get a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology

You may have heard me on social media talk about how I am writing a kids' book and unless you are new to the podcast, you will already know that I wrote a book called Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know. I am so excited to announce that my kids' book, My First Book of Earth, is now available for pre-order and will soon be available everywhere on August 2nd.With this official news, lots of people have been asking me, how I did this. Today I am going into detail about that – talking about the entire experience – from setting it up, writing, and getting it published with a publishing company.For the second part of the podcast, I'm also gonna tell you about my experience writing my other book, Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology, which is a book I self-published in 2020. This is a book I wrote entirely by myself – with no publisher – and has done well since its release selling hundreds of copies.Writing both of these books has been such a fun experience and great learning process. I really hope this podcast inspires you to write a book if this is something you have been thinking about. This is something you really can do!I am going to break it down for you and also talk about the advantages of working with a publisher and self-publishing. Specifically, I talk about:How I was approached by publisherHow long it took me to write both booksMy process for writing for kids and for adultsMy process for writing when working with a publisher and on my ownThe challenges that come with writing a kids' book including maintaining scientific accuracy without using jargon and sticking to a word limitHow the books were designedHow I was inspired to write a bookAn overview of how to self-publishHow I used the Best Self Journal to write my bookWhat you need to know about marketing your book during the pre-release phaseand MORE!Get a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology

I know that so many of you out there are struggling to get jobs in wildlife biology. I see all of these posts in the wildlife Facebook groups, and when people join my own Facebook group, Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology, I reach out to them and ask them what they're struggling with. I truly understand how tough it is out there to get a job.There is more competition than ever before, and the requirements have changed. What used to get you a job is not good enough now. People are frustrated, tired, feeling defeated, and honestly just quite sad.So I'm doing something that I've never done before. If you are sick and tired of not having a job in wildlife biology, if you've been applying and applying and applying and can't get anything, or if you are training for a job in wildlife and you're scared, then you are going to want in on this four day workshop that I am doing for the very first time.At 8:00 PM Eastern time starting June six, I am going to be condensing and sharing with you the four most important things to have, do, and be for wildlife biology careers. This also pertains to ecology, conservation biology, biology, zoology, and all of the “ologies.” This is all free. It's based on my nearly 20 years of experience. You are going to want to get in on this workshop.For today's podcast as a lead-up to the workshop, I thought it would be a good idea to talk about the biggest mistakes that I see that people do when they are trying to get a job.No matter where you are in your career – if you are at the very beginning stages or if you are applying for jobs, frustrated, crying, and punching pillows, then you're going to want to listen to this episode. These are the top nine mistakes that I see people do who are struggling to get jobs in wildlife biology, ecology, conservation biology, and related fields.Get a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology

One of my favorite podcast episodes to share with people is #46: Starting a Wildlife Career at 40: Interview with Jeffrey Hunter. In this episode, I interview Jeffrey Hunter of the National Parks Conservation Association on how he left his corporate job to pursue one in wildlife at 40. One of the people listening to this was Ron Lewis. During the pandemic, Ron was let go from his engineering job at 49. He always loved wildlife and it had lingered in the back of his mind that he should pursue a wildlife career, but things always got in the way.One day he happened to be listening to the Jeffrey Hunter interview and it changed his life. This was the sign he needed – it was finally the perfect time to pursue this career. Ron and I started talking on Instagram and I was so excited to hear this! But even more exciting was that Ron got a job right away – a full time job. And he was also back in school. To be honest, this was pretty surprising to me. I hear all the time (and experienced it myself) about how difficult it is to get jobs. But he got one right away and with NO experience. How did he do it? I knew I had to have him on the podcast to find out.In this episode, we talk about just exactly that – how Ron got a job once he made the decision to pursue this career. As you'll find out, Ron is a master networker, so it wasn't just luck. We also talk about how having mechanical experience is a big asset in this field. Specifically, we talk about:What were Ron's first steps to transitioning to a career in wildlifeHow Ron networked effectively (and you can too)How Ron's previous job helped him get his wildlife jobUnexpected skills that will help you in wildlife jobsWhat kinds of non-wildlife jobs are best to get if you can't get a wildlife jobWhat Unity online college is likeand MORE!For full show notes click hereGet a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology

