Even if you don’t have an undergraduate degree in a field related to natural resources, such as biology, ecology or forestry, you can still build a meaningful career in conservation. With jobs in this field expected to grow rapidly, building skills now in conservation can prepare you to channel your passion for the environment into your livelihood.
The World Economic Forum says “nature-positive economic models in key sectors” could provide up to 400 million jobs by 2030, making conservation careers more relevant than ever.
Conservation careers can be found in local, state, and federal government agencies, like the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, or non-profit agencies that work on a local to global level, like The Nature Conservancy, the Wildlife Conservation Society or the Environmental Defense Fund. These organizations hire professionals for a range of roles, including communicator, educator, naturalist, field worker, and much more.
Upskilling Through Graduate Education
If these organizations or roles sound interesting to you, consider pursuing a master’s degree or a graduate certificate. Choose from three stackable graduate certificates, or complete all three plus a capstone to earn the master’s. Depending on the courses you choose, you’ll build skills in data analysis, conservation leadership, and how to engage your local community. Coursework often includes group discussions, group projects, assignments, and an individual project, like BCM 705: Conservation Research and Monitoring.
Many students currently enrolled in UW Online Collaboratives Master of Science in Biodiversity Conservation and Management or one of the graduate certificates may work in conservation or related jobs, but there are just as many who don’t. Their different backgrounds, skills, and experience create unique learning opportunities, such as through course discussions where you can network and learn from others’ perspectives. Current students are from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Washington, New York, California, Oklahoma, and several other states.
“A lot of students that are in certificate areas and in the program are coming from non-science and non-conservation backgrounds,” says Amy Carrozino-Lyon, a restoration scientist and faculty member for the Biodiversity Conservation and Management program. “It’s very common. Maybe [science] is a passion of yours you’ve had since you were young and you’re circling back around to find a way to use skills you already have that will impact the environment and conservation.”
While a certificate can help you build specific skills, for example, in conservation data management, the courses are also designed to allow students to choose subject matter they’d like to work with.
“If you’re interested in pollinators, and want to write a grant proposal to request a pollinator garden, you can do that in your own community,” Amy says. “You can apply it to where you live. There’s a lot of self-selective opportunities.”
Mastering the Transition: Real Student Perspectives
Aaron Sens, who works as a pension actuary, completed the Foundations of Biodiversity Conservation and Management certificate as a self-described passion project.
“I’ve always kind of wanted to do something for the last stage of my career that I feel is a little more helpful to society,” Aaron says. “I can’t complain about the career I’ve had so far. Paid the bills and put my kids through school. And I work with a lot of great people. But [I enrolled in the certificate program because of] a desire for something a little more meaningful in the long run.”
Daxton Castellanos, one of the first Master of Science in Biodiversity Conservation and Management graduates, realized she wanted to study environmental science late in her undergraduate career, but her counselors advised against changing her major. Instead, they encouraged her to finish her degree and then apply for a graduate program based in environmental science.
Her passion for the environment is rooted in travel experiences she’s had over the years, particularly in her home state of California.
“I just really enjoy nature itself,” she says. “I grew up being very adventurous with my family. We did a lot of trips within California, to Yosemite, Sequoia, and a lot of the national parks.”
Turning Passion into Purpose
Maybe you’ve worked in a corporate setting, as an educator, nurse, or your undergraduate degree is journalism, public health, or business. While the program requires a bachelor’s degree, it can be from any discipline, giving you a chance to apply the skills you already have (like critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication) while learning about biodiversity and ecology.
If you’ve ever aspired to create positive change for the planet—no matter your career background—the UW Online Collaboratives Master of Science in Biodiversity Conservation and Management or graduate certificates through UW-Green Bay can help you turn that passion into purpose. Contact us at learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu to make your dreams a reality.