For teenage students captivated by avian life who dream of making ornithology a career one day, the good news is there are many ways to start preparing even before graduating high school.
While the field of ornithology encompasses various disciplines, from biology and ecology to conservation and behavior, the foundations can be laid during your formative years.
Gaining hands-on research experience, taking relevant courses, volunteering, and making connections in the field will give you a head start.
While most ornithology careers do require extensive higher education, building a strong foundation as a young birder can help you stand out in college admissions and open doors to impactful opportunities.
This article explores paths high school students can take to gain valuable skills and experience for an ornithology career. From academic choices to hands-on experiences, extracurricular engagement, and impactful networking, we’ll unravel the opportunities that await you.
Whether you’re captivated by the intricate patterns of bird plumage, curious about their migratory journeys, or devoted to their conservation, this guide will empower you to cultivate your passion into a promising career.
As you navigate through these pathways, you’ll discover the significance of both formal education and real-world engagement. Your journey to being an ornithologist can begin right here, right now, in the realm of high school.
Seek opportunities for ornithological experience
Look for ways to get involved in ornithological field research, one of the best ways to gain hands-on experience.
Reach out to professors at nearby colleges to volunteer as an assistant. Ask if you can help collect data on ongoing studies.
Independent research lets you choose a compelling topic, design a project, gather observations, and analyze results.
Enter your work into science fairs and competitions like Intel ISEF.
Summer internships at zoos, wildlife rehabs, parks, and conservation groups are very worthwhile. You’ll shadow experts doing field surveys, habitat assessments, banding studies, and more – great resume builders.
Schedule informational interviews to pick scientists’ brains. Take careful notes and photographs to document everything you observe and do. Immerse yourself in the research process early on.
Academic Preparation
Along with extracurricular activities, aim to excel in relevant coursework. Take honors/AP classes in biology, zoology, physics, calculus, statistics, and technical writing.
Study ornithology texts to build foundational knowledge. Review bird anatomy, physiology, taxonomy, and ecology.
Improve your scientific reading comprehension and writing. Maintain a high GPA to make your transcripts stand out.
Prepare thoroughly for college admissions tests like the SAT, ACT, and biology SAT subject test.
Build strong mathematical reasoning and analysis skills. Consider a foreign language like Spanish to aid future fieldwork.
Research degrees and schools thoroughly to find the best program for your goals. Reach out to admissions staff with any questions.
Take every chance to develop the academic abilities to excel in a science program in college.
Extracurricular Activities: Nurturing Your Passion
Extracurricular activities offer dynamic pathways for high school students to pave their way towards an exciting career in ornithology. Engaging in these endeavors not only deepens your understanding of avian life but also sharpens your scientific acumen.
Embrace these extracurricular avenues to bolster your ornithology aspirations while still in high school. Here’s a glimpse into the diverse range of opportunities waiting to be explored:
Birding Clubs
Joining a birding club opens the door to a vibrant community of fellow enthusiasts. These clubs provide a platform to learn from experienced birders, embark on field trips, and develop your identification skills.
The camaraderie fosters a shared passion for ornithology, exposing you to diverse bird species and habitats. Being part of a club offers a supportive network and a wealth of resources that can significantly enhance your knowledge base.
Science Fairs
Participating in science fairs empowers you to delve deeper into avian studies while honing your research and presentation skills. By selecting bird-focused topics, you not only contribute to the field but also demonstrate your commitment to ornithology.
Exploring intriguing questions and presenting your findings in a competitive environment will set you apart as a dedicated young scientist and communicator.
Academic Teams
Joining academic teams specializing in biology, environmental science, or ecology can provide a structured platform to delve into ornithology.
These teams offer the chance to engage in focused research, discussions, and competitions related to avian studies.
Collaborating with peers who share your passion can lead to innovative projects, enriching your understanding of birds’ behavior, conservation, and ecological significance.
By immersing yourself in birding clubs, participating in science fairs, and contributing to academic teams, you’ll lay a solid foundation for your future in the captivating world of ornithology.
Making Connections
Networking is invaluable for a future career in ornithology.
Join local Audubon chapters and volunteer at wildlife rehabs and nature centers. Introduce yourself to staff and ask their advice.
Get to know professors at college ornithology departments through informational interviews, campus visits, and volunteering. Talk to grad students about their research.
Attend natural history lectures and events at museums and libraries. Exchange contact information and take notes after conversations to help remember people.
Keep in contact
Stay engaged through email updates, social media groups, and blogs or newsletters. Check ornithology societies for youth opportunities.
Sign up for workshops, conferences, and webinars. Connecting with working professionals provides mentors, letters of recommendation, and leads on research or internships.
The more passionate experts you engage with, the more doors may open.
Looking well ahead
As early as freshman year, research potential colleges and degree paths that fit your ornithology interests. Compare programs and curricula across schools. Reach out to current students for inside perspectives.
Understand admission requirements like test scores, GPA, essays, and activities. Consider costs and scholarship options.
Map out courses to take and milestones to meet year-by-year. Explore graduate programs and the extensive research required for a PhD.
Open to new ideas
Look into field schools offering certifications. Weigh how competitive and strenuous a pure research path could be. Be open to varied careers involving birds beyond academia.
Aim high while being realistic about shaping your goals. Discussing options with family, counselors, and mentors can provide direction.
Immerse yourself in birds, science, and nature now to prepare for college-level intensity. The more strategic planning and self-reflection you do, the clearer your vision will become.
Preparing early for an Ornithology Career – final thoughts
Preparing for an ornithology career while still in high school involves dedicating yourself as much as you can to learning, gaining experience, making connections, and exploring possibilities.
Challenge yourself academically with science courses and independent studies tailored to birds. Dive into hands-on research by volunteering and pursuing summer internships.
Network with professionals for advice and opportunities. Research the many potential ornithology-related career paths and degree programs that could be right for you.
Laying this groundwork while following your avian passion will enable you to spread your wings smoothly when the time comes.
With diligence and enthusiasm, you can gain key advantages, insights, skills and experiences during your high school years to prepare for the rewarding career of an ornithologist.