Whenever I talk to someone who wants my help, I always ask them “What is your ultimate career goal?” and frequently the answer is “something with endangered species.We've all seen the videos of scientists opening up a cage with a wolf inside, and it sprinting out of it to return to the wild where it belongs, or some variation of that with another species. These videos are so inspiring and uplifting – they make us feel so good and like there is hope for conservation. But there's a lot of work that goes into those few moments of release that you don't see. We go into this career because we love wildlife, and much of our wildlife is in crisis, so it makes sense that so many people want to do endangered species work – they want to make a difference and have an impact. But what does it really entail? What does it look like? On this week's podcast, I talk about what it's like to work in careers with endangered species. I realize this is a GIGANTIC topic and there's no way that I could cover it all in one podcast, but here I give you a taste of what some of those careers look like. I especially focus on reintroductions, not because this is the majority of endangered species careers, but because so many of people want to go into and are fascinated by these careers. If you've ever wanted to work with endangered species or are curious about all of the science and prep work that goes into reintroductions, today I am peeling back the curtain to show you what that research is really like.For full show notes click hereGet a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more?Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology

Students always ask me – how do I choose my research? When I was in graduate school, this question lingered over me for the first six months. How in the world, out of all of the things to study do I pick something?Most people will tell you to follow your passion – but what happens if you (like me) are passionate about many things? How do you choose? Or what if you aren't sure what you are passionate about at all? Surprisingly, choosing your research based on what you are passionate about alone is bad advice. In this video, I explain why. If you are going into a research career, listening to this video is a must – especially if you expect to be the one leading the research (a principal investigator) because your research will likely set you up for your entire career trajectory.If you're not a scientist or not going into research, this episode is still worth a listen. You'll understand how scientists approach their area of interest and structure their research.  For full show notes click hereGet a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology

I was having some struggles in my business – specifically how to talk about my program to potential student.I was thinking about purchasing a new course to help me with this problem and I was asking my mastermind group members what they thought.It was a big chunk of change: $2,000. Normally we encourage each other to invest in ourselves, but one of my members felt like I already had the training I needed – and that it was more of my mindset I needed help with. She also suggested I could receive free training if I sign up to be an affiliate for a program I enrolled in two years ago. I didn't think I could do it because I didn't think the program would be fit for my audience, but she pushed me anyway to get me to learn more about the process.Shortly after I signed up, the wildlife biologist above made that comment. I also thought about another wildlife biologist with a big following on Instagram who sells products and then I thought, maybe there is something to this? Maybe this is something my audience would be interested in. I am blown away by the opportunity that is out there nowadays and I invite you to join me to entertain the thought of starting your own digital side hustle. For full show notes click hereGet a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology

On this week's podcast, I talk about a hot button issue and one you probably wouldn't expect from a wildlife biology and conservation based podcast: money. I always knew I wouldn't make a lot of money in my career, but was surprised at how low the salary levels were for the jobs I qualified for. And lately there's been a lot of talk about things like unpaid internships and volunteering in our career and that young professionals shouldn't take them and organizations shouldn't offer them. As someone who has worked for an institution and has mentored over a dozen students - only one of which was paid, this is not realistically an option and I have a lot of doubt that it will increase inclusion and diversity.I was nervous recording this episode because I'm going to say some things that I'm sure a lot of people won't agree with. But I am all about empowering you. An empowering question to ask yourself is "what can I do?" The goal of this podcast is not necessarily to debate the above topics, but to reframe your thinking and ultimately your belief system, so that it works in favor for you to advance to where you want to be in this current career climate.I've personally been working on my money mindset for years now and I've learned a lot from the entrepreneurial world about how our beliefs limit us. Today, I invite you to think of things differently - or at least be open to it. I compare wildlife careers to other fields, talk about volunteering and unpaid internships from the perspective of an employer, and give you examples of people from other careers in bad money situations who were able to make it happen for them. Get a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology

Productivity seems to be more of a career-oriented topic, but this is actually really important in wildlife and conservation work, and it's something that is often overlooked.When I was in graduate school and working as a postdoc, I often felt so overwhelmed with all the work I had to do. I know that many other people out there feel exactly the same way. There's several reasons for this.First, there's just a lot of problems to work on regarding wildlife and conservation. Human population growth keeps increasing and therefore we continue to have issues with habitat destruction and loss, human wildlife conflict, and of course we have climate change to name a few. There are just so many things for us to work on! Another big component is about the support – or should I say the lack of support. To effectively work on the increasing number of problems we have, we really need the funding to be able to hire for a lot of positions to employ people to help solve these.But we don't have that in wildlife and conservation work. Our field is very poorly funded compared to other fields. Although the data and trends show that conservation nature jobs are increasing. They're not increasing at the same level as people who want to enter the career or graduate. In other words, there's more work out there with fewer people doing the work meaning professionals have to do more work for each job than they used to. It's really important, therefore, that we be productive so that we can efficiently work on conservation and wildlife problems!On top of that, conservation and wildlife work carries an emotional “weight” that can make it difficult to work sometimes. In the past few years, I became an entrepreneur running the Fancy Scientist (i.e. the blog you are reading right now!). I have listened to a lot of entrepreneurial podcasts, audio books, and have taken many courses. The mindset between scientists and entrepreneurs is incredibly different. Scientists can learn so much from the entrepreneurial world about how to be more productive. The processes behind many of the things that we are doing in the science/conservation arena is a slow and inefficient way to do things.In this podcast, I share with you my biggest tip. It's the most important tip and it will likely surprise you. Get a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology

