Video:What to Know About Getting a Conservation Job in Africa

Transcript:What to Know About Getting a Conservation Job in Africa

Hi, my name is James Deutsch and I direct the African program here at the Wildlife Conservation Society. And, today we're going to talk about how to get a conservation job in Africa.

Learn About Conservation

I think the first step to getting a conservation job in Africa or really any where in the world is to learn about conservation and to get involved conservation, if you can, locally where you live. Another thing to do is to travel as a student traveler in Africa and visit game parks and visit people and learn about the situation on the ground and talk to people and learn about opportunities there.

Masters In Conservation Biology

To go forward with a serious conservation job in Africa will eventually require, probably at least a master's degree in conservation biology or wildlife biology, or a related field. And, it makes sense to get practical experience through travel through volunteering as you go along the way.

The Peace Corp

The Peace Corp and the European/British equivalent VSO, which is Volunteer Service Overseas, include conservation projects among their portfolio projects. The thing about Peace Corp is that you don't get to choose the subject area where you are going to work in or the geographical area. Having said that, you will still get great experience whether it's as a school teacher. It's absolutely true that many of our most senior conservationists in Africa, who happen to be American Citizens, have come through Peace Corp - even if what they were doing with Peace Corp wasn't only conservation related because it's a great opportunity to learn how to operated in a foreign culture and contribute to a foreign society.

Volunteer Locally with Conservation Efforts

Quick tips to move toward a conservation career in Africa. Learn everything you can about the subject. Volunteer locally, so you get something on your CV and you learn what really conservation is all about. Travel in Africa. Look for an experience to travel overseas. And, investigate a master's degree. Probably the biggest reward about being a conservationist, specifically in Africa is that the stakes are so large. There is still a need for skilled and talented people - someone with passion and excitement coming in can still make a huge difference.

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