In mid 2020 when COVID shut so many things down ( virtually everything), a lot of people lost their volunteer positions, internships, or seasonal positions, and they felt that it really set them back in their career in terms of getting experience. Some people are still having a hard time finding openings because of COVID.Back then, I did an episode (#7) on three things you could do to still get experience and skills. Since I talk to so many people who are still struggling, I thought it would be great to give a whole episode on this - with more things and with my previous suggestions more flushed out.If you just want to or are in the process of becoming a wildlife biologist, ecologist, conservation biologist or just want to do some science-ing on your own, these seven tips will really help you out. On this podcast, I am really about empowering people and I've learned over the years to take full responsibility for myself. What that means is that no matter what happens in the external world, there's always something you CAN do. In fact, one of my favorite mantras is "what can I do?"We live in such an amazing time where information, education, instructional videos, even courses, are all at our fingertips.We live in such an amazing time where information, education, instructional videos, even courses, are all at our fingertips.Get a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology

Hello everyone. And welcome to the Fancy Scientist. We're still pretty new into the new year, about the end of January. And I am going to talk about the importance of having a vision for the longest time. I did have certain goals, but they were either pretty obvious or pretty short term.And I didn't have an overall vision. So when it came to graduating and then looking for a job. I quite honestly felt lost. And I know I am not alone. I talk to a lot of graduates, a lot of students, and so many of them feel lost today. We're going to go deeper than just goal setting. Although I am going to talk about goals.And we're going to talk about what I mean when I talk about vision, how I created my vision, some questions that I use to help define my vision. And just how important vision has been for me in terms of letting me get things done, enjoy my life, feeling accomplished, feeling productive, and really working on the things that matter to me and my career.So let's not hesitate anymore. But actually I do want to say no matter where you are, when you're listening to this podcast, if it's January, if it's August, you can start. So don't wait for the new year. Get started today. Okay. Let's talk about how to create a vision for yourself.For full show notes click here.Get a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ For full show notes click here.Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology

Hi guys. I am back. Yes. It's been a minute. If you are a regular listener to this podcast, you will remember. At the end of September, I said I was taking a break originally. I had planned to just take October. But I ended up taking off until now. Now when I say take a break, I wasn't completely taking a break.I was really focusing my time on other things. So I did take a break from the podcast from pretty much all social media and. YouTube as well. So today I am going to talk about the beauty and the power in taking breaks. And it's really about saying no to, to something else. A lot of times it's not even you, in this case, it was say no to me, but a less important part of me at the time.So we're going to talk about saying no how to say no. The importance of saying no. How to say how to know what to say no to that's a lot of nos. And then I'm also going to give you an update on what I've been doing and where I see the fancy scientist going for this new year in 2022. I love new years. It is such an exciting time because there is just so much possibility.Now that's true. Anytime of the year, you can, if you're listening to this in August, you can declare a new year right now. And in fact, I use a three month planner that kind of lets you do that. But. It's just a day, but I do love the fact that like, we're all on the same page with feeling this energy of a new year.So new year. New version of you and I am going to empower you today to say no and offer you my experience on how awesome it was to say no to myself and some projects and say yes to other projects. So let's get started with the episode.For Full show notes click here.Get a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyListen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW

Is age really just a number? But not me! Instead I developed a mindset to appreciate my age and be grateful for every day I have here.In this podcast, I talk about some major life changes for me – turning 40, changing careers, and going through a divorce. Most people think these things are scary. And while I do have my fears, for the most part I am so excited and happy for these changes. I didn't always think this way though. In fact, I used to think the opposite. I share with you my words of wisdom from 40 years on the planet, why aging isn't that scary, and what I wish my younger self had known back then. Better late than never!If you're going through life changes, about to embark on something scary, or just going through the ups and downs of life, this podcast is for you.Get a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology

This is a science podcast, so why am I talking about work-life balance? Because so many scientists are bad at it!I can't even tell you how many scientists brag about working 60 or even 80 hours a week. It seems like everyone is doing it. But there's a great cost…This begs the question – is it possible to be successful as a scientist and work 40 hours a week? Or even less? Actually have a life outside of science? The answer is YES. In this podcast, I talk about how you can achieve work-life balance while still being a successful scientist. Get a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It's Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ I'd love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology